There are some new faces at Texas Pharmacy!
After two months of adjusting to that new Pharm.D. student life, we caught up with Precious, Rebecca, Edwin, Tammy, Shellie, Jesse, Valentina and Roopa to see how first year is going, what makes them excited about Texas Pharmacy and becoming a future Longhorn pharmacist and how they decompress after a long day of classes and studying.
Precious Henry
Hometown: Tyler, Texas
What impact do you want to have in healthcare/pharmacy and/or the community?
I strive to positively impact healthcare by fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration, improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions and promoting health equity to ensure everyone in the community has access to the care they need.
What excites you most about the future of the profession?
The endless possibilities! One of the greatest things the College of Pharmacy has taught me thus far is that the sky's the limit. I've never wanted to get stuck doing something I didn't love. Sometimes we outgrow certain seasons of our lives and we don't always love the same thing one, two, five years later...even my Starbucks order changes weekly. However, the possibilities for a Longhorn pharmacist are endless. Pharmacy goes beyond retail, beyond the hospital. Did you know there was a pharmacist in the White House? Yeah, me either.
Do you have a side passion or hobby that you enjoy when not studying?
Absolutely! I enjoy thrifting and Austin is literally THRIFT CITY. I like going to the Goodwill bins site, lots of Lulu and vintage must-haves to be discovered there. I also have a podcast. Talking helps me mentally and emotionally decompress. (Follow us on Insta: @faithtalkspod)
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Winners never quit because quitters never win.
Rebecca Rodriguez
Hometown: Fort Stockton, Texas
Why did you choose UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I chose UT Austin College of Pharmacy because of the environment and brand created here. I could see and feel the care from the faculty to the students to the Longhorn pharmacists and Texas Pharmacy alumni that I have previously worked with. Everyone is so welcoming and truly wants to see you succeed.
What impact do you want to have in healthcare/pharmacy and/or the community?
As a current pharmacy student and aspiring pharmacist, I want to create an environment that is nurturing and meaningful. This means giving back to the community and future generations of pharmacists. I am excited by the plentiful opportunities that pharmacy provides and wish to be an advocate for the profession and for my patients. My mission is to love, serve and provide value.
Who’s your hero?
There are honestly too many people to name, but my parents are my foundation. They have always believed in me and given me unconditional love. My parents have sacrificed for me, putting aside their own troubles to help me the best way they could. I am so lucky to have them by my side and I love them very much.
Outside of the classroom and off campus, how do you like to spend your time?
I really enjoy arts and crafts such as painting and drawing and recently picked up a hobby creating cute pictures with Perler Beads. Crafts aside, I love playing games with friends and family—anything from video games on my Nintendo Switch, to Uno, Scrabble and Phase 10.
Anything else you would like to share about you that’s not listed here?
I come from a small town where the field of pharmacy and pursuing a career as a pharmacist was never really talked about. I hope that people can see that it doesn’t matter where you come from, or where you started, rather it’s about how willing, passionate and determined you are.
Edwin Rice
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
What excites you most about the future of healthcare/pharmacy?
From its hoary roots, pharmacy has developed into a constantly evolving and dynamic field. I have only been practicing for a decade and yet so much has changed since I first stepped into a pharmacy! I am excited to see pharmacists continue to advocate on behalf of the profession and their patients for better and more equitable access to healthcare and how novel technologies such as artificial intelligence and advancements in genetics are going to improve the care patients receive.
What impact do you want to have in healthcare/pharmacy and/or the community?
The message of The University of Texas at Austin is “What Starts Here Changes the World.” As I have practiced and matured, I've come to realize that "World" can be as expansive as the globe or as small as the world of an individual patient who is struggling. I do not yet know if I will go into research and perhaps make a seminal scientific discovery or support patients struggling with their mental health in a clinical setting. Regardless, I do know this message will ring true.
Why did you choose UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I grew up watching ACL on public television with my father. Austin, therefore, has always had a certain mystery surrounding it. I did not know at the time that I wanted to practice pharmacy, of course. Nearly two decades later, as I began my college search, I also happened to be working closely with an alum who encourage me to apply, citing the quality of the program and the opportunities and beauty the city has to offer!
What item(s) are you most excited about crossing off your Austin to-do list?
Make it to ACL with my father (and see more live shows in general), find the best fish tacos in town and climb a bunch of rocks! I think ACL is the top priority, though!
Do you have a side passion or hobby that you enjoy or unwind to when not studying?
When I am not at work or studying, I enjoy rock climbing. It has taught me to acknowledge my limits but not to define myself by them; acknowledge my weaknesses but not to neglect them; and acknowledge my strengths but not to abuse them. A well-rounded character is the result of tenacity, adaptability and an open mind!
Tammy Huynh
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Why did you choose UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I chose to complete my Pharm.D. degree at UT Austin College of Pharmacy because of its high ranking among other pharmacy programs in the nation, its proximity to my family, and the breadth of opportunities and professional connections the University has to offer its students and alumni. As a Texas Ex, I thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate years at UT Austin and am absolutely thrilled to spend another four years on The Forty Acres!
What impact do you want to have in healthcare/pharmacy and/or the community?
I want to make an impact as an educator. As a professor, I will not only educate the next generation of healthcare professionals on how to make informed medical decisions to provide the best care to the public, but will also help facilitate open communication between pharmacists, patients and students. I want to share my passion for education and contribute to new understandings and improve patient care and how pharmacists practice.
What uniquely Austin experiences, activities or events are you most looking forward to?
This may come as a surprise, but as someone who has lived in Austin for almost their entire life (I spent the last nine months living in Boston), there are still some local must-dos I have yet to experience. In the next four years, I would like to attend the ACL Festival, visit the state’s Capitol, go to an Austin FC game and run the Austin Marathon–just to name a few!
How do you recharge after a long day?
When I am not busy studying for my classes, I like to unwind by reading, running and crafting—specifically cross-stitching, coloring and scrapbooking!
Shelynbria "Shellie" Jackson
Hometown: Cypress, Texas
What impact do you want to have in healthcare/pharmacy and/or the community?
When applying to pharmacy school, I asked myself: What is my purpose and what impact do I want to have in pharmacy? The answer to this question was simplified to passion. My passion for learning and interest in medicine motivates me to want to be a part of the innovation of pharmacy. I want to be an active partner in the technological advancements and research that pharmacy requires.
Are there any other family members pursuing and/or practicing pharmacy?
As I do not have any family members pursuing and/or practicing pharmacy, I will create my own legacy in the field. I am a first-generation graduate, and I fully embrace the inevitable challenges that have come with pursuing another degree. I hope to give other first-generation students strength to embark on a journey unknown.
Why did you choose UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
My choice to attend UT Austin College of Pharmacy was motivated by my past education. As a graduate of Baylor University, I wanted to pursue a doctorate program that closely aligned with the rigorous curriculum I was accustomed to. Upon researching UT Austin College of Pharmacy, their program was something that I began to look forward to as there are many opportunities to grow within my passion for medicine.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
One of my favorite hobbies is journaling outside. I enjoy being one with nature, and being able to emotionally unwind while outdoors is so refreshing!
Jesus "Jesse" Quilantan
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
You can fake many things, but not perseverance and discipline.
Why did you choose UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I had a set goal prior to entering pharmacy school of wanting to be an inpatient pharmacist at the VA. I knew that I would receive the best preparation, as well as the most opportunities to succeed and network with other pharmacy professionals by attending an institution with an established track-record of strong residency placement and vast alumni network.
Do you have a side passion or hobby that you enjoy or unwind to when not studying?
I have many! I enjoy going to the gym, cooking, writing haiku, volunteering at the animal rescue shelter and watching NBA games.
What impact do you want to have in healthcare/pharmacy and/or the community?
I have a strong desire to serve the patient population of the Veterans Administration (VA). I want to serve those who selflessly sacrificed their physical and mental well-being for people they’ll never meet. My goal is to become the pharmacist that can masterfully apply evidence-based pharmacy, effectively guide patient-centered treatment planning and lead others as we are operating within an integrated healthcare team.
If you had warning or advisory label, what would it say?
"Not for use with sensitive populations."
Valentina Pham
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
What impact do you want to have in healthcare/pharmacy and/or the community?
My goal is to empower patients with the knowledge and support they may need to make informed decisions about their health. Through personalized consultations, I want to help patients navigate treatment options that address their unique needs and concerns by explaining proper medication use, potential side effects and identifying cost-effective alternatives. I believe that focusing on patient education and fostering open communication is essential to improving health outcomes for those I serve.
What’s on your bucket list to do while in Austin over the next four years? What’s on top of your list?
The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival! Austin is known for its music scene, which is why I want to go to more concerts and festivals while I’m here. I’m also a huge foodie, so you’ll probably catch me trying all the different cuisines that Austin has to offer.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be open to new experiences and stay curious. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, traveling to unfamiliar places, or volunteering, I’ve found that expanding the boundaries of my comfort zone helps me connect with a wider range of people and create meaningful memories.
If you had warning or advisory label, what would it say?
"Warning: Occasional bursts of random trivia may occur."
Outside of the classroom and off campus, how do you like to spend your time?
When I’m not studying, I love exploring art museums, crocheting and spending time with family and friends. You can also find me playing guitar or watching the latest runway collection. These hobbies help me relax and recharge after a busy week and fuel my creativity.
Roopa Gowda
Hometown: Austin, Texas
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Keep moving forward, no matter how small the step. Every bit of progress brings you closer to your goal.
Why did you choose UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I chose Texas Pharmacy for its strong academic reputation, commitment to research and teaching and it is ranked the sixth best pharmacy school in the country! I consider it an honor to be a part of UT Austin College of Pharmacy.
If you had a warning or advisory label, what would it say?
"Caution: Interactions may cause sweetness overload. Insulin recommended!"
What impact do you want to have in healthcare/pharmacy and the community?
I believe that healthcare should be easily accessible to everyone. Therefore, my goal is to expand my knowledge and services beyond the traditional pharmacy setting, focusing particularly on underserved populations. I strive to participate in outreach programs, take part in health screenings and educational workshops to equip individuals with the information and tools necessary to make informed health decisions.
Do you have a side passion or hobby that you enjoy or unwind to when not studying?
Cooking is one of my hobbies and I love learning to prepare new dishes, especially healthy ones. Mediterranean cuisine is my favorite! Yoga is an essential part of my routine, aiding in stress management and supporting my overall well-being.
WELCOME, CLASS OF 2028!
Class Size: 127 | Age Range: 18-41 | Average GPA: 3.55
Gender: 76% Women; 24% Men | First-Generation: 20%
