Meet your Student Ambassadors
Spokane
Victoria Nuon, president
Hometown: Tacoma, Washington
Program year: Class of 2027
Undergrad: University of Washington, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because I felt like it brought about a family feeling that I never felt at my undergrad institution. Now, I love how close I am with my classmates and professors. Our relationships help me miss my family and friends at home less.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
What I like most about CPPS is how small our classes are. We are a class with under 100 students which allows us to build more intimate relationships with our faculty and each other! I think we can feel more comfortable and less scared in our learning environments. I feel like I have created a new family away from home which helped with my big move.
Something unique about you:
I went to China in 2017 for free because the President Xi Jinping came to my high school and offered this opportunity to 100 students. I spent a total of 10 days on this trip. First, we went to Hong Kong where I learned how to play ping pong from an Olympian. Next, was Fuzhou, Chengdu where we saw the pandas, and the last stop was Beijing.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
I went to many pharmacy conferences during my first year! The most fun was going to Northwest Province with my Kappa Psi brothers that was hosted by delta mu in British Colombia. The food in Canada was fantastic and it was a delight meeting new people!
Jasmine Bell, president-elect
Hometown: Apple Valley, California
Program year: Class of 2028
Undergrad: Texas A&M University; Certificate in Biomedical Research and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU mainly because of the community and welcoming environment. From the start, the WSU staff were there with me on every step of my journey to apply to pharmacy school and I felt they truly cared about me as a student and person. They offered me many opportunities to grow in my career and started supporting me financially from before I even started school, a support that other schools did not provide. Moving from Texas to Washington was a life-changing decision but I have not regretted it for a second.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
What I like best about WSU are first and foremost the people. I’ve always been more on the introverted side and always found it hard to make friends, especially since my undergraduate school was extremely big. However, since coming to WSU, the other pharmacy students have been so helpful for my academic and mental health. With all the organizations and events taking place on campus, it’s been super fun getting to know everyone and I never feel like I’m alone. The upper classmates are super friendly and invite us to hang out both inside and outside of school. The Student Academic Center (SAC) is constantly putting on different events and I’m usually always hanging out there during my lunch break. Sometimes I’ll even start up a board or video game and other students will walk by and join in with me. There’s a place for everyone at WSU as the school truly gives back to its students.
Something unique about you:
Something unique about me is that I actually do not swear! It’s not for any specific reason other than I spent so long not doing it that it would feel weird to start.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
I finally built my own PC after using the same laptop for the past 15 years. I love gaming so I spend a lot of my free time on my PC now to relax. While in pharmacy school I have also made the move to go completely gluten-free (tough when there’s always so much yummy free food going around campus) due to health reasons. Other than that I have been exploring different hobbies such as scrap booking, embroidery, and getting to know Spokane as I moved here from out of state!
Maria Tran, training director
Hometown: Issaquah, Washington
Program year: Class of 2027
Undergrad: University of Washington, Seattle, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose to attend the pharmacy program at WSU because the mission and values of the school entails helping you to become a leader in advancing, promoting, and protecting human health and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I liked how the university provided the setting for me to be a successful pharmacist and how the faculty is with you every step of the way to guide you in the right direction and help foster your development and success.
Something unique about you:
My ever-growing number of hobbies and how I have fun doing a variety of things. I tend to binge read, game, and I like assembling DIY products.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
Being able to explore what Spokane has to offer! It was nice trying a variety of foods at different places with my friends especially as a foodie.
Kaela Reed, orientation director
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Program year: Class of 2027
Undergrad: Southern Oregon University, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Biology
Why did you choose WSU?
I love that WSU Spokane is an all-graduate health-sciences campus. It is super motivating to learn and study among future colleagues.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
The set-up of the program allows for so many opportunities to make connections with fellow classmates, which has been super rewarding for me.
Something unique about you:
I have two Bernese Mountain Dog puppies named Douglas and Delilah!
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
I traveled to Leavenworth for spring break and the views are absolutely stunning.
Ashlynn Eggleston, social media director
Hometown: Spokane, Washington
Program year: Class of 2027
Undergrad: Gonzaga University, Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Critical Race Studies
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because of the opportunities to create relationships with professors and students due to the small class sizes. I also chose WSU because it allowed me to stay close to family here in Spokane and having a support system while in pharmacy school is very important.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
What I love most about the WSU pharmacy program is all the opportunities we are able to be a part of which in turn makes pharmacy school more enjoyable and allows for me to stay motivated to succeed. At WSU they have so many clubs that allow me to meet new people and create lasting friendships and professional relationships. I have learned so much from other students during my time so far at WSU that has allowed me to become a better student!
Something unique about you:
Something unique about me is that I have a serious passion for the gym and running. I love working towards my goals in the gym to continue to push to become the best version of myself. I can’t say I am the best or fastest runner, but I am always looking to improve and continue to have a passion for exercising and pushing myself to my limits! I also love to cook and would like to think I am pretty good at it!
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
So far as a pharmacy student the most exciting/fun thing that I have done has to be joining PDC fraternity. All the brothers this year planned an end of year potluck, planned several fundraisers, and had fun team bonding experiences. Outside of pharmacy school, the most fun thing that I have done would probably have to be seeing two of my favorite artists in concert, Morgan Wallen and The Lumineers!
Sierra VanDerPol, training director-elect
Hometown: Oostburg, Wisconsin
Program year: Class of 2028
Undergrad: Whitworth University, Bachelor of Science in Health Science, minor in Chemistry
Why did you choose WSU?
During undergrad, I loved Spokane so much I never wanted to leave! Out of all the schools I applied to, I felt the most welcomed and at home at WSU.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I love the tight knit community we have between cohorts and all the opportunities we have for involvement in clubs and the community!
Something unique about you:
My hair has been five different colors in the past five years!
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
I’ve really enjoyed the practical experience I’ve had in my two intern positions in retail and in-patient settings. I’ve also had a great time getting food and hanging out with my cohort!
Drexler Yesiki, orientation director-elect
Hometown: Walla Walla, Washington
Program year: Class of 2028
Undergrad: Whitworth University, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because I have seen the lasting impact that WSU has on someone. A lot of my family members have gone to WSU and have really enjoyed their time here, so I was looking forward to going through that experience as well.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I love the community and culture at the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. There are so many faculty and staff that are here to support us in our pharmacy school journey, and they are all eager to help in any way. The cohort system also creates an amazing community between students from all years. There is a consistent attitude of support and camaraderie for each other as we all go through this challenging program that makes the experience so enjoyable.
Something unique about you:
I did track and field in undergrad and my events were the discus and hammer throw.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
Our cohort has made a tradition of going out to eat every Friday after classes to different restaurants around Spokane. We all love good eats.
Seaonna Piper, social media director-elect
Hometown: Olympia, Washington
Program year: Class of 2028
Undergrad: Gonzaga University, Bachelor of Science in Biology
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because my grandpa was a professor here, so it’s always held a special place in my heart. The Spokane location was also a perfect fit since I completed my undergrad here and already felt at home in the community.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
What really drew me in to WSU was the Cougar “Pharmily.” I love the strong sense of support, connection, and belonging. It’s a community I genuinely wanted to be part of.
Something unique about you:
Something unique about me is that I have five rescue Boston Terriers back home in Olympia! They definitely keep life interesting.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
One of my favorite things I’ve done as a pharmacy student was participating in Legislative Day, where I had the chance to speak with senators and representatives about the future of pharmacy. I’ve also really enjoyed the fun side of things like going to baseball games with my cohort!
Yakima
Quang Lam, orientation director
Hometown: Federal Way, Washington
Program year: Class of 2027
Undergrad: Highline College, North Seattle College, University of Washington, and Washington State University
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because I started my college career/journey with WSU and I wanted to finish it with WSU. I’ve also worked with pharmacists who’ve graduated from WSU, know people who’ve graduated from WSU, or were currently doing their rotations while they were a student at WSU and they all say it’s an amazing program.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
What I like best about WSU are the bonds that we’re can make, not just between students, but also with the professors and our upper and lower classmates, especially in Yakima, where each cohort has fewer than 20 students. As students, we can easily connect with each other. Teachers are easy to meet with, more than willing to help you, and willing to guide you to what you need which is a lot better than my undergraduate experience.
Something unique about you:
I moved to the U.S. from Vietnam with my family when I was young, back in 1999. I’ve been back to Vietnam a couple of times but not as much recently. I enjoy trying new foods and/or places and my personal goal for my PY1 year was to try 1 new place or dish once a week since I was new to Yakima.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
Learning the differences between a pharmacy technician and pharmacist especially experiencing those differences. Being able to use my experience as a pharmacy technician and compare it to my little, but still growing, experiences as a pharmacist. Also being able to explore Yakima especially the variety of food that is offered here.
Karina Jimenez, orientation director
Hometown: Yakima, Washington
Program year: Class of 2027
Undergrad: Washington State University
Why did you choose WSU?
During my experience in undergrad at WSU I had such an amazing experience. I wanted to keep the community feeling while in pharmacy school. I also heard great things about our pharmacy program.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
My favorite thing about WSU CPPS is the small class sizes. This allows me to not only build relationships with my classmates, but with my instructors.
Something unique about you:
Something unique about me is that I have a toy poodle named Stormi!
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
One of the most exciting things I’ve done as a pharmacy student is go to Leavenworth and a Mariners game with my friends! WSU CPPS took us on a bus and got us free tickets. It was super fun and I’m looking forward to doing it again!
Bushra Syed, orientation director-elect
Hometown: Yakima, Washington
Program year: Class of 2028
Undergrad: Central Washington University, Bachelor of Science in Biology
Why did you choose WSU?
Because of their emphasis on student success and a collaborative environment which made it the ideal place for me to grow both academically and personally.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I love their passion for serving rural and underserved communities, which aligns with my ambition for making health care accessible to all. I also love the teachers and student support staff that make learning and school so much easier.
Something unique about you:
I love reading and buying books. I hope to have a library one day (1000 books).
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
I participated in a mass casualty incident drill, helped plan the end of the year BBQ and wrote an article for the local newspaper.