Hello!
Welcome to my online portfolio. This site is designed to provide a comprehensive look into my professional skills and attributes which will establish my qualifications as a prospective doctor of optometry. Please use the Table of Contents to learn more! Feel free to contact me at cchambers@student.sco.edu with any questions or comments.
Thank you for taking the time to explore!
Carissa Chambers
Remote Area Medical volunteer
I have been involved with Remote Area Medical several times in an attempt to improve the quality of life of those in rural areas by providing free health care, including eye exams. My first experience with RAM came while I was still a student at UT. I was in charge of providing auto-refraction to patients as a part of the basic information for later parts of the exam.
My second experience in Rhea County, TN and third experience in Harrogate, TN came during my first year of optometry school. I had learned enough in school by the time the trips came to be able to provide a complete refraction, chair skills, dilation, & tonometry.
My second experience in Rhea County, TN and third experience in Harrogate, TN came during my first year of optometry school. I had learned enough in school by the time the trips came to be able to provide a complete refraction, chair skills, dilation, & tonometry.
Welcome!
Hello!
Welcome to my online portfolio. This site is designed to provide a comprehensive look into my professional skills and attributes which will establish my qualifications as a prospective doctor of optometry. Please use the Table of Contents to learn more! Feel free to contact me at cchambers@student.sco.edu with any questions or comments.
Thank you for taking the time to explore!
Carissa Chambers
Welcome to my online portfolio. This site is designed to provide a comprehensive look into my professional skills and attributes which will establish my qualifications as a prospective doctor of optometry. Please use the Table of Contents to learn more! Feel free to contact me at cchambers@student.sco.edu with any questions or comments.
Thank you for taking the time to explore!
Carissa Chambers
Publications
Currently, I do not have any publications. However, in the future, there is a chance for publication for my senior thesis.
Time Management
Throughout college, I have ensured that I am adequately involved in activies. When this is the case, the exceptionally important skill of time management must be learned. Throughout my college experience, I have gradually increased my aptitude at this.
During my first semester of college, I took 16 hours and did not have a job. I have made great strides, as I currently am taking 21 hours of credit this semester, along with working about 15 hours per week. In retrospective, I can see by example that my time management ability has improved exponentially.
The importance of learning this skill now affects many other aspects of life. This has helped me to become much more effective at studying. I have discovered the true meaning of work smarter, not harder. I predict this skill to facilitate my education in professional school, along with my career afterwards. By being good at time management, I will be able to accomplish more work in a given time period than someone who is a poor time manager.
During my first semester of college, I took 16 hours and did not have a job. I have made great strides, as I currently am taking 21 hours of credit this semester, along with working about 15 hours per week. In retrospective, I can see by example that my time management ability has improved exponentially.
The importance of learning this skill now affects many other aspects of life. This has helped me to become much more effective at studying. I have discovered the true meaning of work smarter, not harder. I predict this skill to facilitate my education in professional school, along with my career afterwards. By being good at time management, I will be able to accomplish more work in a given time period than someone who is a poor time manager.
Chancellor's Honors Program
My decision to complete the Chancellor's Honors Program has been one of my most rewarding experiences in college. From the first semester of my freshman year, to my current progress on my senior thesis project, I have been provided with opportunities for exciting and diverse studies.
Beginning with the freshman seminar class entitled "Sex or Celibacy: An Early Christian Controversy," to the study abroad class taught in England entitled, "From the Cloister to the College: The Birth of the University," the honors program has broadened my worldly knowledge and experiences by encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone. This program helped me to undertake my first research experience in my Lifespan Nutrition class; I completed a basic study that was meant to introduce me to research methods. The next year, I completed another research project with a different professor in the Nutrition department. In this, I was able to learn basic laboratory techniques in the Type 1 Diabetes lab.
Currently, I am gathering data on ant morphology that will provide a bsis for a comparison of ant nutrition based on size and structure in a given environment; I plan to use this data to complete a thesis paper in the spring of 2011. Being a member of the Chancellor's Honors Program has enriched me as a person by exposing me to so many diverse aspects of life. This has been one of the most meaningful activities I've taken part in during my college career.
Below is a group shot of honors students from the Study Abroad trip to England during May 2010. This was taken at Platform 9 & 3/4 at King's Cross Station in London.
Beginning with the freshman seminar class entitled "Sex or Celibacy: An Early Christian Controversy," to the study abroad class taught in England entitled, "From the Cloister to the College: The Birth of the University," the honors program has broadened my worldly knowledge and experiences by encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone. This program helped me to undertake my first research experience in my Lifespan Nutrition class; I completed a basic study that was meant to introduce me to research methods. The next year, I completed another research project with a different professor in the Nutrition department. In this, I was able to learn basic laboratory techniques in the Type 1 Diabetes lab.
Currently, I am gathering data on ant morphology that will provide a bsis for a comparison of ant nutrition based on size and structure in a given environment; I plan to use this data to complete a thesis paper in the spring of 2011. Being a member of the Chancellor's Honors Program has enriched me as a person by exposing me to so many diverse aspects of life. This has been one of the most meaningful activities I've taken part in during my college career.
Below is a group shot of honors students from the Study Abroad trip to England during May 2010. This was taken at Platform 9 & 3/4 at King's Cross Station in London.
American Red Cross: First Aid Station Team (FAST)
On this team, I was able to utilize my knowledge of what to do in a medical emergency and apply it to patient care. During the first event I volunteered for, I had the chance to treat basic injuries such as a busted nose, swollen knee, and several heat-related emergencies. This has helped me to enhance my skills with assessment and communication, as it require both in order to provide necessary care. The team I volunteer with provides emergency care at community events throughout the Knoxville area, such as music concerts, football games, and agriculture day activities.
CEHHS Dean's Undergraduate Advisory Board
Throughout my three years at UT thus far, there have been numerous occasions that I or one of my fellow classmates have felt that a change should be made to a particular part of the nutrition program. In addition, I have a strong desire to enlighten others to the great experiences available in the nutrition department by providing examples of my experiences. I wanted a chance to utilize my knowledge in nutrition research to faciliate assistance to potential students.
When I found out that this advisory board satisfied those aspirations, I was very interested in becoming a member. With this, I saw a legitimate opportunity to have my voice heard by those in charge at the university and to share my successful experiences with prospective students.
This board is comprised of two students from each of the 7 departments within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, who were all selected based on exceptional motivation and capability. I currently serve as a representative of the Nutrition Department, and have had the opportunity to voice my opinions and concerns to the Dean of the CEHHS, and was given feedback on how to accomplish my goals.
So far, I have been gathering input from my peers concerning specific objectives in order to amend the curriculum. Also, I was able to represent the college at the Open House for students interested in attending UT. I look forward to the progression of my goals throughout the year and hope to improve the experience of an education in nutrition for future students.
When I found out that this advisory board satisfied those aspirations, I was very interested in becoming a member. With this, I saw a legitimate opportunity to have my voice heard by those in charge at the university and to share my successful experiences with prospective students.
This board is comprised of two students from each of the 7 departments within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, who were all selected based on exceptional motivation and capability. I currently serve as a representative of the Nutrition Department, and have had the opportunity to voice my opinions and concerns to the Dean of the CEHHS, and was given feedback on how to accomplish my goals.
So far, I have been gathering input from my peers concerning specific objectives in order to amend the curriculum. Also, I was able to represent the college at the Open House for students interested in attending UT. I look forward to the progression of my goals throughout the year and hope to improve the experience of an education in nutrition for future students.
Town of Oneida, TN - City Pool - Lifeguard
I held this position in the summer of the transition between high school and college, and it served the purpose as my first actual job. It was a great personal shaping experience for me, as I learned the value of money by working at a near- minimum wage job. This also taught me a great deal of responsibility from a different angle than I had learned throughout high school. The fact that I was in charge of protecting the lives of others definitely made me aware that I should take the job seriously.
Although I did not realize the great amount of healthcare I would learn from this job, this was also my first experience with administering first aid in a professional setting. I put forth full effor in doing my duties of performing patron survelillance, administering first aid, performing pool maintenance, adding chemical to the pool, and ensuring that the pool area was safe for patrons.
I had hoped to continue this job the following summer, but unfortunately this was the last year that the pool remained open due to budget cuts. However, this experience helped me to obtain my current job as a lifeguard at the Student Aquatic Center at the University of Tennessee.
Although I did not realize the great amount of healthcare I would learn from this job, this was also my first experience with administering first aid in a professional setting. I put forth full effor in doing my duties of performing patron survelillance, administering first aid, performing pool maintenance, adding chemical to the pool, and ensuring that the pool area was safe for patrons.
I had hoped to continue this job the following summer, but unfortunately this was the last year that the pool remained open due to budget cuts. However, this experience helped me to obtain my current job as a lifeguard at the Student Aquatic Center at the University of Tennessee.
University of Tennessee RecSports - Student Aquatic Center - Lifeguard
I maintained a very rewarding job as a lifeguard at the Student Aquatic Center, which allowed me to expand on the initial knowledge that I obtained at my previous facility. With the large numbers of patrons and user groups who use this pool, it required me to always be flexible with changes in the plan. This job also helped me to improve my capability to communicate and establish authority among my peers, which is an area I recognized that I needed improvement.
In the spring of 2010, I made the decision to enroll in the Lifeguard Instructor class because I knew that this would help me adapt to an authoritative role and that it would be a difficult goal for me to achieve. Since then, I have noticed how I have improved in communication with others, taking on an authoritative role, and of course with lifeguarding skills.
At my lifeguarding job, I performed primary duties such as executing patron surveillance, enforcing rules, and administering first-aid, CPR/ AED (if necessary.) I also performed secondary duties such as ensuring area maintenance, completing reports, and delegating responsibilities among co-workers. This job has definitely helped me to develop leadership and dedication.
The picture below shows me during a morning shift at work
In the spring of 2010, I made the decision to enroll in the Lifeguard Instructor class because I knew that this would help me adapt to an authoritative role and that it would be a difficult goal for me to achieve. Since then, I have noticed how I have improved in communication with others, taking on an authoritative role, and of course with lifeguarding skills.
At my lifeguarding job, I performed primary duties such as executing patron surveillance, enforcing rules, and administering first-aid, CPR/ AED (if necessary.) I also performed secondary duties such as ensuring area maintenance, completing reports, and delegating responsibilities among co-workers. This job has definitely helped me to develop leadership and dedication.
The picture below shows me during a morning shift at work
Employment
Throughout the past 4 years, I have held 2 jobs. Both of which involved lifeguarding. These experiences have helped me to develop into a more responsible person and better employee for future jobs.
University of Tennessee RecSports
Student Aquatic Center
Lifeguard
May 2009 - August 2011
Town of Oneida, TN
City Pool
Lifeguard
May - August 2007
University of Tennessee RecSports
Student Aquatic Center
Lifeguard
May 2009 - August 2011
Town of Oneida, TN
City Pool
Lifeguard
May - August 2007
Study Abroad in Cambridge, England
During the month of May 2010, I participated in an international learning class in Cambridge, England. This was lead by UT faculty member, Dr. Thomas Heffernan. This was a wonderful experience that greatly broadened by view of the world by allowing me to encounter individuals of other cultures and adapting to a much different environment. I was able to visit and learn more about many historical sites in a nation saturated with historical significance.
I made the most of of my trip by also taking an spontaneous trip to Malaga, Spain and experiencing life in a place where I do not speak the language. This enlightened me to how non-English speakers in the US may feel and helped me to better understand their struggles with communication.
Following the trip, I've had the opportunity to be an advocate of the program for future students at university sponsored study abroad fairs. I've enjoyed being able to share my experiences that helped me to grow as a person with those that could benefit from a similar experience.
I made the most of of my trip by also taking an spontaneous trip to Malaga, Spain and experiencing life in a place where I do not speak the language. This enlightened me to how non-English speakers in the US may feel and helped me to better understand their struggles with communication.
Following the trip, I've had the opportunity to be an advocate of the program for future students at university sponsored study abroad fairs. I've enjoyed being able to share my experiences that helped me to grow as a person with those that could benefit from a similar experience.
American Red Cross Certifications
I have certification in:
Lifeguarding Instructor
Fundamentals of Instructor Training
These include certification to instruct, as well as certification to perform the following):
Lifeguarding
First Aid
CPR/AED for Lifeguards (Professional Rescuer)
Administering Emergency Oxygen
Bloodborne Pathogens Training: PDT
School Health Clinic Training (not instructor certification)
Below are copies of both the fronts & backs of all of my ARC certification cards.
Lifeguarding Instructor
Fundamentals of Instructor Training
These include certification to instruct, as well as certification to perform the following):
Lifeguarding
First Aid
CPR/AED for Lifeguards (Professional Rescuer)
Administering Emergency Oxygen
Bloodborne Pathogens Training: PDT
School Health Clinic Training (not instructor certification)
Below are copies of both the fronts & backs of all of my ARC certification cards.
ManageFirst Program Certifications
Below are my certifications for completing two of the specialties in the ManageFirst Program. This program is sponsored by the National Restaurant Association Solutions and is designed to educate members of the workforce in performing restaurant and foodservice tasks properly.
Shadowing Experience with Dr. Hildebrand
I had that fantastic opportunity to observe Dr. Allyn Hildebrand at the East Tennessee Regional Eye Center perform the type of job that I strongly desire to hold one day. Since this was my first experience with shadowing an optometrist in office, I was unsure about what to expect. The first day, I was very intrigued with trying to understand how all of the equipment worked and the rationale for certain procedures. Dr. Hildebrand was exceptionally helpful by explaining what he was doing and why, and he answered any question I had during the time not spent with patients.
The first day I saw at least five routine eye exams being completed, which is an area that I was already roughly familiar with in optometry. However, there were also very interesting cases that came in for treatment. Dr. Hildebrand allowed me to observe the retinas of several patients and showed me topographical maps of several abnormally shaped eyes.
I also experienced other sides of optometry, such as LASIK consulations, since Dr. Hildebrand specializes in pre- and post- LASIK surgery treatment. I was able to talk with him and gather useful information on his experiences and opinions concerning the field of optometry. I was also able to interact with an extern from Southern College of Optometry, who gave me insight into his experiences during optometry school. Through this, I feel considerably more prepared for the rigourous curriculum of my future education.
The first day I saw at least five routine eye exams being completed, which is an area that I was already roughly familiar with in optometry. However, there were also very interesting cases that came in for treatment. Dr. Hildebrand allowed me to observe the retinas of several patients and showed me topographical maps of several abnormally shaped eyes.
I also experienced other sides of optometry, such as LASIK consulations, since Dr. Hildebrand specializes in pre- and post- LASIK surgery treatment. I was able to talk with him and gather useful information on his experiences and opinions concerning the field of optometry. I was also able to interact with an extern from Southern College of Optometry, who gave me insight into his experiences during optometry school. Through this, I feel considerably more prepared for the rigourous curriculum of my future education.
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