Lauren Towley, '21

Your Name: Lauren Towley 

Graduation Year: 2021

Major: Chemistry

Your Story: 

 From a young age I was always interested in the sciences and knew I wanted a career that was science-based but didn’t know quite what to do. In high school, my parents suggested pharmacy as a career, something I explored and looked toward as I began at Gustavus. I loved the atmosphere at Gustavus and immediately fell in love, confident in completing my degree here. I decided on a chemistry major, in alignment with my pharmacy goal, and through my J Term shadowing opportunity at Family Fresh Pharmacy, combined with prior experience as a pharmacy technician, I decided that I was committed to becoming a pharmacist.

 To support my pharmacy pre-requisites, I had planned to spend a semester abroad in Cardiff, Wales during Spring 2021. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, my study abroad was unfortunately canceled, and it left me with a decision to make. With the combined credits I had transferred from high school and my front-load of chemistry courses to go abroad, I would be able to graduate a full year early with a little bit of extra effort. After many long discussions with professors, family, and friends, I decided to apply to pharmacy school during the 2020-21 application cycle and graduate in May 2021.

 It was through the support and guidance of my academic advisor and the Career Development office, as well as many other department faculty that I was able to make the quick adjustment to graduating early. I particularly appreciated the specific support during the pharmacy application process, with opportunities for practice interviews and check ins along the way. While the pandemic turned my college experience upside down, I am thankful for the flexibility and encouragement of my professors in helping to achieve my goals. I am beyond grateful for the experiences I had at Gustavus and am thrilled to be attending the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy starting Fall 2021.

Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)

1. Christmas in Christ Chapel

2. Square Dancing during Orientation

3. Chemistry and Biochemistry Mentoring Program

4. Working and shadowing at Family Fresh Pharmacy during J Term

5. Attending the Nobel Conferences

Advice:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your professors want to help you succeed and are more than willing to assist with questions or to just talk. The faculty are some of your greatest resources on your pre-health path and can help you find additional resources by just reaching out.

2. Find a study group. Not only will this help you to better understand course content and help in preparation for exams but will also lead to lasting friendships and connections.

3. Try something new. You only get one undergrad college experience, so take the time to step out of your comfort zone and explore new opportunities, finding new passions and making new memories.

Future Plans:

Attending the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in Duluth, starting Fall 2021.

HB 5/19/2021