Nicole Sandoval is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Florida (UF) College of Pharmacy in Gainesville and is currently completing the 2023 APhA Carl F. Emswiller Summer Internship in Association Management in Washington, DC. She is pictured to the right of the Gator mascot.
“Ten fé” were the profound words my mother reminded me of when life seemed too difficult to conquer. It means “have faith” in Spanish and served as a constant source of motivation in my life, propelling me to overcome adversities.
Discovering APhA–ASP
I was born and raised in Miami, and leaving my family behind was one of the hardest transitions to pharmacy school. I grew up very close to my family, always having the support of my mother and older sister in my aspirations in life. I graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, and 3 months after graduation I moved to Gainesville for pharmacy school.
Then I discovered APhA–ASP, which was the first organization I joined at UF. Its inclusivity of all fields of pharmacy was what made me want to become a member. Early on, I became involved as the first-year student pharmacist member-at-large. My love to serve and advocate for others kept shining through as I progressed to become chapter president.
Being an active member of APhA instilled a career path that complimented my strengths as a leader and future pharmacist. My goal was to enter the world of pharmacy leadership and association management, where I would make greater contributions nationwide. The APhA Carl F. Emswiller Summer Internship in Association Management holds the reputation of fostering future leaders in pharmacy and providing invaluable experiences and this aligned perfectly with my career goals. The opportunity to engage with professionals, collaborate with like-minded peers, and gain hands-on experience in different pharmacy settings were all factors that fueled my excitement and decision to apply.Sp
Springboard for personal and professional growth
I moved to Washington, DC, at the beginning of June, and have loved it ever since. The remarkable work–life balance I found has truly enhanced my experience. From visiting iconic monuments and museums to uncovering hidden gems in the city, I’ve indulged in the endless opportunities for sightseeing. At work, I collaborate with the APhA Student and New Practitioner Development team and have worked on various projects that impact the APhA Summer Leadership Institute and the APhA–ASP Midyear Regional Meetings. I have also made meaningful connections by networking with an incredibly diverse group of staff who have introduced me to an entire side of APhA I was not aware of previously.
To all aspiring student pharmacists, I encourage you to seize the opportunity offered by this summer internship program. This program serves as a springboard for personal and professional growth, offering unique experiences that will shape your journey as a pharmacist. Don’t miss the chance to learn from pharmacy leaders, expand your network, and gain firsthand exposure to the world of pharmacy—visit pharmacist.com to learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements. Together, let’s advance the future of pharmacy!
And remember: always “ten fé.”