_edited_edited.png)
Humans of Skaggs
What are some small things that make you happy?
Mac n Cheese, when my cat cuddles with me, relaxing on the beach
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
Ability to turn every frown upside down
What advice would you give to an aspiring pharmacy student?
Diversify your experiences! Pharmacy school is a time to learn what career path you may be interested in pursuing following graduation, so make sure to take your opportunities to gain experience in different areas of pharmacy.
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
Culture fusion and my award-winning blueberry muffins!
Montana Panec
Class of 2024
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
A memorable event that I have had at Skaggs would be ASP Banquet 2022, since it was the first time it was held and I was able to meet everyone from the fourth years to first years in one room.
What is your favorite medication and why?
My favorite medication that I tend to use often would be ibuprofen because of those once a month cramps or those winter days since it is quite an effective antipyretic.
What did you do this past summer?
Most of the summer, I spent completing my community and hospital rotations along with spend it with my close friends when I found the time!
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
If I could live anywhere, I would love to live in Japan because of their minimalist lifestyle along with their amazing mannerism that I would love to experience every day
Rosalyn Nguyen
Class of 2024
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
Enjoy it while it lasts. Well, that would go for anything in life to be honest. P1 year is tiring with the large amount of class time, but that is really where you get to meet and get to know the amazing people in your class on a deeper level. Spend your time trying to get to know your future colleagues as you all can explore different fields of pharmacy together and motivate each other. Who knows, maybe you’ll find some friends that you will be close with for a long time.
If you weren't a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
Veterinary. For the longest time of my life, I wanted to be a veterinarian. My main motivation was my dad, who was a veterinarian when we lived back in Taiwan. Visiting his animal clinic on the weekends and helping him out has really inspired me to pursue the profession.
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
Taiwan. Mainly because I grew up there and I wouldn't mind going back. I love the culture, the people, and the delicious street foods. The only thing is that I think I would have a serious health issue if I lived there since I can never resist the bobas. $2 for a large boba? Who can resist that.
How would your friends describe you?
"It takes a while to get used to his jokes.."
Jeff Peng
Class of 2022
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
Getting to know the people in my class is definitely the most memorable experience I have had at Skaggs so far. Even when we all have work and studying to do, we always make time to hang out and attend each other's events to give support and participation. That is something that I love about our class. It really feels like a pharmily. :)
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
South Korea! The rich culture and delicious, cheap food are some of the things I love about visiting there. It is a place where you see an intermingling between old traditions and technological advances that the world has made. Whether you like hiking in the outdoors or visiting cafes, South Korea always has something new to do and try.
What influenced you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
I was lucky enough to work alongside my mom in a hospice pharmacy. The leadership, knowledge, and communication skills that she and the other pharmacists had was something that I wanted to strive for. Although the setting was stressful, everyone worked together as a team and were appreciative of each other's role in the pharmacy. It made me think to myself that this is something I wanted to be a part of.
What is something that makes you cringe?
When someone tears open a resealable bag of chips with their hands instead of using scissors to cut a straight line!
Heidi Kim
Class of 2022
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
Don’t be afraid to explore new places and activities during your first year, and always reach out to upperclassmen if you have any questions about schoolwork, life... anything! We’re here to help!
If you could be any medication, what would you be and why?
I would be azithromycin, one of the most common antibiotics prescribed today to treat bacterial infection. Azithromycin, along with others within its same drug class, have a wide therapeutic window and are largely efficacious toward resolving cold-like symptoms. This specific medication resonates with me as I grew up taking the ZPAK more often times than not when I felt under the weather and remember a speedy recovery afterwards!
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ramen. My meals already consist of a 80% instant ramen diet so I imagine adjusting to the new lifestyle wouldn’t be hard.
What would you sing at karaoke night?
Sailing by Christopher Cross & What a Fool Believes by The Doobie Brothers
Eric He
Class of 2022
Why did you decide pharmacy was a good career choice for you?
Originally I didn’t and chose the veterinary field for most of my educational career. After re-evaluating what I wanted in the long run, what I found I was good at, the job outlook, etc. to be honest, I still didn’t know. But pharmacy gave me a career that is widely diverse that could fit into what I wanted my life to be
What will you be doing in pharmacy 10 years from now?
Hopefully with a job of some sort. Where? I’m not sure yet. Maybe somewhere in the industry field looking at drug marketing slide decks, or managing in a community setting. I’m pretty open right now to different careers.
What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
I like to get away, so even a short weekend trip out of town helps reset my mind. And most importantly, with great company.
What is a quote or motto that you live by?
I kind of live by two. Everything happens for a reason & life’s too short. Especially during school- trying to do work and keep sane, it helps.
Karen Siazon
Class of 2022
.jpeg)
What are important qualities that all pharmacists must have?
A pharmacist needs to be patient, attentive, and focused. It's important to really listen to what the patient is saying in order to piece together the best recommendation for their needs.
This job is repetitive. What would motivate you to do it well every day?
While I will agree there's a certain rhythm of things that develops over time; there's always something new or different everyday. I think what really helps is working directly with patients. Every patient is different, and each day brings its own challenges.
What's one of the best or worst purchases you've ever made?
Best: My Nintendo Switch. Blue Lions best house!
Worst: I spent $30 on a Yu-Gi-Oh! card once. One week later it was worth $1.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Super speed. Additionally grants the benefits of enhanced reflexes and information processing through quickened brain function, intangibility through molecular destabilization, and accelerated healing factor.
Jeffrey Rodriguez
Class of 2022
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
My advice for an incoming P1 student would be to try and not compare yourself to others. Everyone is here at Skaggs for a reason, since we all are unique, amazing individuals. Everything happens for a reason and no matter what things always work out in the end. We all are on this crazy, thrilling journey together.
How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as someone who is enthusiastic, kind-hearted, energetic, and loud! LOL! I am always that one person who can be heard across a noisy room.
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
My favorite memories at Skaggs so far has been being able to go out and celebrate the end of a chaotic, stressful quarter with my friends and explore the amazing places San Diego has to offer. Whether we are enjoying a delicious meal together in Convoy or enjoying the night life at Gaslamp, I am so grateful for all of the memories I have been able to share with my amazing classmates.
What are some small things that make you happy?
Enjoying a delicious cup of coffee on an overcast, cool Fall afternoon are some small things that will always make me happy. I am absolutely obsessed with coffee and Fall is my absolute favorite season!
Erin Yamanaka
Class of 2022
.jpg)
If you weren't a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
I would have pursued dance as a career. I started taking ballet, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical classes when I was 12. I was on my high school, college, and studio's dance team. After college I would have liked to dance on an NBA dance team and later own my own dance studio, where I teach young kids how to dance!
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
Have fun in pharmacy school! Pharmacy school can be very busy and stressful at times, but it is important to enjoy the process. Take the time to build relationships with others and gain experience.
What did you want to be when you were little?
When I was younger, my career choice constantly changed. The two occupations that I remember the most are a firefighter and a podiatrist.
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Avocado toast with egg OR poke!
Arianna Choi
Class of 2021
How did you get to where you are today?
I am where I am today because I've been blessed with mentors and colleagues in the pharmacy community who are willing to share their experiences, and challenge me to grow.
What are 3 important skills that a pharmacist should have?
3 important skills to me are: First, develop your listening skills so you can learn what is important to your patient/team member/boss, etc. Second, be humble and share the credit with your team. Lastly, empower the people you interact with and give them tools to succeed. Each of us has learned from our own journey, it's our duty to pay it forward.
What makes you laugh the most?
My kids (6, 5 yo) make me laugh the most. Its amazing to watch the world through their eyes. I always tell them that my job as a dad is to give them as many tools as I can so they can be successful in life.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is publishing the outcomes from various research team projects in the journals for APhA and ASHP . It validates all of the effort of our teams, and it is an honor to share what we learned with the pharmacy world.
Jason Lam
Class of 2006
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
Pharmacists should have the ability to touch any medication bottle and instantly know the medication’s pharmacology, pill shape/ size/ color/ imprint, and drug interactions. With this ability, pharmacists would be able to run down the medication aisle in the pharmacy with both of their arms open and instantly have an understanding of every single medication without having to go through pharmacy school.
What is your favorite medication and why?
My favorite medication in the world is definitely either Allegra or Claritin. Honestly, without those medications, my seasonal allergy would not allow me to take exams without having a severely runny nose or itchy eyes.
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
I love the sunshine and the beach. With that being said, I love living in SoCal and I would not trade anything to live somewhere else. If having a career and money however are not relevant then I would move to a tropical island. Ideally, I would want to live in the Caribbean or French Polynesia islands such as Bora Bora or Tahiti. I would go snorkeling everyday, drink coconut juice, observe the turquoise ocean, and soak up the sun.
What did you do this past summer and spring break?
This past summer I went to the Grand Canyon and the historic Route 66 with my family. During this past spring break, I went to Thailand, China, and Canada. I love traveling and I think it is a great way to escape our busy lives as pharmacy students.
Steven Chen
Class of 2021
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
Before coming into pharmacy school, you may have a set idea of what your plans are for the future. But in reality, you never know where you’ll end up tomorrow, the next week, or the next year. So keep an open mind when you step into Skaggs! Expose yourself to as many different fields of pharmacy as possible by dipping your feet into all the amazing organizations Skaggs has to offer, look into unique electives, and even network with faculty with diverse professional backgrounds. You never know what will spark your interests and who you end up meeting!
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
During my first quarter in pharmacy school, I had a wonderful opportunity to attend my very first pharmacy conference as a student delegate at ASCP’s Annual Meeting. I had the perk of traveling to a new city, learn about important topics affecting the geriatric community, and meet so many other students and pharmacists who were all so kind!
What is a quote or motto that you live by?
The only person’s opinion that matters is your own.
What makes you laugh the most?
Watching Ali Wong stand up.
Kathie Tran
Class of 2020
What has been your most memorable event at Skaggs so far?
My most memorable experience at Skaggs has been getting to know and become friends with everyone here. From the students to the faculty, the people of Skaggs are some of the most dedicated and intelligent people I have ever met. They are also really fun to hang out with too!
This job is repetitive. What would motivate you to do it well every day?
My motivation to do well every day would be knowing that I am working towards making a difference in my patients’ health and well-being. It is easy to forget to work hard when you are doing the same thing every day, but just thinking about how your work can benefit someone’s life in a major way can motivate you to try your hardest to provide the best possible care to your patients.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Be able to process lactose so I could eat ice cream with no regrets. Also fly.
What are some small things that make you happy?
Cooking something delicious, being exactly 10 minutes early to a meeting/event, waking up and realizing I have another hour until my alarm, 20 piece Chicken McNuggets for $5 deal, a nice haircut, gaining weight, seeing a dog.
Anthony Quach
Class of 2022
Samantha Kim
Class of 2019
What has been your most memorable event at Skaggs so far?
The most memorable event I’ve been a part of is the annual “Senior Prom” that our chapter of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) hosts for local San Diego seniors. Every spring, in line with ASCP’s goals of striving to better care for senior adults, we attempt to recreate a prom for our wonderful seniors by arranging for a live band, setting up a photo booth, and providing a dance floor. During the event, we take the opportunity in between all of the festivities to present relevant, beneficial health topics. The best part of the event is dancing with our seniors and being able to witness how much they look forward to this prom every year.
If you could be any medication, what would you be and why?
I would be tacrolimus or Prograf! Organ transplant is an incredible, humbling and life-changing opportunity and I would love to be an immunosuppressant medication that protects an organ from rejection. After taking a solid organ transplant rotation here at UCSD, I most notably relate to its quirky pharmacokinetic properties. There’s a thought that tacrolimus exhibits “circadian-like” absorption, meaning that absorption may be higher in the mornings versus evenings and I am very much a morning person :)
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
An açaí bowl. These fruity treats are like ice cream to me— but highly packed with antioxidants, topped with the perfect granola crunch, with a dash of bee pollen…need I say more? I recommend taking a five minute drive to Brick and Bell in downtown La Jolla after an exam, or walking over to the farmer’s market on Tuesdays.
What are you most looking forward to after graduation?
In addition to celebrating with family and friends, I’m most looking forward to taking a post-grad trip with my best friends that I’ve made at Skaggs. We’re looking forward to exploring Banff National Park in Alberta. I cannot wait to explore through the trails and lakes and stay in this cute Canadian town. My favorite memories during school were made with these friends, so I’m incredibly thankful to travel, celebrate, and spend some time together with them before we start our residencies.
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
It’s important to stay on top of your studies, but also equally important to make time for yourself, spend time with your loved ones, and get to know your classmates. During P1 year, you’ll develop the best friendships that’ll become your strongest support system when things inevitably get tough as you progress through pharmacy school. Also, don’t compare yourself to others! Everyone works at a different pace and things will eventually always work out.
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
Strong wrists to avoid getting carpal tunnel
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
It may be an unpopular opinion, but anywhere suburban! I love the excitement of visiting the city, but could never imagine settling in the city. I’d choose strip malls over skyscrapers and large driveways over crowded streets any day.
What are some small things that make you happy?
Sleeping in, Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel, getting off work while it’s still bright outside, getting a close parking spot
Annie Bui
Class of 2021
When did you graduate from Skaggs and what have you been up to since?
I graduated from SSPPS in 2012. For those who like a good pharmacokinetics joke, we were known as the “steady state” class, because when we matriculated, for the first time in SSPPS history all enrolled classes P1-P4 were ~60 students in size (as opposed to the smaller classes that preceded us). After graduation I did a PGY1 residency in acute care followed by a PGY2 in infectious diseases at UCSD Health. Since then I have been at the Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences as clinical faculty in infectious diseases where I teach, practice and conduct research.
What are ways that Skaggs has prepared you for your career?
UCSD SSPPS Faculty, Preceptors, Staff and Administration are the real reason I am where I am today. They all truly cared about me and my career interests and gave me the skills, training and support I needed. I can’t thank them enough for what they have given me and so I make sure to pay it forward and support my students, residents and mentees any way that I can.
What makes you laugh the most?
Definitely a good standup comic. I love dry humor and I try to integrate it into everything I do.
What is a quote or motto that you live by?
I’ve always liked “No one has ever become poor by giving” by Anne Frank. I try my best to live life by this.
David Ha
Class of 2012
What are important qualities that all pharmacists must have?
I think being passionate about this profession is the most important. It takes passion to keep moving the pharmacy career forward and to really push ourselves to practice at the top of our license.
This job is repetitive. What would motivate you to do it well every day?
In some fields of pharmacy, the job can become repetitive. But every day, you can still count on learning something new if you put your mind to it. Knowing that there is always more to learn about my patients and my job is what keeps me motivated!
What makes you laugh the most?
Puppy videos where they look really guilty because they know they have done something wrong, or silly dog videos in general. They are so cute they always give me the giggles.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be an astronaut when I was little. I thought that astronaut’s uniform was the coolest looking thing ever, and they get to float and bounce around on the moon all day.
Tracy Chen
Class of 2020
Robin Huang
Class of 2019
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
Choose one thing on your bucket list and do it sometime within your 4 years of pharmacy school. Whether it be learning a new skill or finally traveling somewhere you’ve always wanted go, just make a promise to yourself to do it. Pharmacy school is undoubtedly very stressful and sometimes we get so wrapped up in studying and working towards improving our resumes that we forget to enjoy life. 4 years is a long time, but no one said you have to spend all of it just learning.
This job is repetitive. What would motivate you to do it well every day?
I’ve worked in retail pharmacy since summer P1 year, I can definitely see how the repetition can make the job boring. But what makes me look forward to coming into work every weekend is the staff I work with. They’re fun people to be around, we work really well together and they make the day go by fast. Regardless of where you end up in pharmacy, as long as you have good coworkers to spend the day with, any day will be something to look forward to.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
I’ve been interested in animation for a long time and I’ve always wanted to make my own short film. This past year I finally decided to dedicate the time to learning how to animate and take the first steps in making my own short. There were a few setbacks in the learning process since much of what I learn is self-taught, and for the better half of the year my computer could not properly run the program. Though I haven’t finished my first film yet, I am very proud of how much I’ve learned thus far and what I’ve been able to create with the program.
What is a quote or motto you live by?
Never make excuses.
I used to have a bad habit of blaming my own short comings on other people. It took me a while to realize how arrogant and irresponsible it made me, and it wasn't until I finally started owning up to my own actions and my own mistakes that I was able to become a better person. Taking on that kind of responsibility also helped me realize that I have a lot of control of my life; my actions led me to where I am today and will ultimately take me to where I will end up in the future.
Who is your hero?
I have many heroes in my life, but one that I admire greatly is Will Smith. Aside from being the lead actor in one of my most favorite sitcoms, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, he also instilled valuable perspectives in my life. In the film, “The Pursuit of Happyness”, I live by his quote: “You got a dream? You gotta protect it… You want something? Go get it. Period.” I believe this is a good mentality to have especially through the struggles of pharmacy school.
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
Always stay on top of your classes and be consistent with your study schedules. This way, you would be able to invest more time into extracurriculars such as volunteering in free clinics or eating ramen with friends.
What game or movie universe would you most like to live in?
I would love to be a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village in the Naruto universe. If I knew how to use ninjutsu, I’d send out my shadow clone to go to class for me while I sleep in.
What influenced you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
I’ve always had a passion for healthcare and patient interaction. I chose pharmacy in particular to learn more about the specific indications of diverse medications and to have a role in pursuing preventative care. Working as a pharmacy technician solidified my decision as I saw the role of the Pharmacist, beyond dispensing medications. I admire the fact that my pharmacists created genuine patient relationships to assure optimal healthcare.
Chris Gonzales
Class of 2022
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
Have fun, try new things with new people, meet people outside of your friend group and take advantage of all of the organizations and events that Skaggs has to offer. Also remember to breathe, take time for yourself, and try not to compare yourself to other people; remember that you were accepted for who you are and your strengths!!!
Who has had the greatest influence on your choice of pharmacy as a career?
My grandma. My grandma my best friend and for a really long time I thought that I wanted to become a doctor because I thought that that would be the best way for me to help and care for her. However, I later realized what an important role medication played in her life and how many questions she had about what she was taking. So, I decided that I wanted to join a profession where I could be the person who could give her the answers she wanted and make her life a little bit easier.
What are some small things that make you happy?
A heated blanket, ABBA, sloths, finding that one sock I thought I lost forever when I washed it, the Lifetime Christmas movie season, eight hours or more of sleep and restaurants that give you free bread.
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken Gnocchi soup and breadsticks from Olive Garden, which technically I could eat for the rest of my life because it’s unlimited.
Hailey Hirata
Class of 2021
Crystal Zhou
Class of 2015
What's the most rewarding aspect of your career?
As a student, I wanted to go into academia because I wanted to be able to do a variety of things, like most of my professors and mentors are doing: research, clinical work, and teaching. I am one of those people who like everything, so wanted a job that reflected it. The most rewarding aspect of my current career is the fact that I get to work with students and see them grow into professionals; take care of patients; and contribute to science at the same time. This is exactly what I wanted to do as a student.
What advice would you give a current pharmacy student?
Explore everything while you can! Once you start working or residency, the flexibility decreases. There are so many different paths you can take with a PharmD and the best time to explore all those paths are while you are in school and interacting with pharmacists from all walks of the profession. Exploring while you are a student will help you figure out what you love to do and pursue that as a career. But one other important thing to note is that once you land your first job, it will likely not be your last job, so the exploring will continue.
What's something you enjoy doing while you are not working?
I love to go hiking and exploring with my husband while we're not working. Next spring, we are planning on hiking up to Machu Picchu in Peru.
What are some small things that make you happy?
Waking up in the morning with enough time to eat breakfast before leaving for work; finishing all my tasks for the day; and hitting my 10,000 step goal each day.
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
Make time to do what you enjoy, don't forget to keep up relationships with family, friends, etc..., be open to meeting new people (some who may be different than you but can end up being your best friends), and develop leadership and study skills! Try not to compare yourself to other classmates, go at your own pace and your own accomplishments will come. Have fun!!!
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
The ability to fly! I love being on airplanes and traveling so being able to get to a destination for free would be amazing.
What are important qualities that all pharmacists must have?
I think the greatest quality a pharmacist can have is empathy. Being able to understand and share a patient's feelings allows us to become more compassionate health care professionals. It allows for patient trust and in turn dignity and respect for both parties. Other qualities that great pharmacists should have are a strong work ethic, good communication, and a great understanding of drugs and disease states.
What are some small things that make you happy?
Sleeping in, family parties, dogs, vlogs, any food, traveling, eating, food.
Yvonne Pham
Class of 2020
This job is repetitive. What would motivate you to do it well every day?
The interaction I have with the patients at work is something that would motivate me every day. I love to talk and get to know the people that I help and I appreciate how pharmacy lets you do that. The fact that some fields in pharmacy allow you to see the same people and take part in helping them get better is very rewarding for me
What will you be doing in pharmacy 10 years from now?
One of the things I know I want to do eventually is opening my own pharmacy. I plan to work for a few years after graduating and simultaneously getting my MBA.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my Dad. He's the most selfless person I know and always puts me, my mom, and my sisters first when it comes to the decisions he makes. He always gave us everything we needed and supported us when we were kids and he continues to do so now that we're all older.
How would your friends describe you?
My friends would probably describe me as chill, indecisive, and down to do anything.
Patrick Torres
Class of 2020
If you weren't a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
I would love to be a food or travel blogger, so I could eat and explore to my heart's content. If I was more creative, I would want to be a content creator for Buzzfeed or animator for Disney.
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
Superhuman speed!
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
All of my friends know I LOVE hot pot. I could literally eat it for lunch and still crave it for dinner.
What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
My ideal weekend would be spent eating a ton of good food, hanging out with my family and friends, and enjoying a day at Disneyland with no lines.
Linda Dao
Class of 2020
What influenced you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
During my gap year, I worked as a pharmacy technician at an independent pharmacy and while I was there, I was able to see firsthand the impact that a pharmacist could make on his/her community. The pharmacist I worked with knew all his regular patients; he always made an effort to ensure that all their questions and concerns were addressed and that his patients were adherent to their therapy. Seeing the relationship that he was able to build with his patients and the trust they had for him was what ultimately convinced me to pursue pharmacy.
If you weren't a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
If I wasn't a pharmacist, I think I would be a software engineer. I think it'd be really fun to work for a social media company and the benefits definitely wouldn't hurt (free food, gym, and most importantly doggy day care).
What game or movie universe would you most like to live in?
I would like to live in the Pokémon world and my starter Pokémon would be Charmander. I don't think that I would be a very good Pokémon trainer and I don't think I would make it past the first gym but I'd be most excited about being able to bond and build a relationship with my Pokémon!
Q4: What are some small things that make you happy?
Seeing a dog, petting a dog, playing with a dog, and watching dog videos.
Nancy Kong
Class of 2020
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
The ability to clone themselves to create a pharmacist army to get all their work done!
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
My most memorable experience is probably our annual class Friendsgivingmas. We have a potluck and white elephant gift exchange around the holiday season. It's so fun being able to hang out with everyone outside of class and a nice way to relax before finals start.
What are some small things that make you happy?
Puppies in onesie pajamas, farmers markets, cookies, parallel parking on the first try.
What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
I would spend the weekend outdoors. Maybe surfing or hiking, preferably with a little golden retriever pup. Followed by some In-N-Out.
Tori Kobata
Class of 2020
Ari Choi
Class of 2021
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
I would advise an incoming P1 student to remember to live a balanced lifestyle during pharmacy school. School can get really busy and stressful, but it’s important to make time for yourself! Meet as many people as you can/spend time with your friends because you will meet your lifelong friends here at Skaggs & don’t forget to maintain other important relationships in your life! Stay involved or get involved in hobbies that you can enjoy on your free time.
Who has had the greatest influence on your choice of pharmacy as a career?
My Dad has had the greatest influence on my choice of pharmacy as a career because he was the one who introduced me to the field. He has been a pharmacist for over 30 years, so I grew up listening to stories about his workday when we had family dinners every night. The stories that he told me always captured my attention and inspired me to make as much of an impact on others as he did. He would also take me to his workplace after my doctor appointments, which allowed me to be exposed to the environment he worked in. Throughout the years, my interest in pharmacy continued to grow, and now I am here pursing it!
What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
Spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new places, taking some dance classes, shopping, hiking, eating good food
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
I’ve always wanted to live in Seattle or San Francisco for a few years before I settle down. I grew up living in the suburbs, so I think it would be a great experience to live in the city. I also love dressing up for the cold weather!
Kevin Nguyen
Class of 2020
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
I would advise P1 students to take advantage of all of the opportunities that Skaggs has to offer. There are a lot of ways to meet people and get involved through different student organizations and volunteer opportunities, so definitely put yourself out there! Spend some time getting to know your upperclassmen as well. Try your best to learn as much as possible about the profession - pharmacy school is your time to learn what you want to do for your future career, so make the most of it. You have the most time as a P1, so take the time to explore San Diego and bond with your classmates. As the years go on, you will be much busier, so utilize your time during P1 year wisely!
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be KBBQ! There have been some weeks during this past summer where I ate it multiple days in a row and it definitely wasn't a problem.
If you weren't a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
If I wasn't a pharmacist, I would be a high school academic counselor! I've always really enjoyed mentoring other people and guiding them towards their goals. I've also enjoyed the planning and administrative aspects that would be associated with the job, so I think it would be a good fit. Pharmacy does have its similarities to academic counseling, so I'm not too far off! Ultimately, I want to work in a pharmacy setting where I can teach other students - either as a preceptor in an institutional setting or as a faculty member in an academic setting.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Preferably, I would want something cool such as teleportation, flight, or super speed!
Josh Valdez
Class of 2018
What influenced you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
Growing up, I was always interested in how medicines work and knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. It seemed amazing to me how we have the technology and the knowledge to be able to fight illnesses, and I wanted to know all the ins-and-outs of the medications we use to treat disease. I ultimately decided that pharmacy was the choice for me!
This job is repetitive. What would motivate you to do it well every day?
Although the core tasks of a pharmacist may seem repetitive, I believe there are always interventions to be made that can either enhance patient therapy and/or improve patient safety. I believe that it is the nature and position of the pharmacist to be a problem-solver, to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. I have a personality of always wanting to improve the way things are done, whether that be changes in workflow, new directions in healthcare, or innovative services for patients!
What game or movie universe would you most like to live in?
Honestly, I think Maplestory (lol) would be a pretty fun universe to live in. For those of you who have never played, it is a very casual, massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) in which you can choose to be either an archer, warrior, thief, or magician-type character. The atmosphere in Maplestory is very carefree and there are many side quests to do if you want to. The game is so in-depth it even has its own economy which can also be fun to participate in. I used to have my own shop and specialize in android crafting, which required me to build relationships with other merchants who focused on mining minerals and other core crafting materials. I feel like living in the Maplestory world would be a lot of fun!
What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
Relaxing at home, trying out a new recipe, playing Overwatch, and going to sleep/waking up whenever I feel like it.
What will you be doing in pharmacy 10 years from now?
Everything related to education! I would like to pay it forward like what our faculty members are doing and inspire students. With that said, I would be working at an inpatient hospital and precepting pharmacy students during their APPEs/IPPEs. In addition, I would be a faculty at a pharmacy school and give lectures.
If you weren't a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
I would have pursued being yoga instructor. I love seeing people from different paths of life, careers, and backgrounds come together. It's even better when they come together to practice yoga. I want to create a space where people can only focus on themselves and fully become present to what is happening at the moment rather than thinking about what they have to do next. In addition, I want to be a part of someone's physical and mental transformation.
If you could travel to any fictional place, where would you go?
There isn't any fictional place I would want to go but if I can travel to anywhere in the world at this moment, it would be Copenhagen, Denmark. I would to bike around the city to visit the Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Amalienborg Palace, and Hyhavn. I would also love to eat yummy Danish food.
What makes you laugh the most?
My husband, Andrew makes me laugh the most with everything and anything he does. He is always able to bring a smile to my face and make my laugh so hard that my abs start hurting. Time spent with him is always the best!
Courtney Moc
Class of 2019
Derek Yang
Class of 2021
What has been your most memorable experience at Skaggs so far?
There are many memorable and cheerful moments at Skaggs, and the most memorable one is the CAPSLEAD conference. Skaggs prepares its students to become well-rounded pharmacists and also the future leaders in this profession. It is the first professional meeting that I have ever attended, and I had the opportunity to network with pharmacy students from other schools in California. I appreciate the opportunity to take part in this conference with my fellow colleagues and the opportunity to work with them throughout the year on the project. Not only did I interact with pharmacy faculties from other schools, I also learned about critical issues facing pharmacy leaders and team management techniques.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to become a chef when I was young. I remembered that my family and I celebrated my birthday at a restaurant and dining there made us happy and joyful. I wanted to become a chef so that I could cook for my friends and families and make their day. I also love combining flavors, making sauces, and finding new ingredients.
What superpower would you give all pharmacists?
Teleportation! Teleportation saves time and gives people more hours of sleep. It is also user-friendly for people who are afraid of heights.
As you get through your first year at Skaggs, what is the best advice you'd give to a new pharmacy student?
The best advice I can give to the incoming pharmacy student is to be responsible and bold. Be aware of your action and be responsible for it. Be dependable and honor your commitment. At the same time, have the courage to go beyond and push further than you think you are capable. Have the courage to do what others won’t and be consciously aggressive in what you believe in but keep your mind open for oppositions.
What has been your most memorable experience at Skaggs so far?
After every quarter, I think back to all the waking up at 3 am nights (mornings technically), all the weeks were I just didn’t think passing that test was possible, all the extracurricular filled days and am amazed that I actually completed and passed everything in the end. Life has a crazy way of working out. The life of a student is so hectic, busy and crazy, but all of it is worth it because of good friends, good food, and passion for the profession!
Who had the greatest influence on your choice of pharmacy as a career?
My mom had the biggest influence on my choice of becoming a pharmacist—not because she is/ even knows any pharmacists, but because she mentioned it as a possible upgrade from my previous career.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
“Oops!...I Did It Again" #BritneysNumberOneFan…but if any of you have gone karaoke-ing with me… you know I putting that mic in my hand makes me feel empowered with talents that I really don’t have.
What did you want to be when you were little?
To be honest, my aspirations as a child were never more than a quick thought. My aspirations have ranged from being a teacher to a doctor to a singer to an actress (and everything in between those). I have never been much of a planner for the future and this still hasn’t changed.
Alicia McGhie
Class of 2020
Emma Huynh
Class of 2019
What advice would you give to an incoming P1 student?
As an incoming P1, I know it would be quite difficult adjusting to the new environment as well as making friends. As stressful as it might seem to be, it is the best time for you to create new friendships and make meaningful memories that last for a lifetime, so enjoy your time as a P1 as much as you can! Study, travel with friends, enjoy every moment, and ultimately, do what makes you happy!
What influenced you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
I think it all started with my volunteer excursion in a small village in Thailand. Since I was trained and certified for first aid and CPR, the volunteer members and the local villagers often seek for my help with their small injuries. One of the most touching moments during my trip was when the staff members told me how they were glad to have someone who is caring like me on the trip and they wished to have a member like me on every of their trips. Experiencing the Karen tribe community ‘s appreciation toward our help as well as the group members’ gratefulness have helped me to realize how our little help, together, can make such a significant change on others’ lives. Even with my little medical knowledge, I was able to help the people around me in a meaningful way. The experience gave me the motivation to get my pharmaceutical training which will allow me to further help even more people.
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is a very very hard question as I love food so much and it is almost impossible to just pick out one; But I would say noodles since that was the only thing that I could eat almost everyday throughout my whole undergrad. My best friend was joking how she would not be surprised if I woke up and became a noodle one day… So I think I would not mind eating a warm, comforting bowl of noodle on any day (and maybe become a noodle myself afterward lol).
What are some small things that make you happy?
As weird as it sounds, I love receiving/opening packages, so I do a lot of online shopping, especially during stressful study time. By the time I am done with all the exams, I will get “surprise” gifts from myself (Yayy me :D!!).
Arianna Choi
Class of 2021
What has been your most memorable experience at Skaggs so far?
The most memorable experience at Skaggs has been meeting everyone here! All the students and faculty are extremely friendly and down to earth. It is super easy to talk to everyone. I love how everyone is sincerely willing to help each other out. I’ve met some of the smartest, most genuine, and well-rounded people here, who I will definitely keep in touch with forever! It’s really reassuring that I am at the right pharmacy school.
If you weren’t a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
I would have pursued dance as a career. I have been dancing since I was 10 years old. I trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and lyrical. I competed at a studio and was on my high school and college dance team. After college, I would have liked to audition for an NBA dance team and teach dance at various studios then later own my own dance studio to teach others how to dance!
What are some small things that make you happy?
I love having meaningful talks and spending quality time with friends and family. I also enjoy exploring new places with good company!
Who is your hero?
My older sister, Lindsay, is my hero. Ever since I was younger, she has been such an inspirational role model and has taught me a lot. She has also been my #1 supporter and motivator through the good and bad times. To this day, we are still super close. Even though she lives more than 400 miles away from me in NorCal, she still manages to check up on me everyday and encourage me when I am feeling down.
If you weren't a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
I’d probably pursue something in the graphics industry. As a kid I taught myself how to use Photoshop via websites (YouTube wasn’t a thing then) and learned how to use Illustrator in high school when I joined the newspaper team. I actually have toyed with the idea of becoming a graphics illustrator for science textbooks in the past because it combined both my interests in science and graphic design, but I never did fully pursue it because it’s a super competitive, niche field… and I probably would have been destroyed by the competition (lol). Given enough time, I wouldn’t mind sharpening my amateur Photoshop and Illustrator skills to accurately create illustrations that would empower those who want to learn about science!
What superpower would you give all pharmacists?
Teleportation. No time wasted on traveling = more productivity
If you can eat anything for the rest of your life what would it be?
I’m going to cheat a little and say noodles/dumplings because that’s a combination that allowed me to survive undergrad. My palate has been refined since then so I eat less junk now (sort of…), but I will always enjoy a steaming, hot bowl of noodles and side of dumplings.
If you could travel to any fictional place, where would you go?
Growing up, I loved playing MMORPGs so any sort of fantasy world from an MMORPG would be fun to visit. Just to list a few, worlds like those in TERA, Dragon Nest, Elsword… heck I’d even be down for MapleStory!
Annie Hu
Class of 2018
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
It has to be meeting the faculty and my fellow students at Skaggs. I feel fortunate to be able to meet so many extremely smart, kind, and talented people. It motivates me to reach further and better myself to keep up with these smart cookies.
This job is repetitive. What would motivate you to do it well every day?
I gain personal satisfaction from doing the best that I know that I can. In small games, puzzles, or competitions, I perform to the best of my mind and ability. As a pharmacist, I will strive to do the best job that I can so that I can offer the best care to my patients. Knowing that my patients are receiving the best care that I can give them will bring me personal satisfaction in my work, in my own abilities, and in knowing my patients are taken care of.
What did you want to be when you were little?
My family jokes around about how I told them I wanted to be a fire truck when I grew up. That’s right, a big red siren-blaring fire truck with a big fire hose to help douse out fires.
If you could choose to do anything for an entire day, what would you choose?
Take my parents out to the zoo or some other fun activity. They don’t rest too often.
Dean Lam
Class of 2020
Krystal Garrovillo
Class of 2019
What influenced you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
I took a pharmaceutical sciences class in undergrad as one of my science electives. It turned out to be a team based class focusing a lot on collaboration and being able to support your answers/opinions. This was so different from any other science class that I had taken. It was more challenging in the way that it really made me consider the way other people think and see things. It really drew me into the profession of pharmacy as I learned that the field was moving towards collaborative practices.
What are some small things that make you happy?
Hitting personal records in the gym! I go to the gym on a regular basis and each workout is always different, challenging me in a new way. Although a lot of the times I do the same exercises, adding weight each week, whether it be 2.5 lbs or 25 lbs. Being able to lift that weight makes me really happy! Not only does it help build strength but confidence too (especially after a long week of exams)! If you’ve ever deadlifted or squatted with me, you’ll see me do a little happy dance at the end of my set.
What will you be doing in pharmacy 10 years from now?
10 years from now I hope to be an oncology pharmacist assisting with investigational drug research. The field is so innovative and has shifted to a much more personalized form of medicine. I want to be on the forefront of using novel medications in patients who previously had poor treatment options, bringing new hope into people’s lives!
If you could travel to any fictional place, where would you go?
STARS HOLLOW! I absolutely adore Gilmore Girls and constantly wish I was living their lives. More often than not I sit down with my morning coffee while watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix, imagining I’m in Luke’s diner with some blueberry pancakes and donuts, doing pirouettes in Miss Patty’s dance class, skipping high school classes to be with Jess, and doing anything to get on Taylor’s nerves. I love that it's a small town where everyone knows everything but cares so much out of the goodness of their hearts.
As you get through your first year at Skaggs, what is the best advice you'd give to a new pharmacy student?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Maybe you didn’t get the grade you wanted on a test or you didn’t get that leadership role you wanted. It can seem like the end of the world at the time but it’s important to think of the big picture. You made it to pharmacy school which is a huge accomplishment in itself. Be happy about where you are and continue to do your best.
What superpower would you give all pharmacists?
Ability to never have to sleep. Pharmacy school isn’t easy and takes a lot of hard work. I wish I never had to sleep so I could spend that extra 7 hours a day hanging with friends, doing yoga, or (realistically) studying more.
If you can eat anything for the rest of your life what would it be?
Grandma’s cooking. Nothing can beat it and it cannot be replicated (I’ve tried).
What makes you laugh the most?
My classmates that I study with. I’m so grateful for all the people I’ve met in pharmacy school thus far and I am especially thankful for those that keep me sane during long study sessions.
Hilary Velasquez
Class of 2021
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
Last year, I tore my achilles tendon while playing intramural basketball which was quite memorable haha but the most memorable part of it all was the love and support my classmates overwhelmed me with throughout my healing process. Through the most physically painful experience of my life I was able to see and realize the greatest blessings of my life. I absolutely love my classmates. Their unique stories, passions, and hearts inspire me. They are literally the best.
If you weren't a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
I would probably be playing music somewhere. It's still a dream of mine to go on a tour. Get paid to travel the world and play music! If you want to jam, hit me up.
If you could travel to any fictional place, where would you go?
Oh, this is a tough one. Typical places like Middle Earth, Hogwarts, and Westeros come to mind but if I had to pick just one place it would be Narnia. Think about it. I would be able to ride a lion, hang out with some awesome creatures, eat good food, slay some evil queens and still make it back in time for neuro final. Or I guess I can just study there. #timehacks
If you could choose to do anything for an entire day, what would you choose?
I would eat good food and laugh with good friends. :)
Chris Chung
Class of 2020
Brianna Zimmers
Class of 2019
If you weren't a pharmacist, what career would you pursue?
Realistically, I would have pursued a career in engineering or computer science. If I had chosen to follow my passion and develop a hobby into a career, I would have pursued photojournalism and worked for National Geographic or something similar. I’ve always been drawn to photography and it would be so exciting to travel the world and capture moments to share with others.
What influenced you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
I have always liked to figure out how things work, and in college this started to shift towards physiology and figuring out how the body works. When I realized I could choose a career that allowed me to empower others to use medications more effectively using my knowledge of how drugs work, it seemed like a great fit.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
My proudest accomplishment involves my experience with two performing organizations during my four undergrad years at UCSD. During my first quarter as a freshman, I auditioned for and joined both an acappella group and a taiko group (taiko = Japanese drumming). I considered myself a pretty shy person, so the nature of both of these groups pushed me WAY out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to become more self-aware. Though it was tough juggling academic responsibilities with constantly rushing between rehearsals for two groups, my time spent doing acappella and taiko are what I remember and treasure most from college.
What did you want to be when you were little?
No joke, I once told my mom I wanted to be an octopus when I grew up. Once I got a little older I wanted to become a veterinarian.
How are you liking rotations of P4 year so far? Do you have any advice regarding preparing for P4 year?
P4 year has been a roller coaster ride, but I love all my rotations so far! I’m learning so much, interacting with a variety of patients, and working closely with other healthcare professionals. In regards to preparing for P4 year, I don’t think there is much you can do besides to make the most out of your rotation experience. Preceptors don’t expect us to remember everything we learned in school, but reading guidelines/trials and reviewing your therapeutic notes beforehand definitely helps!
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
The ability to fly.
What did you want to be when you were little?
An artist. I love doing anything that involves creativity - drawing, painting, ceramics, calligraphy, photography, etc. I hope to start a business showcasing my artwork on the side of being pharmacist.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
When I made a perfect beef wellington for the first time (pretty confident it’s better than Gordon Ramsay's).
Ginger Lo
Class of 2018
Claire Chen
Class of 2021
What are important qualities all pharmacists must have?
Important qualities that all pharmacist must have are humility, patience, compassion, and empathy. In order to put the interests of a patient’s above our own, a pharmacist should show humility while communicating and interacting with patients and other healthcare professionals. Most pharmacists have to deal with people who are not feeling well on a daily basis; this is where patience intertwined with compassion is required to interact with difficult patients. Empathizing with and understanding a patient's uncomfortable and vulnerable state should drive pharmacists to personalize the conversation for each one of their patients.
What is your favorite medication and why?
I don’t think I can say that I have a “favorite" medication because if you have to take medication, it indicates that you are sick in some way. I really do prefer non-pharmacological treatments over pharmacological treatments, but I understand that sometimes that is not always enough to treat an extremely ill patient. If I had to chose a medication, I would chose Herceptin (trastuzumab) which is a treatment drug for HER2+ breast cancer. I was first introduced to this drug while volunteering in the lab of Dr. Dennis Salmon, who discovered the HER2 oncogene and this medication. I was very impressed by the drug's effectiveness especially as one of the first effective HER2+ breast cancer drugs available on the market at the time. Many breast cancer patients’ lives were improved by the use of this drug.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
My proudest accomplishment so far was using my first paycheck from my first job to treat my parents to lunch on Mother’s Day. Growing up, I took my parent’s love and care for granted and now looking back, I was very self-centered in so many ways, especially during high school. After going to college and living on my own, I realized that I do not appreciate my parents enough and I take them for granted all the time. Now that I’m back living at home, I make sure to serve my parents and do little things that can make their day such as a phone call, a verbal encouragement, asking about their day, and most importantly through acts of service.
If you could travel to any fictional place, where would you go?
I would want to visit and possibly live in Stars Hollow, the small town in Connecticut where Gilmore Girls takes place. I actually was born in a small town off the Hudson River in New York, but I have not been back since so I am curious as to what it would have been like to grow up in a small East Coast town with four seasons. Don’t get me wrong, I am a native San Diegan who loves San Diego, but I can’t help but be curious. I would not mind being part of the Stars Hollow tight-knit community because I love the characters and their quirky personalities. All the people in Stars Hollow seem down to earth, humorous, and witty so I’d imagine hanging out with them would be fun and enjoyable.
What advice would you give to a P1 student?
I would tell a new P1 student to try to make studying as fun as possible! I know it sounds contradictory - studying and fun, but what really helped me was studying in groups. For the first time, every other person in your class is going through the same exact thing you are going through. Use that to your advantage and study with your classmates. It makes it more enjoyable and talking out loud really helps the material stick better.
What influenced you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
When my grandparents were visiting from overseas, along with the yummy Arabic food, they brought along all of their varying medical concerns. That summer, I went back and forth to the pharmacy multiple times, and each time, the pharmacist was very kind an helpful. She was at the front of the line care and very trustworthy. After that, I seriously began considering to pursue a career in pharmacy.
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
This is a tough question, but I would have to say that I would live wherever my family and friends were living. I truly think that it doesn’t matter where you go, but the company you go with makes the difference. Because of that, I would always like to live near my loved ones.
What makes you happy?
If I could list the top 5 things that make me happy, they would be my family and friends, pho, corny jokes, and lots of shoes. On that note, I will end this interview with a corny joke: Why don't they play poker in the jungle? Too many CHEETAHS!
Lana Kashou
Class of 2020
Who has had the greatest influence on your choice of pharmacy as a career?
I have always been interested in the health field in general, and must admit that my family’s encouragement helped to maintain the momentum in pursuing such a field. Obtaining a career in pharmacy had not always been a primary goal for me. It wasn’t until I started reading about the various clinical avenues that pharmacists can take on, such as running an ambulatory care clinic, that I began to consider pharmacy as an option. After hearing about individuals’ experiences and career satisfaction in practicing as clinical pharmacists, I decided that this was the career I wanted to pursue.
Who is your hero?
I would have to expand this platform to two individuals who each have positively shaped my outlook on life. The first individual is my father, who has tirelessly exemplified what being selfless entails. I strive to embody his unrelenting yearn to help others, be it a stranger, friend, or family member. His consistent effort to ensure that the presence of another individual never goes unnoticed speaks to his heroic nature of compassion and empathy. The second individual is my mother, my personal hero who never fails to remind me of the positive wonders life has to offer. I yearn to embody her beautiful energy that acts as an instigator of smiles and laughter among those around her.
What makes you laugh the most?
Hmm… Credit goes to my little sister’s Snapchats 😃.
If you could choose to do anything for an entire day, what would you choose?
Snorkeling in the warm waters off the coast of Cozumel would be a winner.
Heba Diab
Class of 2019
Why did you decide pharmacy was a good career choice for you?
With my personality, I have an innate trait to instinctively care for everyone, which is probably why my nickname among my friends is Momma T. My family and friends come first in my life. By choosing pharmacy as a career, it will allow me to deliver care to my patients, but ultimately, be able to achieve the balance lifestyle I desire. I will not only be able to do what I love, but also have the time to be with the people I love as well.
How would your friends describe you?
Most recently, one of my friends described me as the following: Trustworthy, Illuminating, Nutritional, and Assertive.
What are important qualities that all pharmacists must have?
Compassion, integrity, and humility - as a pharmacist, I aim to understand my patients to build a strong rapport with them, to have strong moral ethics, and to practice self-awareness because no matter where I am in my career, there is always more to learn and opportunities to grow.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
I successfully baked a perfect cheesecake at my first attempt that I was unable to taste test or eat because I'm highly lactose intolerant.
Tina Ho
Class of 2021
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
My most memorable event at Skaggs was ASP Banquet. At this event, most of our faculty and students were present, and we had a great time. We had good food, drinks, photo booth and dancing at the end. I loved that everyone dressed up well and we had some awesome class photos. Overall it was the event to celebrate us and our achievements of getting through the school year and passing our classes.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a scientist, so I would discover and invent new things. I could say I’m still staying in a career that involves a lot of science – pharmacy.
What did you do this past summer?
I worked part-time at an outpatient pharmacy and worked on some home projects. I was happy to get some time off from school. I started going to the gym and exercising more often.
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’ll have spring rolls. They have protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables all in one roll.
Trinh Nguygen
Class of 2020
Kathy Nguyen
Class of 2019
What has been your most memorable event/experience at Skaggs so far?
I feel like pharmacy school involves a lot of class (especially during P1 year) and studying, but there are definitely opportunities to hang out with classmates and have fun. Some of the most memorable experience of pharmacy school attending the events outside of class, including Phun Run, Mr. Pharmacy, Culture Fusion, attending conferences, banquets.
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
As a pharmacist (and even as a pharmacy student), I feel like having the power to manipulate time would be very beneficial. I am currently working in a community pharmacy, and sometime wish I had more time to get patients medication ready, especially when there is a rush of patients. It would be nice to have more time to talk with patients and provide appropriate education and not feel rushed.
What did you do this past summer?
This last summer, I was fortunate to be selected as one of the two AMCP Foundation/Allergan interns. I spent 9 weeks in the Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research (GHEOR) department at Allergan where I got hand-on experiences with outcomes research. I had the opportunities to meet with leaders in the various department and learn about career opportunities for pharmacists in pharmaceutical industry. I also got to spend one week at the AMCP headquarter in Alexandria, VA where I got to learn more about the roles of pharmacists in an association setting and explore Washington D.C. It was a busy summer, but definitely rewarding!
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hum.. for some reason I really like spring rolls….so I guess I can eat that for the rest of my life (with ice cream for dessert :))?
What did you want to be when you were little?
When I was little, I wished I would work a different occupation every day. On Mondays, I would be a teacher. On Tuesdays, I would drive people around (AKA Uber). On Wednesdays, I would become a doctor and get to wear the prestige white blouse. On Thursdays, I would sing on stage. Friday, Saturdays, Sundays would be relaxing days. Interestingly, pharmacist was not one of them until I realized I should only have 1 occupation for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite medication and why?
My favorite medication would probably be Benicar because it smells like vanilla cake batter or butter every time I fill prescriptions.
If you could eat a food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
BUN BO HUE. I could eat this spicy beefy noodle soup for the rest of my life. Sadly, I haven’t found any good Bun Bo Hue in San Diego. If you’re reading this and know of any good local places, please let me know.
Hanh Dinh
Class of 2019
Quyen Nguyen
Class of 2018
Describe the perfect imaginary pharmacy in your mind. Be creative!
The perfect imaginary pharmacy in my mind is a beach-front establishment with a lounging area and a medicating area. People can come to chill with friends or meditate or just nap if they have their medications filled there. There will be an espresso bar serving drinks and you will get a discount for each medication refilled. Also, there will be a occasional hula-dancing shows for your entertainment as well because why not! Haha.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Definitely rural Japan! I’ve watched a lot of documentaries about it and I really like the lifestyle there. It can be a bit lonely and boring (from what I’ve heard) but the simplicity, the sustainability, and the serenity of living there really speak to me. The people there are amazing too. Less is more sometimes.
How would your friends describe you?
Where to start?! Haha. I was described as “a wandering soul” because when I am bored on campus, I would wander around the main campus to kill time because I don’t know what else to do! I am also addicted to caffeine that my classmates would casually ask “is that your second cup?” some would also describe me as the one who naps a lot, even though I just finished my large cup of coffee.
What is the accomplishment before pharmacy school that you are most proud of?
I would say moving to the U.S. when I was 16 is the accomplishment I am most proud of. I was under a huge cultural shock and it didn’t help much that my English was almost nonexistent at the moment. From being a pretty sheltered and spoiled kid, now I’m more independent and capable of taking care of myself. It’s crazy whenever I look back and see how much I’ve charged for the past 9 years.
What did you want to be when you were small?
Tall. Then I learned about genetics and realized that would never happen. From there, I understood the importance of being joyful even though I was not given much to begin with, so then I decided to be awesome instead. I’d have to say I turned out OK…ish…
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Fold clean clothes. We are often so worried about what is to come that we fail to realize each day brings its own trials. Folding clothes is therapeutic because it forces you to stand there and focus on the minute details of where you want each fold to be to minimize wrinkling.
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
Patience. Humans are frustrating to deal with.
Describe the perfect imaginary pharmacy in your mind! Be creative!
My perfect imaginary pharmacy would have a waiting room where people can relax while they wait for their prescriptions to be filled. Except, they wouldn’t be relaxing because in that room (with no chairs) there’d be tables overflowing with unfolded clothes. Because these tables are weight sensitive, the pharmacist would be able to tell if the patients have folded enough clothes; if the weight limit is satisfied, then the pharmacist will allow the patient to pick up his/her prescription. This will teach patients how to fold clothes, how to be patient, and maybe even defeat the consumerist society we live in today. That’s what I call hitting 3 stones with 1 bird.
James Kuo
Class of 2018
Would you rather win the lottery or work the perfect job? And why?
I would rather win the lottery than work my perfect job because my perfect job would be to play in the NBA and I can’t jump high enough to make that happen. I simply have better odds of winning millions of dollars than I do of going pro. HOWEVER, if I magically got extremely athletic then I would go pro immediately and get to work becoming the greatest of all time.
If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
NACHOS! DEFINITELY NACHOS! I would absolutely love to eat nachos all day, ever day, for the rest of my life. Lobster nachos, carne asada nachos, plain nachos, you name it. If its nachos I undeniably love it.
What is your favorite medication and why?
100% has to be Afrin for me because the feeling of going from congested to able to breathe again is fantastic.
Nathanael Luna
Class of 2020
Adam Peterman
Class of 2019
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Right now I would choose to spend it on a remote tropical island in Southeast Asia. Spend the day scuba diving, swimming, and playing beach volleyball. And also just relaxing and reading a book or playing backgammon.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
I would for sure rather win the lottery. It would be nice to not have money as a source of stress in life and focus on other interests and passions. I could help out family and friends and start a nonprofit or donate to causes I believe in. plus, I would love to spend as much time as possible traveling and backpacking.
Who had the greatest influence on your choice of pharmacy as a career?
My mom honestly probably had the biggest influence on this decision. Growing up with her as a registered nurse and seeing how passionate she was made me see a career as a health professional to be a rewarding path. Also she didn’t want me to become a commercial fisherman like other family members since its I guess dangerous and not always stable income. Even though I was always drawn to it.
What is the accomplishment before pharmacy school that you are most proud of?
This isn’t necessarily an accomplishment but I am proud that I took the 3 years off after undergrad to backpack and travel the world on my own. I feel like its made me more independent and all the new experiences I had and people I met have given me important perspectives on life. Having the opportunity to travel extensively for a few years and live in other countries while being young wasn’t something I wanted to pass up on. I also was able to spend more time working on fishing boats in Alaska with my family in the summers.
If you had to choose one other field besides pharmacy, what would it be?
I would have chosen to be in the makeup industry. I appreciate the industry for its artistry and individual styles and expression.
How are you handling the stress of pharmacy school?
I practice yoga and try to mediate everyday in order to clear my mind of the day’s stress.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to become a chef. I soon found out that I am horrible at cooking.
What did you do last summer?
Last summer I was living and volunteering with Navy on the USNS Mercy ship in the Phillippines. I spent the remaining portion of my summer participating in the US Public Health Service JRCOSTEP program. I worked for Indian Health Service at the Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital on the Crow Agency Reservation in Montana.
Jane Chang
Class of 2018
If you had to choose one other field besides pharmacy, what would it be?
I think I would be in the medical field if I were not in pharmacy. I have always been interested in the healthcare industry and debated between medical and pharmacy for awhile, but I ultimately chose pharmacy because I felt it suited my skills, personality, and lifestyle better.
What would you not be able to live without to survive pharmacy school?
I would not be able to live without my bed because I basically only study lying down. On days where I am stuck at school and I have to study in a chair, I am much less productive.
List two pet peeves.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when people drive slower than the flow of traffic in the fast lane. My other pet peeve is when people are talking at night when I’m trying to sleep.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
If I were a superhero, I would be able to fly. I have always wished that humans could fly. Sometimes when I see birds flying, I imagine what it is like to be them.
May-May On
Class of 2019
What did you want to be when you were little?
I’ve always wanted to be some kind of educator. When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher because I loved learning and respected my teachers’ abilities to teach us students with such energy and passion. Now, my dream career isn’t much different than it was 15 years ago, since patient education is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of being a pharmacist.
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
I would give all pharmacists the power to make carbon copies of themselves since pharmacists practically have to be superhuman in order to handle the workload they receive. Instead of being demanded to be five different places at once and to help five patients at once, imagine the relief of actually being able to be at five places at once!
What is the accomplishment/involvement before pharmacy school that you are most proud of?
Since I was six, music has been my main interest outside of school. I took piano lessons and played flute through high school. Initially I pursued music for myself as a mode of expression; however as my skills developed and I began performing at various functions such as school concerts, family events, church services, and a wedding, I also realized that music can be a way to connect to other people, even strangers. I felt amazed that my performances could have such a strong impact on people, even making some cry. While I am at Skaggs, I hope to continue making a positive impact on the lives of others with music by being active with Serotones.
Cara Eskelsen
Class of 2019
what is your favorite medication and why?
My favorite medication would probably be Namenda because this medication can make a significant difference in a person’s life with dementia. I think it is so scary to wake up one day and not remember who everyone is or how to go about your day. So I think Namenda is an extremely important medication.
What is your biggest fear?
I’m really afraid of spiders. They are just so creepy and crawly. I can’t really look at them without getting goosebumps. LOL! But my real biggest fear is disappointing my mom. She sacrificed a lot for me so I always want to make her proud.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
POKE!! This is probably the only food that I can eat often without getting sick of it. Also, I feel this is somewhat sort of healthy and I can survive on it every day without much health issues… except maybe mercury or food poisoning.
Anh Nguyen
Class of 2020
What did you want to be when you were small?
When I was little I wanted to be a lawyer because I always thought I could argue my way out of anything.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Favorite sport to play is volleyball, but to watch is football.
What superpower would you give to all pharmacists?
All pharmacists should have the ability to clone themselves.
What accomplishment before pharmacy school are you most proud of?
Before pharmacy school, my best accomplishment was probably working with my Pre-Pharm exec board as VP to bring our number of active members from 50-75 in less than a year.
Kaylene De Vries
Class of 2019
Who is your hero?
I actually have two superheroes, my mom and my dad. They embody everything I could ever aspire to be – loving, hardworking, intelligent, and kind. I couldn’t imagine any better role models.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
If I could have any superpower in the world, it would definitely be to eat whatever I want and not gain any weight! (Who wouldn’t want that?!)
Who had the greatest influence on your choice of pharmacy as a career?
A young girl named Maria had the biggest influence on my decision to enter the field of pharmacy. Her family’s story gave me a new perspective on the aspect of treatment and opened my eyes to the vital role that pharmacists play in the healthcare profession.
What is the accomplishment before pharmacy school that you are most proud of?
My biggest accomplishment before pharmacy school would have to be the Hearts for Hope Charity Gala that I organized and hosted in 2014. It raised over $2,000 for cancer patients at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital which I donated on Valentine’s Day as a “gift of love.”
Angie Ataya
Class of 2020
Tran Nguyen
Class of 2019
Where did you go for undergrad, and what is an accomplishment/involvement you are proud of?
I went to UC Berkeley for my Bachelor degree and graduated in 2015. My proudest achievement is a charitable clinic in Vietnam that I have co-founded with my mom in 2009. We named it ‘TU TAM,’ which means from the heart. I still vividly remember one day my mom came back from work and said one of our neighbors in our hometown passed away due to cervical cancer. My mom is an OB-GYN in Vietnam and said to me if our neighbor had had resources to go for checkups to the nearest urban city, she would not have passed away at such a young age. That saddened my heart tremendously and it was one of the many reasons we found the clinic. The clinic has continuously served thousands of people in our hometown and bridged the gap between urban and rural healthcare.
What piece of advice would you give to a P1?
My advice might be easier said than done; however, you should not stress too much and forget to have fun and enjoy your pharmacy school life with your classmates, your upperclassmen, your faculty, and everyone else you get to encounter during your time here. In one of Dr. Bassell’s talks, he introduced us to this graph of optimal stress level and it makes perfect sense.
We all should be a little stressed to be motivated to get things done but we shouldn’t bee too stressed to be miserable and unhappy and forget to have fun. As long as you put your best effort everyday, it will be rewarding at the end, both academic and relationship-wise. At the end of the year, you are so proud of everything you have done with no regrets, knowing you have always been at your best.
If money was no object, what would you do all day?
If I didn’t have to work or study to make a living, I would spend lots of my time with my family, my significant other, and my friends and travel with them. I am a very lucky girl to be surrounded by good loving friends and family. But then if we have so much time to be with each other, we will get sick of each other really fast though; so I think this system with money in the picture works! (as long as there is no greed! Haha)
Josie Vo
Class of 2018
What has been your most memorable event at Skaggs so far?
The event that is most memorable for me would be our P2 class Christmas potluck party. Almost our whole class came to celebrate the holidays together with homemade food, pictures, games, and a Secret Santa exchange. It was heartwarming to see so many personalized gifts that came with so many inside jokes. This was when I realized how close everyone in our class of 67 has become. It was a lovely holiday celebration with people who I now call my second family.
What piece of advice would you give to a P2?
Don’t let yourself get drowned in the material. Focus on topics that are more relevant to use and make sure to gain a good general understanding of the physiology and concepts behind the pharmacotherapy. This will help with P3 year in therapeutics (I hope). Make sure to leave time for exercise, socializing, and other hobbies!
What did you do this summer?
During breaks from research, IPPEs, and work, I got to do some traveling this summer! I went to Portland, Seattle, and Chicago to visit friends and did the regular touristy things. I also go to Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) where I experienced many new things, many of which were out of the comfort zone. The most unique experience would be my two day one night trip up to the villages in the mountains. After trekking for 4.5 hours, we got to the elephant camp where we stayed the night in a bamboo hut under mosquito nets. Being able to play, feed, and wash the elephants in the river and bamboo rafting made up for having to shower using a bucket and scooper in an outhouse and feeling sticky and dirty during the whole trip. It was an eye opening experience that made me realize how fortunate I am to have all that I have.