June 3 - Valedictorian 'born leader'

Making a difference in people's lives has always been important to Lindsay Terry.

This week, the South Surrey resident graduates as valedictorian with a Diploma in Advanced Opticianry, Contant Lenses, and Refraction Technologies from Douglas College.

"I knew I wanted a career where every day I would go home feeling like I made a positive impact on someone else's life," Terry says. "Helping people gain better vision is very rewarding."

A passion for eye care and a willingness to push herself beyond her comfort zone have helped Terry get to where she is today.

"I'm a person who likes to do the things I excel at, and avoid all the rest. But this just isn't rational, and I needed to remind myself that I'm a smart, capable individual who is limited only by own doubts."

Her instructors need no reminder. They describe Terry as "mature, positive, respectful, calm and collected."

Tony Viani, coordinator of the Dispensing Optician Program, relates that Terry once delivered a four-minute talk at the annual Dispensing Optician Awards Banquet - from memory.

"She really blew me away. Not only that, but her words were sincere and they hit me right in the heart. I am simply amazed at what a true inspiration and born leader she is."

Douglas College is the only public college in BC that offers a Dispensing Optician Program.