Insecure about my qualifications... HELP

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I have been interested in becoming an optometrist since I was 12, but it never really occurred to me to pursue it until now as a freshman in college.

After reading many articles and suggestions of the steps to becoming an optometrist, the number one requirement was to SHADOW an optometrist. However, while researching all of the optometrist locations and the doctor profiles, I've become intimidated by their degrees.

Since I am a resident of Southern California, many of the local optometry offices have optometrists graduating with their B.A. from schools such as UCLA, UCSD, USC, etc.

I am worried that I will not qualify, since I am currently attending a community college. [I had to withdraw from Notre Dame de namur University towards the end of my senior year of high school because of financial issues, which is why I decided to stick to going to a cc.]

Is it possible that I can become an optometrist, let alone shadow one despite the school I am currently attending? I am worried I would not qualify as an optometrist because they would not be pleased with the school I am in.

You will never know if you don't ask. I do not think that attending a community college will hold you back. I believe if you demonstrate that you are determined and dedicated in becoming an optometrist you will be fine. I wouldn't concentrate so much on where they received their undergrad. When i shadowed i focused on what they specialize in, what type of practice they have, and where they went to optometry school. Don't be afraid!

optometry schools will not look down on you because you attended a community college. I attended community college my first 2 years then transferred to a university afterwards. 2 years later I graduated with a bachlor's and I applied to optometry school and received several interviews. Not one time did they question about me attending community college. Going to community college is not bad, a lot of people do it for a variety of reasons. Don't stress about it at all.