Inspiring Grads: the Class of 2025

What will you miss most about UIC?
The people! Over the past four years, I’ve made connections in both Chicago and Rockford that I hope will last for a lifetime. I believe that one of the major benefits of attending the Rockford campus is the small class sizes and high student-to-faculty ratio, which foster a strong sense of community.

What is a favorite memory of your time here?
My favorite memory was attending the [Retzky] College Naming Celebration last September. I was fortunate enough to be on Academic APPE at the time, which gave us the opportunity to participate in the ceremony and the reception that followed alongside several of our classmates. It was truly thrilling to be part of such a significant milestone in the college’s long and distinguished history. This trip also marked my first visit to our Chicago campus, and it was surreal to finally see, in person, so many faces and places I had (mostly) only experienced through screens during the past three years.

How have you grown since your P1 year?
The program has done an excellent job of preparing us for both the clinical and nonclinical aspects of pharmacy practice. One of my greatest takeaways — something I may not have fully considered as a P1 — is the understanding that, while we must practice with discretion and trust in our own clinical judgment, practice is not a matter of You vs. The World. Any health system is only as strong as the collective effort of its providers and their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively as a team. This extends not only to our fellow pharmacists but to technicians, physicians, nurses, specialists, and anyone who plays a role in providing care to the patient.

Did you experience challenges during your PharmD program? How did you overcome it?
In the summer before my P1 year, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (later re-diagnosed as Crohn’s Disease). This was, of course, an unwelcome and untimely development as I prepared to begin pharmacy school. Managing IBD symptoms and finding a medication therapy that works for me has been a long and arduous process. Four years later, I am happy to say that I am now very well-managed. I have been very open about my Crohn’s with my peers, and I believe that my experiences as a patient have shaped my perception of patient care, particularly in the management of chronic disease states, as a student and soon-to-be pharmacist. I’m also proud to say that I did very well on the IBD portions of our PHAR 504 Immunology exams! 🙂

What advice do you have for future graduates of UIC’s PharmD program?
One piece of advice I received heading into my P4 year was that it is perfectly okay not to know everything that will be asked of you. In an experiential learning environment, you will inevitably face situations where: A) You encounter a patient case that is complex or doesn’t neatly align with any single scenario your coursework prepared you for, and B) You second-guess your recall of a topic covered in a PDAT lecture from three years ago that you’ve rarely thought about since. And that’s okay! In these situations, know that you are there to learn, and that even after graduation, you will never stop learning. With each new experience, you’ll begin to recognize patterns and grow increasingly confident in handling more common scenarios. There will always be curveballs to handle, but each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow as a healthcare professional.

What will you miss most about UIC?
I am very grateful for the experiences and relationships I have built during my time here. I will miss both my classmates and the dedicated faculty who have played a significant role in my academic and personal journey. Throughout my four years, I have had the privilege of forming meaningful connections with professors and mentors whose guidance and support have allowed me to become the person I am today. These relationships have not only shaped my educational experience, but they have also inspired me to continue striving for excellence.

What is a favorite memory of your time here?
One of the memories I will cherish the most is studying with classmates before exams. Despite the shared anxiety and pressure, there was an incredible sense of closeness. We always supported each other regardless of the outcome. Another memory of mine was having the opportunity to speak at the Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony. It was a full-circle moment knowing I was standing before the next generation of pharmacy students. It was exciting to know that they will continue to uphold and advance the profession, and one day they will become my colleague.

How have you grown since your P1 year?
Throughout my time at UIC, I have experienced tremendous growth both personally and academically. Through a variety of challenges and opportunities, I have developed essential skills such as time management, professionalism, and leadership. I have also had the privilege of creating connections with students from both campuses, which has inspired me to become a better friend, student, and future pharmacist. While at times it felt overwhelming, looking back, I am truly grateful for all my experiences.

Did you experience challenges during your PharmD program? How did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle I faced during pharmacy school was transitioning from undergraduate to graduate-level coursework. During my P1 year, the course work and fast-paced environment were initially overwhelming as I worked to balance academic responsibilities, work, and personal time. I was able to have the opportunity to connect with upperclassmen who shared their experiences and offered valuable advice on how to approach coursework, study effectively, and how to manage time. I was able to learn how to study and better juggle the tasks which helped me excel throughout the rest of my pharmacy school career.

What advice do you have for future graduates of UIC’s PharmD program?
Embrace and enjoy every step in your journey. Your four years in pharmacy school will pass more quickly than you realize. Make sure you take the time to appreciate the experiences you will have over these years as they will contribute to your personal and professional growth. I would also encourage building relationships with classmates of different years. Upperclassmen can offer valuable advice and guidance that will help you along your career in which you are able to pass down to the underclassmen. These connections will not only enhance your time during school, but it will also strengthen the sense of community within the profession.

What will you miss most about UIC?
I will miss the professors and my classmates—they all played a part in helping me become the best pharmacist I can be. I’ll also miss the UIC Rockford campus since it’s where it all started. Even now, as a P4 student, being on campus brings a sense of nostalgia. They always had events/mixers outside of campus so students can relax and network with faculty and colleagues.

What is a favorite memory of your time here?
The pharmaceutics compounding lab was always fun and engaging—especially the sterile compounding portion. And believe it or not, the late night study session on campus with my classmates before a big cardiology or oncology exam. I really enjoyed and will miss going on different clinical rotations.

How have you grown since your P1 year?
I’ve grown into a better person and pharmacy student. Working in this environment has definitely taught me important skills like multitasking and teamwork, which I have used in my day-to-day life and in both my jobs. I’ve learned to love learning new things or experiences. I try to never close a door because I might like it at the end.

Did you experience challenges during your PharmD program? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges was starting the PharmD program after moving from Puerto Rico to Illinois. It was a huge change in environment and a transition one can never fully prepare for. I struggled academically during my first year. My GPA and involvement were deeply affected, but over time, I was able to adjust and even improve. I became more involved with student organizations, volunteer work, and even balanced two jobs while graduating with Magna Cum Laude. I was able to accomplish this by identifying my weaknesses, learning new skills, and not being afraid to ask for help.

What advice do you have for future graduates of UIC’s PharmD program?
Don’t be afraid to try new things—keep an open mind and step out of your comfort zone. Make sure to dedicate time to yourself—good mental health is key to becoming a successful pharmacy student. Pharmacy school is the place to try different pharmacy fields and get a taste of the different areas pharmacist can practice in. If you’re not involved and actively trying new things, you might miss out on discovering what you’re truly passionate about. Take advantage of every opportunity, connect with your peers and mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—this is your time to grow both professionally and personally.

What will you miss most about UIC?
I am deeply grateful for the support of my classmates, faculty, and preceptors who have shaped me into the pharmacist I am today. UIC provided an environment that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, strengthened my confidence, and prepared me for the next step in my journey as a PGY1 resident at Indiana University Health. I will also miss the little moments, like weekend study sessions in the library and the biggest concern being where to grab food afterward.

What is a favorite memory of your time here?
One of my favorite memories was presenting my research project at AACP. It was an incredible experience to represent UIC, share our work on medication management, and engage with faculty and students from across the country. Another highlight was my ambulatory care rotation, where I gained confidence in making patient-centered recommendations and collaborating with an amazing care team.

How have you grown since your P1 year?
My journey at UIC has transformed me into a confident, adaptable, and patient-centered clinician. As a P1, I focused on memorizing facts, but over time, I learned to think critically, apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The mentorship and training I received here have given me the foundation to succeed in residency and beyond.

Did you experience challenges during your PharmD program? How did you overcome it?
Balancing classes, work, leadership, and research was challenging, but I learned to prioritize, set boundaries, and lean on my support system. Most importantly, I learned to give myself grace and embrace growth as a process.

What advice do you have for future graduates of UIC’s PharmD program?
Step outside your comfort zone, growth comes from challenge. Seek mentors, ask questions, and embrace every learning opportunity. The hard days will shape you into the pharmacist your patients will trust. Most importantly, never lose sight of your purpose – patient care is at the heart of our profession, and every challenge will make you stronger

What will you miss most about UIC?
After graduation, I’ll be staying with UIC to continue my training as a PGY1 resident to become a clinical pharmacist; therefore, even though I’ll miss being a student and the bond with my classmates, I’m excited to stay at UIC and continue growing as a PGY1 resident.

What is a favorite memory of your time here?
One of my favorite memories as a student at UIC was impacting the lives of high-school students by giving a presentation about the Pharmacy Profession and hearing back days later that a lot of them really enjoyed it and even started to think about pharmacy as a possible career.

How have you grown since your P1 year?
I have grown tremendously. As a professional, I’ve gained more clinical experience, which has given me new confidence. In addition, I’ve gathered many different resources and skills that help me make better decisions. Also, I’ve had the opportunity to create bonds with many faculty members who have mentored me throughout this journey. Personally, I’ve become more open to challenges and more confident in my ability to adapt, communicate, and stay grounded under pressure.

Did you experience challenges during your PharmD program? How did you overcome it?
I experienced challenges that I was able to overcome by working one day at a time, organizing myself and putting energy into what was coming next, and not investing too much time in what was part of the upcoming future at the time. This unlocked a new level of skills to continue working under pressure.

What advice do you have for future graduates of UIC’s PharmD program?
Hang in there. It might feel overwhelming at times, and challenges may shake your confidence, but we assure you that you know more than you think. The years will fly by, so trust yourself and keep going. You’ve got this.

What will you miss most about UIC?
I will miss seeing my friends every day the most. Our hangouts and shared laughs between classes made even the busiest days feel lighter.

What is a favorite memory of your time here?
One of my favorite memories will always be spending time in the pharmaceutics compounding labs, where I truly felt like a pharmacist in the making. The hands-on experience and the laughs shared with classmates during those long lab sessions made it unforgettable.

How have you grown since your P1 year?
I’ve experienced tremendous growth both academically and personally throughout pharmacy school. It’s a demanding journey that pushes even your strongest skills to the limit and constantly challenges you to evolve.

Did you experience challenges during your PharmD program? How did you overcome it?
As a student coming from Puerto Rico, one of my biggest challenges was adapting to the academic use of the English language. It wasn’t easy at first, and I had to study twice as hard as I was used to in order to keep up. But over time, I learned to navigate it with confidence.

What advice do you have for future graduates of UIC’s PharmD program?
I know you’ve probably heard this a million times, but you truly know more than you give yourself credit for. You may not be able to change the past, but you have the power to shape your future so take it one day at a time and trust the journey!

What will you miss most about UIC?
The community—students, faculty, and staff. Everyone played a role in shaping my journey and helping me grow, both professionally and personally.

What is a favorite memory of your time here?
Studying with friends during P1 and P2 years by playing Jeopardy-style trivia before exams. It made learning fun and strengthened our bond as classmates.

How have you grown since your P1 year?
I’ve developed strong interpersonal skills. Pharmacy school taught me how to adapt my communication style when interacting with different audiences—whether it’s patients, preceptors, and other healthcare team members.

Did you experience challenges during your PharmD program? How did you overcome it?
Applying to both residency and fellowship programs was a challenging and emotional process filled with more rejections than acceptances. But I learned that persistence and resilience are essential. I stayed true to my goals and eventually matched with an HSPAL residency program in Orlando.

What advice do you have for future graduates of UIC’s PharmD program?
Get to know yourself as early as possible—your strengths, values, and interests. It’ll help you seek out opportunities that align with who you are and where you want to go.

What will you miss most about UIC?
I will most miss the amazing faculty and staff after I graduate. UIC RCOP is a collection of some of the most caring, talented, and intelligent people I have ever met. I have had incredible experiences at UIC RCOP because of their guidance and support. I can never thank them enough!

What is a favorite memory of your time here?
My favorite memories involve nominating my peers for Student Leader of the Month and the Chancellor’s Student Service Award. The work that many students do to improve the experience of other students and members of the local community is selfless and inspiring. Thinking back on my time here, the thing that I am most proud of is advocating for my peers who, despite many other competing priorities, still pushed themselves to improve the lives of those around them.

How have you grown since your P1 year?
The curriculum will test your time management skills. I certainly feel like mine have improved during my time here!

Did you experience challenges during your PharmD program? How did you overcome it?
Life is always challenging, that is what makes it interesting! The challenges I experienced during my time at UIC RCOP were often resolved after considering the advice of faculty and staff mentors. I also reprioritized my goals several times during the curriculum. I think the combination of receiving great advice and striving to remain flexible helped tremendously.

What advice do you have for future graduates of UIC’s PharmD program?
Life will rarely offer as many opportunities as you will find here at UIC RCOP. Explore everything you think is interesting. Then, explore everything you think is not. You will be surprised how your interests change when you keep an open mind.