Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Quenya, but I go by Q. I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. I also spent some time living in both Utah and Texas, but I’ve been in AZ for about 6 years. I have one son named Ethan and he is ten years old. He is my world and a big reason for returning to school. Changing my life will lead to a better outcome for him because I will have a higher income and will be able to spend more time with him. He’s getting older and there are so many things he wants to experience. Then there is Bentley, my curly-haired, sweet little Havanese dog that follows me everywhere. I just graduated from the Pharmacy Technology program at Carrington College in Mesa. Now I am working on a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. My long-term goal is to be a pharmacist. I’m looking at applying to Arizona State University after I finish my bachelor’s degree at Carrington College.
Mesa, Arizona Campus | Carrington College
When did you decide to pursue a degree in Pharmacy Technology?
It had always been my goal to return to school and I decided last year that it was finally the time to do it. I’ve worked in healthcare throughout my adulthood. I’ve worked in surgical hospitals, adult day care, home healthcare, and a psychiatric ward. I considered nursing, but pharmacy seemed like a lot more fun to me. The chemistry of it is fascinating! Also, after working in the psychiatric field and witnessing how medication could make all the difference in the world for patients and their mental health, I felt like pharmacy was my calling.
What motivated you to choose Carrington College in particular?
I explored the Carrington College campus in Sacramento several years ago and decided that I wanted to go there. I had researched different schools and liked the program and the people I met. The career advisors and loan officers were great. I learned a lot and thought it was great because they continue to stick with you after graduation. I found them to be very approachable and family-oriented. Even when Ethan was two years old, they supported me being in school and making it work. I felt like they were very understanding and supportive. They get it.
What was your favorite part of your Pharmacy Technology program?
My teacher, Mark Loper. I want to say that he was kind of a cross between Bill Nye the Science Guy and Jim Carrey. He always uplifted me and reassured me when I was nervous or doubting myself. He made it clear that it doesn’t matter what age, race, or situation you are in, you will achieve your goal and he will help you get there. He was always there to catch me if I fell or considered dropping out. He always encouraged me to keep going. I even learned to enjoy math because he made it so much fun. Once I learned some formulas and became comfortable, I started enjoying math and would return for more problems to solve. I never would have expected that!
What was the most challenging part of your program?
The most challenging part was keeping going if I was struggling in my life outside of school. I might have been tired or sick, but I just had to push myself to keep going and be consistent.
Did you ever want to quit when you were in school?
Yes, I would go back and forth. I wondered, “What have I gotten myself into?” And, “Can I do this?” I would have fears when I didn’t do as well as I had hoped to on a test. I was nervous for probably the first month, but then those fears started to fall away. I realized I wasn’t alone in this because there was so much support at school. Now, there were times when I felt like I wanted to talk to my mom, my dad, or my grandmother. But I didn’t, because I kept it a secret from my family that I was in school and doing the program. I surprised them when I graduated.
What helped you get through the challenging times?
My teacher was my number one support. He was like a father figure, always supporting and encouraging me. Whatever I was going through, he was always there. He helped me through all of it. My boyfriend was also helpful and supportive.
What was your favorite subject?
Math was the hardest, but Mr. Loper made it fun, so I enjoy math now. I also really enjoy compounding. It is fun to get your hands dirty, figure out what does or doesn’t work together, and use your intelligence. We made hand sanitizer, chapstick, ice packs, and bath bombs. Then we had field trips, which I enjoyed a lot. One was to the pharmacy where I ended up doing my externship.
Where did you do your externship?
Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. They have adult and pediatric pharmacies. I gained experience dispensing medications and dosing them in the adult pharmacy. I also delivered medication to different units, including oncology, so I had a chance to witness the making of chemotherapy medications. A lot of the IV rooms were pretty cool. I even saw that they still use leeches at the medical center. That was interesting!
What are you doing now after graduating?
I have been grieving losing my grandmother. I needed some time off after finishing school and losing her. My son is also back with me after staying with his dad full-time in Colorado while I was in school. Having him at his dad’s place for the school year was hard, but it also allowed me to focus on school. It’s great to have him back home with me now. I’m also applying for jobs and preparing to take my test to get my pharmacy tech license in Arizona.
What do you enjoy most about being a Pharmacy Tech?
I get to help save and extend lives. That makes me feel like a superhero wearing a cape while working in the pharmacy.
How did Carrington College prepare you for your career–or at least your externship?
They helped give me the education and experience I needed for my externship. My class job shadowed some people doing IV room compounding. We also learned how to use the Pyxis machines. So, when I got to my externship, I wasn’t standing around wondering how to do things. I showed up prepared and ready to work.
Do you have any advice for people interested in entering your field or considering Carrington College?
Go for it. Don’t be afraid. Carrington College is very family-oriented, supportive, and understanding. They are behind you 100%. That includes the teachers, career advisors, directors– everybody there. Carrington College can help you overcome your fears and try something new. It has helped me make a big change in my life. I am glad I never quit and that I stuck with it.
