Lauryn Jenkins knew she had an interest in Biochemistry and Math, but she was wary of applying to pharmacy school. Her work at CVS helped grow her interest in medications and their effects, so she started seriously considering a Pharm.D.
After getting her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Eastern Michigan University, she decided to believe in herself and apply to pharmacy school. NEOMED proved to be an excellent investment in her self-confidence, and she now has a firm foundation that will help her in whatever branch of pharmacy she pursues.
Read on to learn more about how NEOMED helped Lauryn believe in herself and recognize her passions!
1. Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from and what did you study during your undergraduate years? What initially got you interested in pharmacy?
I am a current P3 student at NEOMED, and my hometown is Belleville, Michigan (In-between Detroit and Ann Arbor). Prior to this, I went to Eastern Michigan University where I got my bachelor’s degree in general Biochemistry. My interest in pharmacy began with a general interest in Chemistry and Math, and then I started working at CVS Pharmacy in 2016.
During this experience, I developed an interest in how medications can have different effects on the body and I made the decision to apply to pharmacy school.
2. Did you encounter any hesitations, obstacles or fears about pursuing a Pharm.D.?
My biggest hesitation with applying to pharmacy school was the length of the program and being unsure of whether I wanted to be in college for another four years. I constantly was thinking “What if I don’t make it?” and “Am I really going to be able to do this?”. But I pushed through those fears. With a great support system (shoutout to my parents, friends, and Biochemistry professors!) and some confidence in what I had already accomplished, I took a leap of faith in myself and started applying.
3. Why did you choose the pharmacy program at NEOMED? Now that you’ve experienced the program, what’s your favorite part about it?
I knew NEOMED was going to become a second home for me from my interview day, the first day I set foot on campus. It was probably the most nerve-wracking day of my life at that point. However, the second I started meeting faculty and learning about NEOMED, my nerves dissipated and I felt right at home.
Being from Michigan, NEOMED was never on my radar for prospective graduate programs. However, it’s a hidden gem and one of the best things to ever happen to me. To this day, the people really do make NEOMED a great community and learning environment. I have found great leaders and mentors to learn from and I wouldn’t trade the faculty here for anything.
4. What resources do you feel set NEOMED apart from other Pharm.D. programs?
Some of my favorite resources at NEOMED are the Office of Student Success, the great study spaces, updated technology, and, as I previously mentioned, the faculty which are very accessible at any point that I have questions about anything.
5. What achievement, project, or experience are you most proud of from your years in pharmacy school
My greatest achievement thus far at NEOMED would have to be the awards that I won after my first year at NEOMED. I won the leadership and advocacy award by class nomination as well as the P1 Student of the Year award. This really solidified for me that I’m meant to be here, that I’m doing a good job, and that it’s not going unnoticed.
6. What are your career dreams or plans? How has the Pharm.D. program at NEOMED helped prepare you for your future?
My career dreams are constantly changing, and I think that’s a good thing. NEOMED has opened my eyes to many possibilities in the world of pharmacy and now there are so many things that I am interested in. I have a lot of options moving forward and to me, that feels very exciting and makes me optimistic.
7. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any advice or wisdom you would pass along to a prospective student?
Take everything in because it will be over before you know it. Don’t be afraid to get involved and ask questions. Just take it one step at a time and do the best you can, because that’s all you can do!
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