Renad Abu-Sawwa

Renad Abu-Sawwa
Class of 2016, Jacksonville Campus

In Her Own Words

Why did you choose UF College of Pharmacy in Jacksonville?
I chose the University of Florida for a couple reasons. I went to UF as an undergraduate, therefore I was very familiar with their program, which proved to be innovative, cutting-edge and diverse. I liked the Jacksonville campus because I grew up here, and the city has a lot to offer whether it is from a health care standpoint or even the student life.

What makes the College of Pharmacy Jacksonville campus unique?
One of the things I love about the Jacksonville campus is the close knit family we have here, with regards to both the faculty and students. There are about 40 to 50 of us in a class, and the faculty is absolutely amazing. They are like the older siblings that I never had. They all support you and are willing to prepare you for what the world is going to throw at you in the future.

What will you take away from UF as a Gator pharmacy graduate?
The program has definitely shaped who I am and the pharmacist I will become. However, the most substantial thing that I am going to take away is the versatility of my degree. No matter what I decide to do, I am equipped with the skills, the education and the experiences that will allow me to go almost anywhere. From industry to academia, to community settings and hospitals, you can do almost anything. The world is open, and I really do appreciate that.

What activities are available to Jacksonville students outside of the classroom?
In Jacksonville, there are tons of things to do. I am artistic, so I enjoy going to museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and the Cummer Museum and Gardens. If you like food, there are a lot of restaurants that are really absolutely delicious. And of course, there is the beach, which is a huge benefit of living in Jacksonville.