The crisp click of the phoropter adjusting, the soft glow of the slit lamp, the intricate dance of light and lens – these weren’t the images that filled Vinamrta Saini’s mind years ago when she envisioned her career path. Like many youth, Saini aspired to pursue a career within medicine to fulfil her ambition of helping others. Now, however, you will find her immersed in the world of optometry, a field she initially knew little about, and now brings a deep sense of fulfillment.
Winning the prestigious Future Aces Scholarship in 2014 marked the exciting commencement of Saini’s academic pursuits at the University of Toronto. Her path seemed clearly laid out: a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Psychology, a strong foundation upon which to build her long-held ambition of attending medical school. This was the vision she carried, the goal that fueled her studies and shaped her academic choices. However, the journey throughout her undergraduate years proved to be a period of significant self-discovery and evolving priorities; She realized the demanding lifestyle of medicine wasn’t for her, and she began exploring other healthcare paths.
Optometry felt like an unknown entity; a field shrouded in a professional mystique she hadn’t yet begun to unravel. At the time, Saini’s optometrist pushed her and told her that she was going to be an optometrist one day. Her initial reaction to the suggestion was firm, almost defiant. “No, I’m not! I don’t know what you see, but that’s not for me. I’m going to go to Med school or do dentistry.” The words, spoken directly to her own optometrist, were a clear declaration of a future she had already envisioned – one rooted in the familiar prestige of medicine or dentistry. Optometry, at that point, was a hazy concept, a profession she knew little about and certainly didn’t see herself pursuing. Adding to the uncertainty was the lack of a guiding light, no mentor or role model within the field to illuminate its possibilities.
The initial dismissal of optometry as an unknown entity eventually gave way to understanding and, more importantly, genuine interest. As Saini became more educated within the field of optometry, the “professional mystique” began to dissipate, replaced by a growing appreciation for science, patient care, and the impact optometrists have on people’s lives. This newfound understanding likely sparked a curiosity that had been dormant before. This pivotal shift in perspective coincided with a significant personal milestone.
Winning the Future ACES Scholarship, beyond its financial support, instilled in Saini a set of guiding principles embodied in the Future ACES Creed. She credits the Future ACES Creed for her courage to move from Toronto to Chicago, a significant step that represented a leap of independence.
Having felt sheltered growing up and never having left her family before, the move to a new city was a testament to her growing self-reliance and willingness to embrace the unknown.
Furthermore, Saini recognized the crucial role of her mindset in navigating this journey. She believes her positive attitude was a key attribute to her journey as it changed her perspective on many things and allowed her to adapt to various situations. This optimistic outlook helped her overcome the challenges of moving to a new city, adapting to a new academic environment within optometry, and embracing the learning curve of a new field.
Saini understands that personal attributes like courage and a positive attitude are not just beneficial but essential for growth and independence. The Future ACES Creed served as a catalyst, providing the inner strength to break free from familiar surroundings and embrace the exciting, albeit initially unforeseen, path of optometry.
The Future Aces Scholarship wasn’t just financial aid, it was the conferences that had a big impact on her life. She truly loves what the Future Aces Foundation stands for.
“The world needs to know about Future ACES. It has been such a life changing moment for me.”
She remembers being a leader for several years for the conferences and credits her best friends coming from being part of the organization.
Her very first conference is where she met her best friend. “I was paired as her roommate, and the rest is history.”
“I hope in the future my children can attend leadership programs led by the Future ACES Foundation.”
The lasting impression Future Aces has made on her life signifies a desire for future generations to experience the same transformative opportunities and underscores her belief in the Foundation’s ability to shape young leaders.