As they prepare to take their next steps, members of the Pharm.D. Class of 2025 share candid reflections on their time at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy—moments that shaped them, challenged them, and prepared them for the future.
"USC changed my life by helping me grow into a confident, purpose-driven health care professional. Through rigorous coursework, diverse rotation experiences and transformative mentorship, I discovered not only my passion for pharmacy, but also how I want to serve others through preventive care and functional medicine. USC helped me turn my vision into action and gave me the foundation to dream bigger."
"Undoubtedly, I am who I am today because of the people within the College of Pharmacy. For years, they have met with me, encouraged me, taught me, mentored me, written letters of recommendation for me, challenged me, and celebrated me. I feel honored to not only be graduating with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, but also to have received it from the University of South Carolina."
"My favorite memory isn’t a single standout moment, but rather a collection of the small, everyday experiences that made the College of Pharmacy feel like home. It’s the comfort of walking into class and seeing the same familiar faces each day, the unspoken bond formed from sitting in the same seat for three years, surrounded by people navigating the same journey ... Those little moments of connection and routine created a deep sense of belonging—and they’re what I’ll remember most."
"One of my favorite memories was the moment I officially transitioned from undergraduate studies into pharmacy school. It was a huge milestone that made all the hard work feel worth it. I also cherish the friendships I built with classmates who understood the long nights of studying, the stress of exams, and the excitement of finally seeing our dreams come together. Those relationships made the experience so much more meaningful."
"The days are long, but the years are short! There were times during pharmacy school when I felt overwhelmed, burnt out, frustrated, anxious, and exhausted; however, if I could go back, I would choose this journey every time ... Despite the challenging days, I look back on my time as a student pharmacist with such fondness and appreciation."
"Pharmacy—and the world around us—is changing rapidly. To be truly prepared, we must be willing to adapt, to be curious, and to stay ahead of the curve rather than be left behind. USC gave me the freedom and support to explore my passions and shape my unique path. I encourage every new student to do the same."
"Join a club completely unrelated to your major. I joined the radio station my freshman year. Throughout undergrad and pharmacy school, my weekly radio show was an escape from the stress of projects, weekly tests, and other competing extracurriculars. I even served as Training Director for 3 years, which gave me great leadership experience, but is also such a fun topic to discuss in interviews. (Yes, it has been brought up in every single interview I've ever done!)"
"I have learned that I am incredibly resilient. When I started pharmacy school, my child was less than six weeks old. Balancing the demands of school while raising a newborn was one of the toughest challenges I have ever faced, but I never gave up. Through faith and perseverance, I have realized that I can handle difficult situations, adapt to challenges, and keep moving forward no matter what obstacles come my way. I am deeply grateful for my village of support, including the mentors, family, friends, and loved ones who stood by me, encouraged me, and helped me along the way. Above all, I thank God for giving me the strength to make it through."
"Pharmacy school pushed me in ways I never expected, but with every challenge, I grew stronger, more confident, and more capable. One of the greatest gifts the College of Pharmacy has given me is the confidence to believe in myself, trust my abilities, and silence the voice that says, 'you can’t.' Because I can—and I did."
"The Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center played a pivotal role in my success. It nurtured my entrepreneurial spirit, gave me platforms to present my ideas and connected me with mentors who believed in my vision. KPIC empowered me to believe that pharmacists can be innovators and leaders in health care."
"As a Walker Leadership Scholar, I have had exposure to leaders in pharmacy and opportunities that many pharmacy professionals, let alone students, don't get to experience. In this program, I developed my leadership skills through advocacy work at the state and national level, participating in national organizations like APhA and ACCP and serving nationally as a member of the national student committee of ACCP and a 2024 AACP Walmart Health Equity Scholar."
"Looking ahead, I hope to build a career in ambulatory care ... I also have a strong passion for artificial intelligence and its integration into health care, pharmacy, and academia. AI is a tidal wave that is rapidly approaching, and I want to be at the forefront of that transformation—both implementing its use and educating others on the possibilities it brings."
"I plan to pursue functional medicine training while continuing to grow my business, Beyond Pills. My goal is to become a part of a wellness-focused pharmacy that supports patients through lifestyle interventions, nutrition, and integrative care. I am excited to be part of the future of pharmacy where prevention, innovation, and compassion meet."
"My time as a student showed me that there are so many unique areas where a pharmacist can make an impact, even if it does not involve direct patient care. As a resident, I’m especially excited to explore the different pathways open to managed-care pharmacists. I look forward to seeing the profession grow and change as pharmacists continue to develop new ways to serve our communities."