I cannot believe I'm officially done with my first quarter of Pharmacy School! I must say that I procrastinated / crammed like a mad woman the week before finals. I ended up studying for some classes just 1 or 2 days before the actual exam - I really don't recommend it since it involves lots of late nights and heightened anxiety levels. Anyways, I now have time to focus on my blog! I will be taking lots of outfit pictures during my break and I will definitely post more often (at least once a week). Oh, I got a lot of feedback from you guys through personal emails and the mentor-mentee form so I will be addressing a lot of your concerns in future blog posts!

Even though school's out, I still have yet to talk about my white coat ceremony! It was pretty low key since it was held in a lecture hall. It was quite a large turnout though - friends, family and loved ones gathered to celebrate our "initiation" into the health profession. All 56 of us were called up to receive our white coats. It was a symbolic moment for us and I am certain everyone in the crowd felt the same. I was waiting for some sort of glorious feeling to overcome me and was quite disappointed when it didn't. As the last person dawned their white coat, we were asked to remain in front to read, "The Oath of a Pharmacist." It was only then that I began feeling as if I were a true professional. To this day, the notion of calling myself a student pharmacist and future pharmacist still seems foreign but maybe I'll get used to it someday.

I made numerous of life-altering decisions leading up to my first day of orientation however, I won't dwell on all the details in this particular post. A plethora of my pharmacy school applicant readers emailed me about my choice to attend UCSD even though I was accepted at UCSF. The most influential reason, that ultimately determined the school I would pursue my pharmacy degree, was cost. I loved everything about UCSF but there were many things I had to put into consideration - I was looking for a house in the bay area and the price tag was absurd. UCSD was the most cost effective decision - it's a reputable public school with a strong emphasis on research and has great housing opportunities all around. I'll save the rest of my reasons for a separate post or this one will drag on!

Keep your comments and questions about pharmacy school, applications or anything else coming my way! I really do enjoy reading all your emails! Oh, a majority of my class also participated in the mannequin challenge - scroll down to see the UCSD, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Class of 2020's take on the current rage. Until next time!

A TRIP TO NEW YORK along with a photo shoot for... wait for it... BLOOMINGDALE'S?!?! That's right. In early September, I was fortunate enough to fly to New York and participate in what I would call a once in a life time opportunity. I flew in the day before the shoot and I quickly adapted to the time zone - no jet lag ensued! I went around exploring SoHo and absorbing the culture at night. Most of the restaurants in New York are open late however, they were jam packed so I resorted to room service! The following morning was my shoot and it was far different from my typical outfit shoot for a blog post. As I stepped into Splashlight Studios, I was greeted by numerous people just roaming the halls. I must admit, I was completely intimidated when I first walked in. The studio was already set up, the clothes were being steamed and makeup products littered the table. I began talking to a model by trade, Britt, and I found myself easing into conversations with my hairstylist and makeup artist. Before I knew it, the show was starting. Britt went first so I could analyze the "how to's" of modeling - she makes every aspect of modeling seem effortless. As she wrapped up her last few pictures for her first outfit, it was my turn to change into my Free People clothes * As a side note, I am a huge fan of Free People and I personally own a good amount of their garments! * When I walked into the changing room, I was accompanied by 2-3 stylists. Who piled jewelry onto me and clipped my clothes... each article of clothing was a bit too big for me. As I made my way out for my first shot, I walked ever so shyly pass the photographer and creative directors. When I got to the "X" and turned around, I saw an incredibly large amount of people in the room. Of course I was "O.O" but I tried to play it cool, haha. My range of movement was very limited since I had to remain in a certain area for the best lighting so I was moving left to right and back again. I caught on very fast and I was having lots of fun with Lana Del Rey playing in the background! By the end of the shoot, all I could see were bright lights and I had incredibly dry eyes since the fan was blowing into my eyes however, I made some incredible connections and I will never forget the people I shared that day with.

Though it was a very, VERY short trip, I was honored to be part of the Bloomingdale's family for a day. The people I interacted with at the shoot were incredibly genuine and insightful - completely different from the people I deal on a day to day basis but that's a good thing. Medicine and fashion are on two opposite poles so it felt nice to escape my reality for a few days. Hope you guys enjoy the pictures!