Get involved: It may be common advice, but it’s not many people who follow it as well as Angela Su. Student Health and Wellness; Model United Nations; Dance Fit group fitness; the Pharmacy Ambassadors program; along with many other groups and projects that benefited from her energy, passion, and dedication. After graduation, she’s off to a residency at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, where she’ll bring her enthusiasm and commitment to today’s health care challenges.

 

Why did you choose UConn?

The various extracurriculars put UConn at the top of my list. Seeing all the different clubs at UConn signaled that there are plenty of opportunities to explore and be a self-starter. As someone who loves learning and strives for constant improvement, I greatly value environments that promote growth.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?

Originally in Allied Health Sciences, I was drawn to Pharmacy because of the accessibility and versatility of pharmacists. I have always been interested in health care and like that I can make an impact by becoming an expert in medications, which is a core part of patient care.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

Not exactly a favorite professor or class, but I want to give a huge shoutout to the teaching assistants who helped me through some of my toughest classes. Thank you so much to Chinthani, Richard, Samiksha, Fei, Beth, and Kevin for your support in general chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry!

What activities were you involved in as a student?

Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) has been my second home. I worked at SHaW for almost six years, first starting out as a student support staff and then became a student manager and pharmacy intern. Before pharmacy school, I was a member of UConn Model United Nations in addition to working at SHaW. My extracurriculars as a School of Pharmacy student included leading the school’s Journal Club and Diversity Committee, starting the Topic Discussion Club, and teaching Dance Fit group fitness classes at UConn Rec. I was a Co-chair of the School of Pharmacy Ambassadors program as well and have been behind the Baseline Pharmacy Knowledge drug emoji quizzes on the School of Pharmacy Instagram.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

The Innovation Zone Makerspace surprised me! I only started going to the makerspace in my last couple years at UConn and really wish I had gone earlier.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

I am excited to start residency at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and hope to later pursue a career in informatics, medication safety, non-hospice palliative care, and eventually academia.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

Building and applying transferable skills are one of the most valuable things I have learned at UConn. Being at the University has also connected me with people who have helped me grow. There are countless people I am grateful for meeting through UConn and many friendships that will continue beyond college.

Any advice for incoming students?

Explore! If you have a friend group coming into university, make sure to still meet new people. Whether you are dead set on a career or unsure about your future, talk to alumni about their paths; learning about different options makes you more confident about the path you choose. I switched what I wanted to do three times! Try new things to build transferable skills and critical thinking—these will take you far regardless of what direction you go.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?

Go to the fall involvement fair.

What will always make you think of UConn?

Studying in the dining hall!