Current or most recent title and employer?
Pharmacist, Walmart
How did SC4 help prepare you?
I started my career path at SC4 after graduating from Port Huron Northern in 1983. Focusing on going into a healthcare field, I took all my basic courses through SC4. By doing this, I saved money on course credit hours, lived at home, and worked. I received my associate degree from SC4 in 1985. Many college students change their path of study when starting college. That included me. I changed my career path gearing toward dentistry to pharmacy. Attending SC4 for two years of undergraduate studies gave me the time to learn, grow, and figure out my career path, not wasting time and money at a university. I transferred from SC4 to Ferris State University after being accepted into the pharmacy program. I graduated from FSU in 1988 and have been a pharmacist in our community for over 35 years.
What do you like most about what you do professionally?
My pharmacy career has blessed me with a great life. I am still most passionate about caring for my patients. Pharmacy has changed so much since I started. Like many other industries, money, metrics, and increasing expectations are a part of our daily routines. But for me, it’s that one-on-one conversation with my patients, listening about the good things happening in their lives to the sometimes the not-so-good and heartbreaking moments going on. I have laughed and cried with many of my patients over the years. It’s that one-on-one bond formed between a pharmacist and patient that makes my job fulfilling. I still love watching families grow from grandparents to their children to grandkids. I have met some amazing people and families in our community through pharmacy. So being able to help someone by listening, giving advice, providing them with compassion and care is what I still find rewarding about my career.
Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
Yes, I transferred from SC4 to Ferris State College in 1985, which is now Ferris State University. I graduated in 1988 from FSU pharmacy school.
