Why did you choose UConn?
I knew I wanted to become a Husky when I was able to explore first-hand the diversity of the campus and the multitude of academic and extra-curricular opportunities. I love the school spirit and the community pride, so I knew I wanted to be a part of it. UConn’s School of Pharmacy is the top-ranked Pharmacy School in New England. Additionally, the School of Fine Arts offered a flexible degree program so I could also continue my musical studies. So, in reality, it seemed like a perfect option.

What’s your major and why did you choose it?
I am a dual-degree student receiving a B.A. in Music and a B.S. in Pharmacy Studies. For music, I have focused on Violin Performance. I love to share my passion for the violin with the community, and the Music Department here at UConn has enriched me with so many opportunities. In terms of my Pharmacy major, I have always wanted to be in the medical field and have a direct impact on patient care. In the future, as a pharmacist, I would like to work with underserved communities and have an impact on improving education and patient care.

Who was your favorite professor, and why?
My favorite Professor is Dr. Fei Wang. I was able to develop a strong relationship with her, as she was one of the faculty-members on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Study Abroad Program in Beijing, China. From this experience, I was able to establish a relationship with her and later pursue research with her at a hospital clinic. From my interactions with her, she genuinely cares about the education of all her students. She challenges her students to step outside of their comfort zones to apply what they have learned in the classroom setting into the real world.

What was your favorite class, and why?
If I can classify this as a class, my favorite class is my Honor’s Thesis research in Pharmacy School. I helped collaborate and promote a Tobacco Cessation Program at an out-patient clinic focusing on medically under-served Medicaid and Medicare patients, along with an uninsured ethnic population. From this project, I have been able to use the knowledge that I have gained in pharmacy school and apply it to real patient-practice. From this, I have been able to address flaws and develop protocols that can be implemented in the health care setting to improve patient care.

What are your plans after graduation?
I am excited to announce that I will be pursuing a dual-degree Master’s in Public Health and Doctor of Pharmacy at UConn.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
What surprised me about UConn is the strength of the international student community. I have been so fortunate to develop strong friendships with many international students and connect with them through different organizations.

What’s your favorite thing about UConn?
My favorite part of UConn is the community. Looking back over the years, there has been a vast number of people who have helped me reach the goals that I have set for myself. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by supportive individuals who believed in me, and by those who pushed me to do more. Words cannot describe enough how much I want to thank everyone for their support.

What activities were you involved with on campus?
I was involved with Counseling and Mental Health Services’ Suicide Prevention Committee; the School of Pharmacy’s Suicide Prevention Committee; University of Connecticut Symphony Orchestra; Lambda Kappa Sigma, a pharmaceutical fraternity; No Friend Naloxone, an advocacy group for preventing opioid misuse; Pharmacy Student Government; School of Pharmacy Student Educational Assistance Program; School of Fine Arts Advisory Board; Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society; Phi Lambda Sigma; and the Student College of Clinical Pharmacy.

What’s one thing all UConn students should do during their time at UConn?
I think that all UConn students should seek out opportunities to study abroad or attend a service trip. The Education Abroad and Financial Aid Offices are fantastic resources to help students pursue their dreams.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in your life?
As part of the Pharmacy School, I took advantage of a multitude of opportunities. I spent countless hours working on service-learning projects, applying what I learned in pharmacy school by administering vaccinations, and by providing blood-pressure screenings. The pharmacy program has an integrated internship component, where I was able to apply what I had learned in the classroom into a community pharmacy setting. At UConn, I have been able to balance a multitude of extracurriculars and courses, and I feel prepared for the complexities of the future.

What’s something you learned in a class that you’ll always remember?
In my neurology module in Pharmacy School, we learned about the side-effects of anticholinergic medications: “Hot as a hare, Dry as a bone, Blind as a bat, Red as a beat, Mad as a hatter.”

What were some of the things you had never done before you came to UConn?
As a part of the Music Department, I had the opportunity to travel independently with friends & mentors. I shared my passion for music with the community in Austria and Italy with a string quartet ensemble.

What is one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
The Pharmacy School gave us white coats during our first year of Pharmacy School to wear at our rotations for internships or service outreach opportunities. I feel proud to represent UConn when I am doing my activities.

What’s something good about UConn that not many people know?
As a UConn student, you can attend many events at Jorgensen for free with a student ID. These events are usually very expensive, so take advantage of all of the shows.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?
I recommend using college as an opportunity to use your strengths to pursue your dreams. Use the opportunities given by UConn to get involved and try anything that you are curious about, even if you are nervous. I also recommend developing connections with professors, as they are going to be invaluable connections for the long-term. College isn’t a steady climb uphill. There are going to be hurdles along the way, which will develop your character throughout your journey at UConn.