By the time I reached my senior year in high school, I was certain I would become a clinical psychologist. My mother was pursuing a masters in guidance and counseling, so there was a family influence. Fortunately, my high school classes included mathematics and the sciences.

I began my studies in psychology at the University of Kansas. My classes were enjoyable but I became concerned that the field might be overcrowded and offer little real career growth. A minority affairs counselor suggested that I try a field called psychopharmacology. It involves studying drugs to see how they affect receptors in the brain.

So at the end of my sophomore year, I switched to a pre-pharmacy curriculum. That meant I had to attend school for an additional year to take the courses required for pharmacy school. I have never regretted this extra year because it gave me more job options and a comfortable salary.

My work history includes two and a half years of retail pharmacy and ten years of managed care pharmacy with a health maintenance organization. Pharmacists do far more than just fill prescriptions. I particularly enjoy interacting with physicians and other health professionals, and educating the public on medication matters. As a supervisor of a growing department, I always have reports, analysis, and processes to improve.

Today, I am married with two small children, and am also pursuing a masters in health services administration.