Tiffany Stewart
Tiffany Stewart Wants to Help Other Veterans
Pharm.D. | School of Pharmacy
Graduation Year: 2017
What led you to UMKC?
I got my GED at 16, and I joined the Army at 17. I served 16 months. I hurt my back in airborne training. I got out as a disabled veteran.
I knew that I wanted to be in a medical field, but I didn’t know where exactly I wanted to go with it. It took a few years for me to realize that I could go to the VA and ask them for help. They had me take a test, and it showed my interests. And the top interest was pharmacy.
Were you surprised it was pharmacy?
I was. I had never thought about pharmacy before that, and I didn’t know what it entailed.
Where is UMKC taking you?
It’s leading me right to greater opportunities. There are a few people who work at UMKC School of Pharmacy who also work at the VA Hospital. With all the people I have met, it’s going to be a good network.
My life has changed a lot since I have been in pharmacy school. I have overcome a lot of obstacles. The main thing I have learned about the people in pharmacy school is that they treat like you a person. I would not have wanted to go anywhere else.
How has college inspired you?
To stay positive and to push through the hard times life offers.
Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?
That is hard to say. I am a veteran and feel like most of what I have learned is from the military. Such as, I am a perfectionist and don’t like failing. I love to help people and be there for them any way I can.
What do you admire most at UMKC?
The atmosphere is so inviting and the professors are very helpful. Also, I feel comfortable reaching out when I need to talk about personal matters that may affect my course work.
Are you a first-generation college student?
Yes. It means a lot to me. Being a first-generation college student is hard as my family does not really understand how difficult school is at times.
What’s your greatest fear?
Not accomplishing school and letting down my son.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Working for the VA in whatever state they need me.
What is one word that best describes you and why?
Determined. I am determined to be successful in pharmacy and am faithful that this is the path for me. No matter what obstacle has been in my way during this adventure of school, I have managed to pass my classes.
What motto do you live by?
Not really a motto. But, I guess, just have faith. I trust in God in all that I do. I try to make sure that I’m displaying that everywhere.
What excites you?
Helping people. That’s what I love to do. The satisfaction from being able to help people in any way. My friends come to me when they need advice or they need someone to talk to.
