My Path into Pharmacy by Abigail

My Path into Pharmacy by Abigail - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

In ten years, I see myself as a licensed pharmacist, standing beneath the sterile, white glow of a pharmacy’s overhead lighting. Bottles of all sizes are illuminated under its radiance, aligned precisely on a shelf above my station. Various tools—pipettes, vials, graduated cylinders—lay gently outstretched before me as I adjust my lab coat, the latex of my gloves tugging between my fingers. As I begin my work, the surrounding technicians are immersed in their tasks. One meticulously shakes an uncolored bottle onto a tray, a stainless steel spatula gripped in her other hand as she begins to dispense. A gentle thump is made audible as the purple-and-gray capsules land on the tray, gleaming on the transparent surface on which they lay. The mechanical whirring of the machine ends as it beeps to signal its completion. She then tilts the tray upward as the pills quickly roll down the funnel. I take in my environment with a deep breath, knowing that my work takes place at the intersection of precision and science. In a sense, my job is larger than I am, and I take silent and appreciative refuge in such a concept.
My fascination with medicine began at sixteen when I started searching for job opportunities with my mother. As one of the few Muslim women in our small beachside community, she had developed personal connections with many mutually religious doctors. At the time, I was naively eager for any opportunity that could be thrown my way, like a street dog rummaging through the alleyways of Istanbul for scraps. Every rejection sent us searching elsewhere, determined to find the right fit. Eventually, my mother’s friend, aware of my leadership in my school’s prestigious Pre-Med program, connected me with a local pharmacy owner. Shortly after, I secured the position and eagerly stepped into the world of pharmaceuticals.
Working alongside well-established pharmacists, I found myself enthralled by the profession, rushing to work each day excited to learn more. It was there that I realized my passion for providing remedies and treatments that could restore people’s health. I immersed myself in studying drug interactions and side effects to better assist patients and soon obtained my state certification as a Florida Pharmacy Technician after completing an intensive five-month course. Additionally, through my Pre-Med program, I earned my phlebotomy license, further solidifying my sturdy foundation in patient care.
Now, as I prepare to attend the University of Central Florida as a biomedical sciences major, I know my education will be the bridge that takes me from my current experiences to my future as a pharmacist. UCF’s rigorous curriculum in chemistry, pharmacology, and human physiology will deepen my understanding of the science behind medicine. Research opportunities will prepare me for the challenges of pharmacy school. Beyond academics, I hope to interact with many health organizations in order to fully immerse myself into the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.
I attribute much of my current success to the foundational knowledge I have gained working in a pharmacy, but I know that my education at UCF will be the key to achieving my ultimate goal. Ten years from now, I will look back at this moment and understand that every step I have taken has led me to a pharmacy-based career rooted in technique, science, and compassion.