What do you enjoy about living in Gainesville?
Moving from a suburban area near a big city to living in a smaller college town is a big shift, but it was a setting I was looking forward to when I applied to attend pharmacy school at UF. It took some time to adjust to, but I think I eventually became enamored with Gainesville’s charm and the familiar spots that became routine. Because it’s Florida, the weather outside is mostly comfortable, making it enjoyable to walk around on campus or the multiple parks around the city. Though what I enjoy most about living in Gainesville is the food culture. My favorite thing to do after an exam or a long day at class is to walk around and get something good to eat. Luckily, the college town has so many different options, whether it be a food truck or a restaurant, all within a short walk or bus trip away.
What was your inspiration for going into pharmacy?
From a young age, I have always been drawn to a career in healthcare, inspired by the lifesaving work of healthcare providers and their dedication to giving back to others. A large influence on that inspiration came from my mom, who is a community pharmacist. Hearing about the direct impact she had on her patients’ well-being and the passion she brought to work every day inspired me to apply for a job as a community pharmacy technician during undergrad. Through my work experience and interactions with numerous grateful patients, I realized that the importance and impact of what a pharmacist does extends beyond catching medication errors or recommending vaccinations. I decided to pursue a career in pharmacy so that I can also become a qualified and accessible healthcare provider who helps patients get on track in their journey toward better health.
What makes UF faculty stand out?
After learning from and working with various faculty members at the UF College of Pharmacy, I believe that our faculty stand out due to their passion for their respective specialties and for being personable and approachable. All of the college’s faculty are well-versed in their content, and it shows when students ask or receive questions during class, initiating thought-provoking discussions. Additionally, many faculty members are involved in research focusing on areas such as drug discovery, precision medicine and health outcomes, and they actively encourage and provide the opportunity for pharmacy students to participate in their projects. All of these attributes show our faculty’s commitment to helping my classmates and me succeed well after school and into our careers.
How can you embrace the Gator spirit as a pharmacy student?
While those moments also matter, the Gator spirit encompasses much more than just being at UF or cheering at the fall football games in the Swamp. It represents a sense of community, commitment to serving others and dedication to leadership in every aspect of your life. As a pharmacy student, you can embrace the Gator spirit by engaging in campus life through student organizations, collaborating with undergraduate and graduate peers and proudly representing UF at outreach events. Most importantly, you can live out the Gator spirit in your day-to-day routines by acting with professionalism, integrity and compassion.
