School Initiatives

2023-2024 

Texas A&M First Generation Celebration

First Generation Student Career Leadership Conference

The 4th Annual 2024 Circle of Change First Generation Student Career Leadership Experience this April 12th – 14th in Miami, Florida.  

Over three days, first-generation students hear from dynamic keynote speakers, career/leadership coaches, and professionals from top-tier organizations in South Florida, and they engage in a specially designed program that will help them position themselves for career leadership success after graduation.

This year's School of Pharamcy representative, Julissa Rodriguez earned a scholarship while at the conference. 

"At the beginning of the conference, they mentioned that they would be awarding scholarships to 9 individuals and that we just needed to apply for the chance to receive them. I initially doubted myself and thought that I would not receive it, but upon hearing the many keynote speakers, I took the opportunity and I applied. Towards the end of the conference, the scholarships were being awarded and I was one of those lucky individuals who had received the scholarship. I knew then that I was capable of achieving so much more and that I just needed to believe in myself and break the barriers that are currently preventing me from being successful," Rodriguez said of her experience. 

Some of the amazing speakers, career/leadership coaches, and panelists focused on:

• Helping students engage in career exploration as well as self-awareness assessments and activities that will help them determine the career path that is most aligned with them when they graduate from college.
• Assisting students in developing a career map that consists of a strategic action plan that outlines the specific milestones that must accomplished to position themselves for career success after graduation.
• Teaching students how to create a professional brand, develop an elevator pitch, network with others, build positive relationships; with other professionals within their area of expertise, and establish a networking database.
• Providing students with more knowledge about Linkedin so that they can discover how to utilize this powerful platform and position themselves for future career leadership success.
• Empowering students with information that will help them learn how to find an internship, maximize that experience, and use it as a launching pad for future career success.
• Developing the financial insight that is needed to position themselves for financial success as a professional after graduation.
• Help student learn how to write a resume, research organizations that align with professional aspirations, interview effectively, and negotiate their salary.
• Create the resiliency, self-care, and emotional intelligence skills that are needed to navigate and overcome the different challenges that exist within their area of expertise.
• Assist students in the process of increasing their leadership capacity and building the leadership skills that are needed to thrive and succeed as a leader within their area of expertise.

For more information on this transformational career leadership experience for first generation students visit  https://www.firstgencareerconference.com

Spring Forward Alumni Session

The School of Pharmacy and School of Medicine collaborated once again on a unique first-generation student initiative.  The two Texas A&M Health schools brought together first-generation guest speakers to host the “Spring Forward with Alumni” event! The virtual event featured Class of 2023 alumnae, Dr. Shelby Martinez, PharmD. She represented the School of Pharmacy and spoke about her journey to PharmD as a first-generation student while sharing guidance towards success.

Dr. Martinez is a 2023 graduate from Texas A&M School of Pharmacy and a proud First-Generation student. During her time within professional school, she worked hard to break barriers for herself and help others around her succeed. She participated in several student organizations on campus, even holding a national position in one. Behind the scenes, she is a mother to two young daughters who have always been her motivation. Now a licensed pharmacist, Dr. Martinez works in retail pharmacy and is a consultant pharmacist for a freestanding emergency room. She takes it upon herself to mentor prospective pharmacy students to help grow the field and encourage those with similar pasts as hers. 

Watch Dr. Martinez's testimonial here: 

First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium

Engaging First-gen Graduate and Professional Students

On Friday, February 2nd, current first-gen graduate students convened virtually for an afternoon of tailored professional development and networking at the 7th Annual First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium.

Sessions addressed the scholarly writing process, personal branding, negotiation, financial literacy, and much more.

Find more information about the schedule of events here  The 7th Annual First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium | Newbury Center. 

Texas A&M Pharamacy First-Generation Celebration Day

The National First-Generation College Celebration Day takes place on November 8^th annually.  All week long, the Office of Student Affairs celebrates our first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni while partnering with various office units at the School of Pharmacy and within the System.

Throughout the week, the School of Pharmacy hosted celebrations including a poster gallery walkthrough to be inspired by stories of our Aggie Pharmily. Also, all members of our Pharmily were able to share their gratitude with appreciation post cards that were sent to those that have helped throughout their academic journey.  In addition, the Office of Student Affairs collaborated with the Office of Experiential Education and Student Success to set up a table fair highlighting student resources and professional development opportunities to our students.

Lastly, the School of Pharmacy collaborated with the School of Medicine for a Lunch & Learn event and had Dr. John Hellerstedt (Former Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services) as the guest speaker.At the School of Pharmacy we are comprised of 43% of our current student body who self-identify as first-generation. We support and ensure that each student has the resources to thrive at the Rangel School of Pharmacy by building a culture of support for all students.