It occurred to me that Priya has reached a significant milestone in her career. So did all the new Academy Fellows inducted in Boston. Is that the end of their careers, though? Of course not. How many of you have reached some long-sought, hard-fought goal and concluded that you were done? How many of you received your Doctor of Optometry degree and thought, "Gee, this is great. I'm glad I don't ever have to work hard again." How many of the scientists among you receive an official Federal Notice of Grant Award and conclude, "Whew! I'm thankful that effort is over and done with." The answer? None. Not one. No one. In fact, achievement of those milestones is when the really hard, really rewarding work begins.
New, recent, and to-date-inactive Fellows, you should not feel as if your Academy activity ended with the granting of your FAAO. In fact, it's only beginning. Mark your calendars now for all our Academy meetings that are already booked (through 2018). Start to pursue Diplomate status in the Section of your choice. Join a Special Interest Group. (Currently, Special Interest Groups, Vision in Aging, Fellows Doing Research, Ocular Nutrition, Anterior Segment, and Glaucoma are on the books.) Start a new Special Interest Group with 25 of your soon-to-be best friends. Submit a lecture, workshop, or scientific abstract for 2012 in Phoenix. Nominate people for the 2012 Awards.
In short, Fellows, don't rest on your laurels. Stake your claim. Get involved. Make your mark. Do something great. Our—your—Academy will only be the better for it.
