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womantowatch
GABRIELA
de Boer
LKNW RECOGNIZES A WOMAN DOING EXCEPTIONAL WORK IN THE
LAKE NORMAN COMMUNITY, A LEADER WHO IS PAVING THE WAY TO
CHANGING OUR ATTITUDES AND INSPIRING CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.
on HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN A CIRCLE OF STRENGTH: I was born in Puerto Rico and have one
sister. We grew up in a very humble household, but we always had everything we needed. As a family, we enjoyed doing trips around the island to explore new places such as local beaches, lakes, festivals, and restaurants. Being outside enjoying the outdoors always brought me so much joy! All of my extended family lived close by and were predominately women, so I grew up with strong female role models.
on EDUCATION & EDIFICATION: Both of my parents are teachers and stressed the importance of learning. I went to private catholic school all of my life. There, I created many beautiful memories with life-long friends who are still in my world today. I went to the University of Puerto Rico for both college, where I majored in chemistry, and medical school. on GROWTH & GRATITUDE: Two miscarriages and the birth of my child are two life events that changed my world completely. By experiencing miscarriages, I learned the real definition of pain. I never got to see or say hi to my babies, but I loved them dearly, and it hurt terribly to lose them. I still get emotional thinking about it today but it is a good example of how I cannot control everything in my life. I have to let go and allow things to happen according to God’s plan. I am so blessed with my son Javier Alejandro who is 7 months old and the light of my life. My husband keeps me grounded and grateful and my son is a steady reminder to stop and enjoy each moment and be truly present. on SEEING THINGS CLEARLY: Towards the end of medical school, I had the opportunity to shadow an ophthalmologist and after seeing him evaluate patients with different clinical presentations, I had a sense that ophthalmology was my calling. I was fascinated at how such a small organ can be so complex and harbor so many different diseases. I also knew I wanted to help people preserve sight because by doing that I am able to give them the opportunity to fully admire all of life’s gifts. on HAVING A HERO: The oldest of ten siblings, my dad grew up in a very poor neighborhood in Puerto Rico surrounded by violence, drugs, and dropouts. He decided that he wanted something better for himself so he went to college and became a teacher. He also joined the United States Army and was actually deployed when I was born. He worked so hard to provide a better quality of life for us. He taught me to wake up every day and be grateful. He taught me to work hard, persevere, and hope for a better future. He taught me that I can achieve anything and to be happy for other people’s successes. He taught me so many things … I am who I am today because of him. w
DR. GABRIELA R. DE BOER GRAYSTONE EYE
Dr. Gabriela R. de Boer is an ophthalmologist at Graystone Eye. With four locations (Hickory, Lenoir, Lincolnton, and Boone), they can be reached at 888.626.2020 or via their website at www.graystone-eye.com.
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OCTOBER 2020
w OMAN.COM
L AKENORMAN
WRITER LESLIE OGLE
PHOTOGRAPHER MOJO STUDIOS
