HELLO, I'M
Nicholas Panoff
Biology student with a minor in business management
Nicholas Panoff
Student of biology with a focus in pre-optometry, and a minor in business management
(248)-444-2082
About
MY BACKGROUND
I was born on August 13th, 2001 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A few years after I was born my family moved to New Hudson. I am currently 18 years old and a freshmen at Ferris State University. I am working towards earning my bachelors degree in biology with a focus in pre-optometry and a minor in business management. After I get my bachelors, I would like to work on getting my doctorate in optometry. After schooling, I would like to own my own practice that specializes in senior optic care.
Education
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
2019 - Present
Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan
Studying Biology with a focus in Pre-Optometry and a minor in Business Management
2015 - 2019
South Lyon High School, South Lyon, Michigan
GPA: 3.0 and above all four years, participated in tennis, theater, student council, a Freshmen mentorship program, and a youth outreach program. Awarded varsity letters in tennis, theater and academics. Elected on the thespian board, and onto student council.
Experience
WHERE I’VE WORKED
June 2019 - Present
Bifano Eyecare, South Lyon, Michigan
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Interned under professional optometrist
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Shadowed and learned about patient care.
January 2018 - Present
Pinz Bowling Center, South Lyon, Michigan
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Worked with customers and organized events and fundraisers
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Lead and trained multiple new employees
December 2017 - February 2018
Michigan Volleyball Elite, Livonia, Michigan​
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Helped sell tickets for volleyball tournaments.
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Helped clean up before and after games and tournaments.
Leadership
WHAT I'VE DONE
Mountain T.O.P. Service Project:
Mountain T.O.P. mission trip in Grundy County: one of the poorest counties in the state. Through South Lyon First United Methodist Church, groups of teens are split into small teams and assigned jobs to do around the county. Some of the projects included building a porch and fence, painting a shed, yard work, and cleaning out a garage.
South Lyon High School Thespian Board
I had the opportunity to be on the thespian board for the drama club at SLHS. I was elected on by my peers who are also in theater. Through the thespian board, I organized events, collected money, and lead the drama club.
References
Brittany Connors:
Brittany Connors is the South Lyon High School drama director and has seen my work ethic and the passion I give into the shows. She also gave me the opportunity to be on the Thespian Board to help run and organize the theater program.
Caty Stus:
Caty is my current employer at Pinz Bowling Alley in South Lyon. She has seen me work with customers and also work in stressful conditions. She has also seen how I work with other employees and how we as a whole handle unsatisfied customers.
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Alicia Colley:
Alicia Colley is my Psychology teacher at South Lyon High School and also an adult supervisor for the high school's student council. Ms.Colley has seen me write papers, and also help the student council make the school better.
WHO I'VE MET
Contact information available upon request*
Interview Questions
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I will be about 28 years old. By that point in my life I will be done with my schooling and already a Doctor of Optometry. I would like to have had some experience under my belt in the medical field or in a hospital setting; whether it be as a transporter, or in my actual career path. However, at this time I hope to be working for a major hospital or for a private practice. Above all, I see myself being happy and content with all that I have achieved in my life up to this point.
What has been your proudest moment?
The proudest moment in my life, by far, is when I got my acceptance letter from Ferris State University. I’ve known that I wanted to go to Ferris for a couple years before that point, mainly because they have the best optometry program in Michigan. It also felt good to get my letter because at that point I knew that all of my hard work in high school paid off.
What is one area of your life that needs improvement?
I think that I mainly need to work on how I view myself. Self-confidence has been a big issue for me and I am not sure if it is because I am still in high school, or if it is because of other external reasons. This is a problem for me because I tend to second guess myself, especially when I am being evaluated. I think that if I can get past this, I will be a better person.
Are you best working in a group, or by yourself?
Not to be too cliche, but I am able to work well in both situations. I like working in a group because it is always better to have other people assessing different situations and get different perspectives. However, I also like working by myself because that gives me more freedom to do things my own way, and have my own creative freedom. I also like working in a group because then you won’t have to do a lot of work by yourself, and you are able to split the work up among your group.
Describe your school attendance record.
The only times I have missed school is either for doctors appointments, if I were deathly ill, or I went on a school sanctioned field trip. The main reason I don’t normally miss school is because I do not like being behind, it gives me a lot of stress to be behind in school, while also doing the school work that we are supposed to be doing that week.
How would you sell hot cocoa in Florida?
I would first try and pair the cocoa with something cold like ice cream, or popsicles. If that does not work then I would add frozen milk cubes into the hot cocoa so that it can cool it down without losing any of the chocolate flavor.