What makes the Jacksonville campus a great place for your pharmacy education?
To be straightforward, a small classroom size has always been a favorable aspect of my education. Even though we are all attending classes synchronously at the UF College of Pharmacy, the tight-knit environment here allows students to develop easier professional relationships, and it also reduces the self-burden of being seen as a “stranger” in the classroom. The anxious moments become lessened when you are thrown into a large crowd of people and not knowing where to even begin! Amongst the same graduating class and even beyond that, we, Jacksonville students, bear a familiar face to many of those around us.
What is your favorite part of living in Jacksonville?
I enjoy being close to my family, as most live in Jacksonville and Orange Park. Whenever I am hanging out with my best friend, we like to spend our time together at Asian restaurants/stores on or near Beach Boulevard. Here’s a list (not comprehensive) of some spots that might be worth visiting in your own time:
- RD International Market
- Ebisu Jacksonville
- Koushinryou
- Karai Ramen Bistro
- Izakaya Ko
- K-Bop Korean Kitchen
If there’s a place that peaks your interest, then I would be glad to hear what you have to suggest. Lastly, we like to spend a few hours at Q-Ball Billiards (also on Beach Boulevard) to play pool and darts. Very entertaining!
What academic resources at UF have made the biggest impact on your success?
Katie Rutter, our Student Affairs Coordinator in Jacksonville, has been my most valuable academic resource at the UF College of Pharmacy. Her presence in the Dubow classroom and student annex has brought much positivity to the students, but what I would like to highlight is her compassion outside of the classroom. At the end of the Fall 2024 semester, my mom lost her life to ovarian cancer. Her final moments had occurred during my first semester in pharmacy school and there was a difficult balance between school and taking care of her with my dad. This heartbreaking moment almost devastated my morale in continuing my education. Fortunately, I had the courage to speak out to Katie one day about my concerns, and she was willing to listen to it all. In addition, she encouraged me to continue my pursuits, as this pharmacy education not only serves as a milestone in my life but also as a gift for her sacrifices.
What has pharmacy school taught you about yourself?
Self-confidence and humbleness have stemmed from my personal life in pharmacy school. Having the confidence to step out of my comfort zone to successfully run in the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, or APhA-ASP, Jacksonville student elections and be elected as Vice President of Communications were my first biggest steps, as this would be something I’d NEVER considered doing in the past, because I was quite an introverted person. Maintaining a humble mindset has given me peace throughout my life. Especially in pharmacy school, I try my best to consider all students (including myself) as equals. No matter how much knowledge, skills and success I may obtain, I can always still learn more from those around me. Each student, faculty and staff member has a unique story to observe.
