Affinity groups

As a first-generation college student and parent, I have achieved success as a pharmacy student while overcoming significant challenges. Despite being raised by a single parent, managing the demands of parenthood  and excelling  through a rigorous academic program, I earned a biochemistry degree from Spelman College, the number one Historically Black College and University. I endured physical and mental abuse causing me to land at the Tubman women’s shelter for battered women. Although many obstacles were thrown in the midst of my pathway to success, I have the honor of graduating with a PharmD and making valuable contributions to my community.

During my time at the College of Pharmacy, I found a supportive community in the affinity groups for First Generation college students , Black and African American students and disability groups. These groups provided me with emotional and practical support, including watching my children, providing hot meals, and assisting with grocery shopping when my family was affected by COVID-19. Through these groups, I have gained a sense of belonging and empowerment. I have built long lasting friendships and received continuous support from alumni and faculty members.  

As a member of these affinity groups, I helped start a successful organization called SNPhA in response to the tragic incident of George Floyd. Through these groups, I have also learned to appreciate my unique background as an African American woman, student parent, first-generation college student, and non-traditional student with a non-visible disability. The support and encouragement that I have received from the members of these groups helped me overcome doubts about my career path and feel confident that I will excel as a pharmacist.

I believe that my journey serves as an inspiration to others, and I encourage anyone facing roadblocks, setbacks, or obstacles to remain focused on their dreams and goals. As the famous saying goes, "Ability is what you're capable of doing, Motivation determines what you do, Attitude determines how well you do it." So let's do it ! Let's make the impossible possible!

-J'Nae Smith-Taylor, TC campus class of 2023

My name is Kati, and I joined the College of Pharmacy LGBTQ+ affinity group about one year ago. This group has been such a rewarding and fun experience for me, and I feel it has brought me closer to my professors, my peers, and to the college. It provides a safe space for us to discuss similar experiences and create feelings of community. It also allows us to address how to continuously improve our school and curriculum to better educate students on LGBTQ+ issues in healthcare. I am in awe of the passion expressed by everyone in the group and the commitment to creating a better future for people of LGBTQ+ identities. I hope others will continue this energy into the upcoming years, and that they will enjoy the affinity group as much as I have!

-Kati Knutson, TC Class of 2024

Having a collective of people that I can learn from and share with is awesome, especially when I know we have such strong commonalities. Having a "First Generation College Student"  group has helped me make new connections and discover that several of those I have known for years are also First Generation College Students/Graduates. I had never really considered that before, but the challenges I faced NOT being expected to go to college,  going back as far as junior high school have provided me valuable retrospect about my journey, and hopefully will provide some benefit for others in a similar situation.

-Jason Varin, Assistant Professor and Director of Alumni Relations