Name: | Brynn Johnson |
Hometown: | Lancaster, NY |
Degree Program: | OD, Class of 2026 |
Student Organizations: | President, Class of 2026 Student Council |
Post-Graduation Plans: | Residency |
What inspired you to pursue optometry?
The optometrist I went to as a kid was a big part of why I explored the profession. Their kindness and willingness to help others sparked an interest in me. Each year, I would go back and ask questions until I was old enough to shadow. From there, my interest in the field grew through undergrad, where I was able to chase my optometric goals.
Why did you choose NECO?
The moment I made it through the interview, everyone who was involved made me feel welcome. It felt as if they could see the value you had and were genuinely excited to bring you on as part of the community.
What was a memorable moment from your time at NECO?
There have been so many moments that reminded me why I chose the NECO community. Two of my favorite memories are being a referee for the 2024 NECO Olympics and being able to see Eyeball 2025 go smoothly after all the hard work of putting it together with my class council.
Who at NECO had the biggest impact on your journey?
The friends I made along the way played a large part in the successes I’ve had. Another fourth year, Isabella Tarasuk, has pushed me to be the best I can be. Having someone like her always there to be a cheerleader when you need it has been heavily influential in what I have achieved. Without her, I would’ve held myself back.
In three words, how would you describe your NECO experience?
Rewarding, challenging, supportive.