Olgaaurora Rodriguez is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy.
As 2025 is here, my heart is filled with excitement and gratitude. I am on the brink of a major milestone: graduating in May with my PharmD and Master of Public Health degrees.
Being a first-generation college graduate is incredibly meaningful to me, as it represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and the support of my family. This journey has always been about more than earning degrees—it’s been about building the skills and knowledge I need to give back to my community and make a positive impact on patients’ lives. I look forward to applying everything I’ve learned to elevate health care quality and improve outcomes, particularly for underrepresented communities.
My career journey process
I am in the midst of applying and interviewing for medical affairs pharmaceutical industry fellowships. This process is both exciting and challenging, as I hope to secure a position that will allow me to gain hands-on experience in medical affairs and explore various functional areas within the industry. I am eager to find a program that will take a chance on me and help me grow professionally.
Learning from leaders in the field will be invaluable, as I prepare to bring my skills to the pharmaceutical industry and positively impact patients’ lives through innovative health care solutions.
Staying energized
To balance these professional goals, I am also setting aside time for well-being activities. I plan to get outside more with leisurely walks as a way to unwind and stay active. I’m also picking up a childhood hobby—relearning the piano—that I find incredibly relaxing. I might even add new activities, like weekly pickleball sessions, to stay energized.
Balancing career ambitions with personal growth and self-care is essential to me, and I’m excited to see how these goals shape my upcoming year.