Are there any organizations/clubs you are involved in? Tell us about what you’re up to!
I am very active in a professional pharmacy organization called California Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (CSHP). I am a past president of my schools’ chapter, and I stay involved as much as I can now.
With this role, I have advocated for the profession of pharmacy at the state capitol and provided opportunities for students to network with current pharmacists and get involved in community outreach events. Getting involved with this organization was a great way to meet important people in the profession and also improve my leadership and communication skills.
What’s the best thing about your school?
I would have to say the best thing about my school is my classmates. They have become like a second family to me. Shout out to all my pharmies!
Give a little description of your background.
I grew up in a small town called Carson City, Nevada. My brother and I are first generation Korean American. After high school, I moved 30 miles north to Reno, Nevada for undergrad at the University of Nevada, Reno. Go Wolf Pack!
I was the first in my family to attend college. After graduation, I worked for a couple years in the pharmaceutical industry and eventually, I applied to pharmacy school. I was accepted to Touro University-California, where I’m currently working to complete my doctorate. During pharmacy school, I became a proud husband and father of two, a son who is two and a daughter who is just seven weeks old. I’ve had to learn how to balance a lot of roles at the same time, but it’s been so rewarding.
Your go-to food place:
This may sound cliché for a Korean, but my go-to place is this spot in San Francisco called My Tofu House. I go there as often as I can. Growing up in a small rural town, the only Korean food that was accessible was my mom’s, so finding this place was a dream when I moved to California. It always reminds me of my mom, and it’s hands down the best soondubu in the city.
What has been your favorite memory so far?
Well I have two of them now: when my son, Aiden, and my daughter, Lillian, were born.
If you could sum up your life as a student in three words, they would be…
STUDY, STRESS and FUN… not in any particular order.
What was the hardest thing you’ve done so far?
The hardest thing I have done so far is raising a family while both my wife and I have been in pharmacy school. Granted, raising a family is hard work itself, but the workload of pharmacy school has made it extra hard. If I could go back though, I wouldn’t change a thing.
What was the last book you read…for fun?
The Pout Pout Fish… it’s a children’s book that I read to my son each night before bed. It’s a total tongue twister, and my son loves it.
What does your typical night out consist of?
Nights out are few and far between at this point in my life, but I do enjoy an occasional night out with friends. Usually we will just go out and catch up over some food and drinks.
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, “crazier stuff,” or nothing at all?
All of it. I drink this stuff so much, but I don’t feel like any of it works for me anymore, though.
Who’s the person/people you can rely on for anything?
My wife. We met nine years ago during undergrad, so we’ve been through a lot together by now. She is always there to support me.
If you would like to participate in KoreAm U’s Student Spotlight feature, you can find more information here.
