Optometrist, Survivor, Mother, Volunteer, Goldthwaite, Texas

It is easy to overlook a small Central Texas town where passersby may pause for fuel, Dairy Queen or get caught at one of the two traffic lights. In this community folks are close knit, proud and enjoy keeping under the radar. I have been fortunate enough to get to know several outstanding members and WOW Women of this region and marvel at the pride and honour that resides behind the outwardly tough and at times self-willed exteriors.

When I was thinking of how best to describe this next WOW Woman, I decided to pass the honour to the man who nominated and introduced me to Ms. Melanie Bartek. His name is Bill Blackwell and he is an outstanding member, photographer and chronicler of this beautiful hill country and its residents.

“When I first suggested Melanie Bartek as a possible candidate for the WOW Woman project I remarked that Melanie is one of the wowest women I know. Melanie grew up in our small rural community, graduated from the local high school, went on to become a Doctor of Optometry, married her sweetheart and became the mother of two boys and a girl. Things were good. Then cancer struck and Melanie began to show all of us what the true definition of faith and strength is.

Through two major surgeries, (if you’ve never heard of a chemo wash, google it, she’s had it twice) numerous chemotherapy treatments and too many trips to Houston to even count she has been an inspiration to everyone who knows her. I see Melanie at a local board of directors meeting each month and our conversation never varies. Me, “Doc, how you feeling?” Melanie, always with a smile, “Well, I’m doing pretty good.” At a time when it seems examples of character and perseverance are in short supply, visit the Bartek household. You’ll find them there.” - Bill Blackwell.

On a personal note having met Melanie only several times, I have been inspired by her calmness, her stoicism, strength as well her willingness to help youngsters at the correctional facility nearby with their eye health care needs. Although I was acquainted mainly with the demure Melanie I was also pleased to embrace her recommendations for the hard-core long distance running trails in the nearby countryside, activity she takes on like a boss.

1. Name.

Melanie Bartek.

2. Where is your hometown?

Goldthwaite, Texas. I grew up in Goldthwaite. I moved away for college and optometry school, but moved back to Goldthwaite again upon graduation. My husband and I love the small town life. He also grew up in a small town, and we knew we wanted to raise our family here.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I am married, and we have three kids. I am an optometrist in Goldthwaite, Texas. I also work one day a week at a nearby juvenile correctional facility doing eye exams on the kids. I serve on the board of directors for MC Bank. Between work and family activities, my days stay pretty busy.

4. What did you study in school?

Math and science classes were always my favorite. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University. I received my Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston in Texas.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the breakthrough moment for you (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

Graduating from optometry school and starting my own practice was very exciting. There were times in school when I would have a really tough class. I would pray a lot and ask God if this is what He really wanted me to do. He got me through those tough classes and on to graduation! In 2012, I completed a fellowship with the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. For health reasons, I sold my practice in 2019 but still continue to work part time at the same office.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

I was diagnosed with appendix cancer in 2016. When you are told you have cancer, it’s like getting knocked down by a really big wave at the beach. You can’t get your feet under you, you can’t breathe, and you’re being sucked out into the ocean. 

Faith in God and support from family and friends helped me find hope and happiness again. There have been lots of ups and downs on my cancer journey. My husband, Brandon, continues to be with me every step of the way. We have been amazed by the love and support we have received from our family, friends, and community.

8. Advice for other women?

Be thankful for everything you have. We all have our challenges and difficulties, but for most of us, there are always others who have it rougher than we do or who have less than we do. Focus on the blessings in your life.

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

I think every woman has to decide for herself what is most important. We shouldn’t feel pressure from the world around us. We have to decide for ourselves what we spend our time doing and what goals we want to accomplish. 

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

My happy place is with my family. Any activity we can do together is fun for me. With my cancer treatments, I have been away from my family a lot so I especially enjoy the time we have together. I also love animals. I grew up around animals, and we still have pets and livestock. Being around animals makes me happy.

11. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I enjoy running. My family often participates in races together. I have continued to run while going through chemotherapy. It hasn’t always been easy, but it helps me feel more normal to keep exercising. I think it has also helped me feel better overall throughout my treatment.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I hope to continue working as an optometrist and spending lots of time with my family.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Cancer. I have gotten much better at dealing with the fear, but there is always a little still there. I just have to keep putting my trust in God.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

The only thing I would change is I would worry less. I haven’t always made the perfect choice in every situation, but the choices I have made got me where I am today. I have a wonderful family and great friends; I live and work in a great community. I wouldn’t change any of those things.

15. What inspires you?

I am inspired when I see people helping others. Even though we hear about bad things going on, there is still a lot of love in the world.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I am hopeful about growing old with my husband while we watch our kids grow up and make a positive impact on the world around them. It seems that time flies by too fast. Sometimes I wish it would go a little slower, but I am just happy I am here to see it and watch my kids grow up.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why?

I am patient and caring. I also try to be respectful. I think this helps me be better at my job as well as helps me be a better wife and mom.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

Don’t worry so much about what other people think. Just always try to do the right thing, and everything else will work out.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I just finished reading It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst. It was recommended to me by a friend and a cancer survivor. It is not just written for people with cancer, but for anyone dealing with any unexpected disappointment.

21. Who is a WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

I think there is some WOW in every woman. We just have to know them well enough to see it. I see it in my family and close girlfriends. Even though they all have their own struggles, they continue to praise God and help others around them.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

centexeyecare.org