Alumni Spotlight: Kristin Ignacio, Class of 2015

Kristin Ignacio

Alumni Spotlight: Kristin Ignacio, Class of 2015


Learn what our PharmSci Alumni Kristin Ignacio is up to and where her educational journey has taken her

Tell us where you are now.

I am a student at the UCSF School of Pharmacy. When I applied and interviewed, I had no idea if there was even a slight chance or possibility of getting accepted. The feeling of getting accepted was great, but the affirmation I felt was strongest when I actually stepped on campus and met my classmates. I was welcomed by diverse individuals with warm hearts and a genuine passion for helping each other get through pharmacy school!

Why did you choose to major in PharmSci at UCI?

I knew I had interest in becoming a pharmacist when I entered undergrad and what better way to find out if this was truly the field for me than to pursue a major in pharmaceutical sciences? I was especially intrigued when I saw that the curriculum included pharmacology and pharmacotherapy, which was really an intro to what pharmacy school would look like. In my mind, if I enjoyed these classes in undergrad, I could see myself enjoying them in pharmacy school!

Were you a part of any student clubs?

I was in Pre-Pharmacy Society for all 4 years of undergrad eventually becoming president my 4th year and I was in Pharmaceutical Sciences Mentorship Program for 3 years eventually becoming one of the co-coordinators my 4th year! I truly felt that these two involvements that I stuck with long-term have given me the best leadership experience that I could have possibly ever asked for. I was lucky and blessed to work with such great student leaders through both organizations and I will always look back at that time as some of the best teamwork I have ever seen.

 What advice would you give to today’s students?

As cliché as it sounds, do what you love. Don’t waste your time on pursuing a major you don’t enjoy or joining organizations just for an addition on your resume. Undergrad is a wonderful time to discover who you are as an individual, so also don’t freak out if you don’t know what you love yet. That’s why you’re here!

CLICK HERE to be featured in our next Alumni Spotlight