The community in which I was raised had a profound effect on me and on my career choice. Growing up in the Ghanaian community, I was particularly drawn to the aspect of our culture that emphasized analysis, application, and problem solving. As I matured, I discovered my natural aptitude and strong inclination with scientific subjects, most remarkably, chemistry. This spurred my early interest in the discipline of Pharmacy as a career. My grandmother, who was a local herbalist, additionally cultivated this interest. She was a woman of great knowledge and was well respected for her altruism and dedication to the alleviation of afflictions through her medicinal practice. I greatly admired and adored her. I often spent my summer holidays with her at Abaamu, a rural village in Ghana. During the time I spent with my Nana, as I affectionately called her, I marveled at how she was able to cure certain diseases using herbs she found in the forest. I wanted to know more about the toxicology and the side effects of these herbs. With a renewed sense of adventure and excitement, I vowed that I would contribute my quota to the community and the world by working in the pharmacy profession. I progressively developed a keen interest in drug delivery systems and safety. I frequently joined local campaigns that advocated for safer drug delivery to the indigenous people. On many occasions, I participated in group expeditions to rural villages to counsel and dispense medications, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. Through that experience, I learned the intricate details involved in access and cost of drug delivery in a developing country. I also witnessed, firsthand, the frustrations associated with patients’ noncompliance and misunderstanding of prescriptions and dosages. This gave me a renewed sense of respect and admiration for pharmacists and the profession of pharmacy. When the opportunity presented itself for me to study in the United States, I jumped at it! I knew I would be able to get the best education and be closer to realizing my dream to be a board-certified pharmacist. Moreover, I loved the idea that pharmacy practice in the US placed a greater emphasis on the notion of “patient centered practice” rather than a “drug product centered practice”. I have embarked on my academic journey to be a pharmacist and I truly enjoy my science courses. I actively seek local pharmacists for shadowing opportunities as a means to gain insight into the community of pharmacy. I have been fortunate to have friends who are currently in pharmacy school, and I often solicit their advice on how to best prepare to succeed in pharmacy school. I strongly believe that my dedication, hard work and perseverance compounded with a strong family support will aid me to a successful career as pharmacist in an urban setting. Unfortunately for me, my dear grandmother, passed away the day of my PCAT examination. Needless to say, I was heart-broken. This was followed, shortly thereafter, by the demise of my aunt, who was also my role model. These hardships presented a very challenging time for me. Due to financial constraints following their deaths, I am obliged to assume a greater degree of responsibility for my family. I work 12 hours a day, in order to provide for additional income for my family while simultaneously going to school at night. Although this can be taxing at times, it has given me a deeper motivation and a renewed sense of purpose. I want to be the “medicine woman” in the family now just like my grandma was. I firmly believe that I possess the qualities of being a great team player, being able to multitask, and being detail oriented and proactive. Coupled with my strong determination, I will become a very competent and compassionate pharmacist. My versatility and continuous thirst for new knowledge will best serve me as a practitioner either in an academic or an urban setting.