Introducing... Andrea Lybarger

Fall is my favorite season for many reasons.  I love making leaf piles with my boys, snuggling up with a good book, and apple cider to name a few.  As I walk around familiarizing myself with campus and see the leaves falling from the trees, I realize this season is also reflective of the changes that are happening in my life as I transition into my new role as Assistant Director for Graduate and Professional Admissions for the colleges of Optometry and Audiology. 

As many of you know after six years of service, Janelle Holmboe is leaving her position as the Associate Director for Graduate and Professional Admissions, to pursue a new and exciting opportunity on the East coast.  During her time at Pacific, Janelle has made significant contributions to the College of Optometry (I am literally in awe of her knowledge), and it has been an honor to have the opportunity to work with her during the transition into my new role.  The enthusiasm that Janelle has for the profession of optometry is contagious, and I am humbled by her commitment to the students that she works with, as well as her passion for the profession of optometry.  It is evident from the short time that I have spent on campus that Janelle will be greatly missed.

As sad as even I am to see Janelle leave, now that I have had the chance to get to know her, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce myself.  My name is Andrea Lybarger, and I will proudly be carrying the torch for Janelle!  I am originally from Oregon, and received my Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from Southern Oregon University, which is where I met and married my husband James.  I have a professional background in marketing and graduate admissions, having previously worked in admissions for a chiropractic college in Davenport, Iowa.  I currently live in Beaverton with my husband, a practicing chiropractor and our three sons, Aidan, Brody and Evan.  Rounding out the family is our dearly loved dog, an adorable white schnoodle named Charlie.  As you can imagine our house is not quiet!  My hobbies include hiking, reading and cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients abundant in this area.

Transitions in life can be challenging, I know for myself being away from my sons has been more difficult for me than I anticipated, but I can say from the short time I have spent on campus I have already felt the family atmosphere that exists at Pacific.  Amazing is the word I would use to describe the amount of support I have received from co-workers, faculty and current students.  I look forward to being a resource for prospective students, and I am eager to share more about my experiences at Pacific, because it truly is a special place to be a part of. 

So Long, Farewell (Guest Post: Janelle Holmboe)

Well, it's finally here.  My last day working at Pacific.  It's bittersweet for our entire family as we leave Oregon, and Pacific, to move on to our next adventure.  I will take with me many wonderful memories.  Our favorite restaurants in Portland.  Working with InSight students.  And most of all, walking with each of you through the admissions process at Pacific.

Thanks for the memories.  Please keep in touch- don't hesitate to email me on my personal email when you have exciting news to share.  I want to celebrate with you as you get into the optometry school of your dreams.  And keep an eye out- I just may send an update or two from Massachusetts!

Rockaway Beach

As fall semester gets underway, the weather has started to change.  For a rainy place, we have been very fortunate with warmth and sunlight late into September.  I was having a conversation with classmates about the increasing difficulty of waking up in the morning, since now it often is dark.  One of the last summer events is our SOA picnic on the Oregon Coast, which I have neglected to write about, until now.

On the way to our destination is a popular stop, Tillamook Cheese Factory, whether you like cheese or not!  They have a store full of goodies and a short tour of the factory.  The best part, and why I stop every year, is the ice cream counter.  This year the line up was by far the worst I’ve ever seen it!  But we waited in anticipation because we knew it was totally worth it.  What flavour to choose you may ask? This time around I had Grandma's Cake Batter.  It was delish!

(Photos courtesy of Hayden Ngyugen)

A group of students usually braves the cold waves and takes surfing lessons before lunch, I have yet to join them.  Later we meet at Rockaway Beach for some food and to hang out.  There are all sorts of activities to participate in or watch.  From skim boarding to kite flying everyone has something to do.  Everyone and their dog is always welcome to join opt student activities, the more the merrier.  We played what seems like a million rounds of beach volleyball and several rounds of cards.  I am usually pretty slow at slap jack, but this time I totally redeemed myself!  Maybe it was the fresh air and the fact that some of my opponents didn’t yet understand the rules of the game.

As a third year, we are finally realizing that this is essentially our last year to be together as a class.  I think this makes many of us want to take as many pictures as possible to try and keep the memories of optometry school for life.  There are some people that want to be in every shot... introducing E. ROSS!!

One thing you may notice is our sweaters.  Everyone always says; never go to an Oregon beach without a sweater, no matter what the weather predicts!  Despite a bit of wind, the day was perfectly sunny.  The clouds stayed away so we PUCO students could say a proper goodbye to a beautiful, fun summer.

Sunset over the Pacific? There is nothing better.