My moral philosophy is that with dedication, effort, and persistence, any challenge can be overcome. I believe that success is not determined solely by natural ability, but by the willingness to work hard, learn from obstacles, and continuously improve. This belief has guided many of the decisions I have made in my academic and personal life.

My interest in pharmacy developed from my curiosity about medicine and my passion for chemistry and science. I have always been fascinated by how medications work and how scientific discoveries can improve people’s health and quality of life. Pharmacy stood out to me as a profession that combines scientific knowledge with the opportunity to directly help others. By pursuing a career in pharmacy, I will be able to deepen my understanding of chemistry and medicine while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.

My vision for pharmacy practice is one that focuses on patient-centered care. Pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring that medications are used safely and effectively. I believe pharmacists should uphold high standards of professionalism, accuracy, and compassion while guiding patients in making informed decisions about their health.

My goal is to become a knowledgeable and responsible pharmacist who contributes positively to healthcare. I plan to achieve this by remaining dedicated to my studies, continuously expanding my knowledge of pharmaceutical science, and developing the professional skills necessary to support patients and healthcare teams.

Some of my positive attributes include being diligent, hardworking, disciplined, and analytical. I strive to apply these qualities to everything I do as I work toward my goal of becoming a pharmacist.

St. John's University – Queens, New York; September 2025 – Present

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Expected May 2031, Pharmacy (Six-Year Pharm.D) Major
PharmD Candidate, 2031

Frederick Douglass Academy II Secondary School – New York, NY; November 2022 – June 2025

Graduated June 2025
High School Diploma

Summer Youth Employment Program / EXP MVMT Realty – 22 East 21st Street, Manhattan, New York

Beginning and Ending Dates:  7/4/25 - 8/17/25

Position: Real Estate Intern

Description:

• Performed data entry tasks to assist with maintaining company property records and listings.

• Traveled throughout New York City to request permission from businesses and property owners to post promotional flyers for the company.

• Took photos and videos of apartment units in Manhattan for property listings and marketing purposes.

• Delivered apartment keys to real estate agents when meeting with clients for property showings.

• Assisted with administrative responsibilities by organizing schedules for interns and managing clock-in and clock-out sheets.

St. Vincent De Paul Scholarship
Sponsoring Organization: St. John's University

Date Received: 09/03/2025

Description:
This scholarship was awarded to support my academic studies at St. John’s University. Scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet university academic standards.

Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition
Sponsoring Organization: United States House of Representatives

Date Received: 06/23/2025

Description:
This Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition was presented by Adriano Espaillat to celebrate my graduation from Frederick Douglass Academy II Secondary School. The recognition acknowledges academic achievement and dedication to educational success.

Speaker’s Achievement Award
Sponsoring Organization: New York City Council

Presented by: Adrienne Adams

Date Received: 06/20/2025

Description:
I received the Speaker’s Achievement Award from the New York City Council in recognition of my academic excellence and commitment to public service. This award honors students who demonstrate dedication to their education and make positive contributions to their school and community in New York City.

Golden Honor Roll (3 Semesters)
Sponsoring Organization: Frederick Douglass Academy II Secondary School

Dates Received: 02/15/2024, 12/02/2024, 05/15/2025

Description:
Awarded for achieving high academic performance and maintaining strong grades throughout the semester.

Rose Soup Kitchen – New York, NY

10/09/2025 - 11/06/2025: Community service participation 

Hrs: 6

Description:
During my time volunteering at Rose Soup Kitchen, I assisted with meal preparation in the kitchen by helping package food into containers and organizing meals for distribution. The meals were loaded into vehicles that transported them to individuals and families in need throughout the community. On some occasions, meals were also distributed directly to people who lined up outside the church where the soup kitchen operates. Through this experience, I learned the importance of teamwork, organization, and supporting members of the community facing food insecurity.

Frederick Douglass Academy II Secondary School – New York, NY

03/06/2025 - 05/20/2025: High school community service requirement

Hrs: 12

Description:
As part of my high school’s community service requirement, I participated in volunteer activities that supported school and community initiatives. These experiences helped me develop responsibility, teamwork, and an understanding of the importance of contributing to the well-being of the community.

Organization: Independent Study. 05/30/2024
One accomplishment that I am particularly proud of is conducting independent research on neurological disorders, specifically Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) and hydrocephalus. My interest in these topics developed through personal experiences that motivated me to better understand how neurological conditions affect patients and how they are treated medically.

During this research, I explored scientific articles, medical resources, and treatment methods used by healthcare professionals. I studied how medications and medical interventions are used to manage these conditions and how pharmacists contribute to patient care through medication management and education.

Although this research was conducted independently, it required dedication, discipline, and strong curiosity about medicine and science. Through this process, I strengthened my ability to analyze complex medical information and developed a deeper appreciation for the role pharmacists play in healthcare.

This accomplishment is meaningful to me because it represents my commitment to learning about medicine beyond the classroom. It reinforced my decision to pursue a career in pharmacy and motivated me to continue expanding my knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences and patient care.

My Top Five Strengths and Reflection: Empathy, Analytical, Consistency, Relator, and Strategic

What surprised me about my strengths is how closely they align with my values and interests. My Empathy strength allows me to understand and relate to the feelings and experiences of others, which is especially important when helping people in healthcare. Analytical developed through my strong interest in science and chemistry, as I naturally try to understand the reasons and causes behind problems. Consistency reflects my belief in fairness and treating people equally while maintaining clear expectations and standards. My Relator strength comes from my ability to build meaningful relationships with others and work closely with people to achieve shared goals. Finally, Strategic allows me to think ahead, recognize patterns, and find effective ways to solve problems.

What does being a pharmacist mean?

To me, being a pharmacist means being a trusted healthcare professional who ensures that medications are used safely, effectively, and responsibly. Pharmacists play an important role in patient care by helping people understand their medications, preventing harmful drug interactions, and supporting overall health outcomes. A pharmacist must possess strong scientific knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to helping others. Beyond simply dispensing medications, pharmacists serve as educators and advisors who help patients make informed decisions about their health. Being a pharmacist means combining scientific knowledge with compassion in order to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

Why did you personally choose Pharmacy as your major?

I chose pharmacy because of my strong interest in chemistry, medicine, and the science behind how medications work in the body. I have always been curious about how treatments are developed and how different drugs interact to improve a patient’s health. Pharmacy allows me to explore these scientific interests while also pursuing a career where I can help people directly.

Another reason I chose pharmacy is my desire to work in healthcare in a meaningful way. Pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and understand how to use them safely. The combination of science, responsibility, and service to others makes pharmacy a profession that aligns well with my personal interests and values.

Why did you choose to study pharmacy at St. John's University?

I chose to study pharmacy at St. John’s University because of the strong reputation of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in healthcare. The university provides a rigorous academic environment that emphasizes both scientific knowledge and professional development.

Additionally, St. John’s University offers valuable opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and professional networking within the pharmacy field. These opportunities will allow me to gain practical experience while developing the skills necessary to become a competent and responsible pharmacist. I believe that the education and training provided at St. John’s University will prepare me well for the challenges and responsibilities of the pharmacy profession.