Nina Whitehouse

I am married and my husband Colin and I share our home with 3 dogs named Shelby, Allie and Griffey. Balancing school, work and marriage has honestly been an ongoing challenge - but it can be done. Some nights you just have to accept that the dishes aren't going to get done or the floor isn't going to be swept! My husband was very encouraging when I decided I wanted to apply for pharmacy school and has always been my biggest supporter.

On working in a pharmacy

I quit my full time job working in data management for the Valvoline Company to work full time as a pharmacy technician for Kroger while I took a couple of prerequisite classes I needed to take so I could apply to the College of Pharmacy. I have had great experiences as both a technician and now as a pharmacy intern working for Kroger. I plan to work for them once I graduate.

On volunteering

I volunteered at Faith Pharmacy (Lexington pharmacy providing prescriptions to the needy) a couple of times while I was applying to the Pharm.D. program. Most of my research about the profession was done online. I looked at career possibilities, work experiences and salary.

Getting Involved

The funny thing is that I was never really involved as an undergraduate.I was a lot younger then and more unsure of who I was as a person. Shy and awkward are probably the two best words to describe me then. Now, I'm a lot older and wiser, plus I've lived a well-rounded life so I feel I have gained something through experience that I can offer my fellow students. Since beginning the Pharm.D. program, I have been involved in the Kentucky Alliance of Pharmacy Students (KAPS), Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI) and Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS). I was blessed to be the president of CPFI during my second professional year and to serve as president of PLS during my current ((third professional) year. Being involved has helped me develop great friendships with my fellow students that I will always treasure. The encouragement they've given me has been invaluable.

What's the one thing you wish you had known in undergrad?

That I would one day be going back to school -- something I swore that I would never do once I received my undergraduate degree. Also, that I didn't have great study habits at that time. That's one thing I've discovered about myself during Pharmacy school. I'm still working on this issue!

The most surprising thing about pharmacy school?

How your class becomes a family after the first few months. We celebrate together and when necessary, we mourn, as well. Everyone is very supportive of each other. The opportunities to participate in pharmacy on a national level have been a big surprise, too. Attending national meetings for organizations such as the American Pharmacy Association, the National Community Pharmacy Association, PLS and CPFI have enabled me to network and generate new ideas for Pharmacy practice.

What do you love most about UK?

The opportunities to be involved and develop relationships with people. Also, the positive relationships I've been able to develop with faculty members. The way fellow students support me as a non-traditional student. And of course, the craziness surrounding UK Basketball - I attended my first Wildcats basketball game in the fall when they played my alma mater, Miami University. It's hard not to get caught up in the excitement!

Nina's advice

Don't pass up opportunities. If it looks like a pathway is opening up for you to explore Pharmacy as either a first or a second career, take a stroll down the beginning of the path and check things out for yourself. Also, don't let anyone discourage you.

Plans following graduation

I plan to work for Kroger as a staff pharmacist and possibly a pharmacist in charge for several years. During that time, I plan to become a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist and eventually go into consulting pharmacy.