First-Gen Aggie Pharmacist Alumni Testimonials
We are First-Gen
We would like to invite Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy professionals to inspire others by sharing their story as a first-generation college student. Identifying faculty, staff, students and alumni who themselves are first-generation college students will allow our campus community to discover how many first-generation role models exist throughout the Rangel School of Pharmacy.
"As a first-generation student, I’ve really come to appreciate the journey to my achievements. I’m still in the middle of my very long journey, but knowing how many sacrifices I’ve made and how many long nights and even longer days I’ve been through strengthens me and encourages me to keep going. It helps me know that if I can take the worst things that come my way, I’m able to do anything. This kind of determination was instilled in me by my parents. They are people who traveled a long way with almost nothing on their backs to give me a greater future. That part of me – my perseverance to do good – is a highlight of what it means to be a first-generation student. One bit of advice I’d like to give to other current or future first-generation students is to never forget where you came from. One day you will be able to enjoy so many more of the successes your parents have experienced, but you should always take a moment of gratitude and humility to reflect on what made you who you are. That kind of self-reflection inspires others to be able to overcome anything because they saw you do it.”
Shawna Promsaka
Professional Student Pharmacist
Class of 2021
First-Generation College Student
"Growing up, college was never a priority in my household but I knew I wanted to do more. Seeing the hardships my mother went through motivated me to get an education and provide a better future for myself and my family. My life took an unconventional route, as I began my college education married with children. Having them cheer me on throughout this journey is encouraging and also very rewarding. I have been able to surpass statistics and disparities by being accepted into a doctoral program and additionally being able to mentor the next generation of potential pharmacy students. Being a first-generation college student is a challenge. Being a mother contributes to the disparity; you have to quickly adapt and create a balance between school and raising a family. Having the support from family and friends is significant in completing this challenge. Hearing my daughter, mother, and grandmother say, ‘I am proud of you’ has made everything worth it. I hope to set the example for my children, my siblings, and inspire other moms to reach their goals.”
Cassandra Lee Cruz
Professional Student Pharmacist
Class of 2021
First-Generation College Student
"As a first-generation student, some of my highlights include serving as the President for the Cultural Diversity Committee (CDC), President and co-founder for Rising Health Foundation, and Historian for the National Community Pharmacy Association (NCPA). In addition to my executive committee positions, I also serve as a committee chair for the Student Society of Health system pharmacists (SSHP), NCPA, and the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacists. Additionally, I am grateful to be accepted into the Houston Methodist - West (HMW) Longitudinal APPE program for my fourth year of pharmacy school. At HMW I hope to supplement my didactic curriculum from the Rangel College of Pharmacy, and better prepare myself for postgraduate residency. Throughout my journey as a pharmacy student, my mentors have been an integral part of my education, and allowed me to successfully navigate professional school. Of those individuals, my mother and father, Shahnaz and Akber Ali, have had a tremendous impact in allowing me to reach my goals, and cultivate my love for helping others into a career. Additionally, Dr. Victoria B. Pho, PharmD, has given me the opportunities to apply my curriculum to the real world, and has been tremendously supportive throughout my extracurricular ventures, include the establishment of Rising Health Foundation.”
Ashmal Ali
Professional Student Pharmacist
Class of 2021
First-Generation College Student
"The biggest part of being a first-generation college student for me is the pride it brings to my parents and other family members. To hear the way my parents talk about me to others is an experience unlike any other. It also makes me see the worth in what I am doing and gives me an enormous sense of pride and confidence. For me it is not only a highlight to be a first-generation college student, but to be a first-generation college graduate of Texas A&M and now to be pursuing a doctorate at Texas A&M as well. When I think about being from such a small town where few people go to college, I realize what an honor and privilege it is to have the support system and personal drive to be where I am now. I am a very family oriented and family driven person. Without them, absolutely none of this would have been possible. It was never a question that I would attend college at Texas A&M, but through their love, support, and financial planning I have been able to pursue every dream I’ve had. My grandfather, who passed away my first year of pharmacy school, was the one who drove me to pharmacy and gave me the inspiration to obtain this degree.”
Bailey Amanda Dendy
Professional Student Pharmacist
Class of 2021
First-Generation College Student
"My advice to future first-generation college students is to pick a degree course you are passionate about. To look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead and to truly enjoy the journey. Never forget where you come from and allow it to give you the drive to pursue your dreams. Never let a doubt or fear keep you from going to college and bettering your future. My advice to current first-generation students would be never doubt yourself and if you have an idea that you want to do something, try it with 100% effort.”
Deshawn Banks
Professional Student Pharmacist
Class of 2021
First-Generation College Student