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Q&A with Palm Beach Ophthalmic Tech Program’s Student Intern Kristina Pereira
Posted by: Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute in Uncategorized
How did you find out about the PB Ophthalmic Tech program?
I found out about the program through a friend and a former intern with Florida Eye, Emily Benson. We grew up together and have known each other for many years. We were just hanging out one day when I was asking her about her major and she told me that she was applying to a program called Ophthalmic Medical Technology. I decided to check it out and applied to the program the following year.
Why did you decide to seek a career in ophthalmology?
I was originally a nursing major over at PBSC but I didn’t like the idea of being a nurse all that much. I wanted something more focused. I also love eyes because I found out at a young age that I have a form of colorblindness. It is very rare for a woman to be born with any form of colorblindness and I have always been fascinated with eyes. So, I thought this was the perfect program for me.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Wellington, Florida. I’ve been here my whole life and love it here. I don’t want to live anywhere else.
Family in the area?
Most of my family lives here at least on my mother’s side. My father’s family lives in Louisiana and Missouri and I have one cousin in California.
What do you do in your spare time?
What I tend to do in my spare time when I’m not studying is lots of drawing and reading. I’m huge into the arts. Drawing and painting is one of my passions and I sell art on the side on Etsy.com. Reading is something I love to do in my spare time as well and some of my favorite genres are Historical fiction, fantasy, and period dramas. Some of my favorite books include Game of Thrones, Little Women, The Book Thief, and Harry Potter.
Hobbies?
Some of my hobbies include drawing and painting of course but it also includes free diving/snorkeling and dancing. I’ve been in the water for as long as I can remember and I love swimming and diving when the weather is good and the water conditions are nice. My boyfriend and I went very often this past summer. I also was an avid ballet dancer throughout my whole childhood and young adult years. I started ballet at the age of 3 and danced all the way up until I was 18. I danced over at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre for 6 years. I did other styles including tap, jazz, and lyrical but ballet was my favorite.
How do you like Florida Eye?
So far, my experience at Florida Eye has been wonderful. I’ve only been here for a few weeks and everyone has been friendly and kind and welcoming. I’ve learned a lot already from Dr. Joanna Galasso and can’t wait to learn more.
