Dr. Leslie Mintz Scholarship Past Recipient Testimonials

TYLER LESKO
(Salus)
What has been a key part of your optometric student journey?
"A key part to my success as an optometric student was support and motivation from my family. They did their best to ensure I could focus my energy on studying. I am super grateful I had such a great support team for this tough journey."
Tyler plans to practice in Monmouth County.

GABRIELLE TULL
(Salus)
What excites you most about practicing optometry in New Jersey?
"I am excited to practice in or around my hometown. I would love to work alongside former mentors that have encouraged me throughout my journey, in addition to providing quality care to my neighborhood."
Gabrielle intends to practice in south central New Jersey

DANIEL PARROTTA
(NOVA)
What has been a key part of your optometric student journey?
"While in school, I have already been introduced to very caring and incredible doctors in my home state. They have been extremely accepting and make the optometric community in New Jersey feel like a family. For these reasons, I am excited to build many more relationships with optometrists in New Jersey in the future."
Daniel plans to practice in the Morris County area

MICHELLE YAN
(Southern College of Optometry)
What most excites you about practicing optometry in New Jersey?
"After attending optometry school in Tennessee, I am excited to be able to return to my home state to practice optometry. Currently, I have aspirations to work in a community health center and/or private practice, with special interests in ocular disease, pediatrics, and community health. One of the things I love about New Jersey is the diverse population. I want to further practice my Spanish and Mandarin proficiency so that I can truly get to know my patients better and increase their access to care."
Michelle plans to practice in northern New Jersey.

KARIM SHARAF KARIM SHARAF
(Inter-American University of Puerto Rico)
What excites you most about practicing optometry in New Jersey?

"I want to practice in New Jersey as I cannot imagine myself practicing anywhere else. I grew up in Teaneck after moving to the United States from Syria in 2009. The weather in New Jersey is something I really adore. I am Muslim but I love the snow during Christmas time with all the Christmas decorations. I did all the externship rotations that I am allowed to do in New Jersey and I am confident it will be the perfect place for me to practice and build my future
Karim plans to practice in Teaneck, NJ. 

FATIMA BHATTI
(New England College of Optometry)
What excites you most about practicing optometry in New Jersey?
"Being away from home was a much needed journey to develop my independence and go outside of my comfort zone. However, I couldn’t ever imagine starting my optometric career anywhere but New Jersey. I am excited to have my family and friends nearby and I can’t wait for the “full circle” moment of conducting an eye exam on my father. New Jersey has a great scope of practice for optometry along with immense patient diversity. I am grateful to have a home state that is perfect for a new grad! "
Fatima plans to practice in Bergen County, NJ