Why did you choose the UF College of Pharmacy in Orlando?
I chose the Orlando campus because my family lives in Orlando, and I knew how important it would be to have a support system as I began my journey to becoming a pharmacist. While each campus still receives the same excellent education, I love that the Orlando campus is one of the smaller campuses and how tight-knit our cohort is. We also have so many fun attractions around us in Orlando, which gives us so many opportunities to balance our education with some fun!
What’s something you wish more people knew about pharmacy school?
From the moment I stepped onto UF’s campus for my interview and interacted with the faculty, I felt so welcomed and like I belonged. I always tell people how evident it is that the faculty at the UF College of Pharmacy want their Pharm.D. students to be successful in their endeavors. Pharmacy school has its fair share of challenges, and with the unwavering support of UF faculty, I knew without a doubt that this was where I wanted to pursue my pharmacy education.
What’s something you wish more people knew about pharmacy school?
I wish that more people knew what an integral part pharmacists play in the health care system and in patient safety! Pharmacy school not only prepares future pharmacists to be medication experts and to safely dispense medications, but also to promote patient safety and prevent harm.
What surprised you about the academic experience at UF?
While I always knew that UF is known for its academic excellence, I am impressed by how much I have learned even after completing my first year of pharmacy school. Despite the challenging curriculum that comes with pharmacy school, the faculty at the UF College of Pharmacy do a wonderful job of teaching the material in an engaging way while providing the support that students need.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your first-year self as a pharmacy student?
I would tell my first-year self to remember to make time for the things that she loves. It is easy to get sucked into studying all day long while putting the things you enjoy on the back burner. However, continuing to make time for the things we love prevents burnout, which is so important in pharmacy school.
