STC student finds purpose in Pharmacy Technology, aspires to make a difference

After years of exploring various career paths, South Texas College student Kelsie Medina unexpectedly found the perfect fit in Pharmacy Technology, with both the promise of a successful future and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

At 27 years old, the Rio Grande Valley native is halfway through the program at STC and recently completed her first clinical site experience, fully embracing her role in the medical field.

“I believe it was fate because throughout my life, I have always been intrigued and fascinated by medicine, the way our bodies work and how medication can quickly help relieve pain,” she said. “After many years out of school, I was nervous to try something new, but I made the right choice. I truly believe I am where I’m supposed to be.”

When Medina graduated from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) North Early College High School in 2016, she was initially interested in nursing. However, her focus later shifted to computer science and then to education.

“I felt so lost back then about what I wanted to become,” she explained. “I graduated from PSJA with a multimedia certificate, ready to enter the Information Technology field. But when I started at STC, I considered becoming a teacher, so I shifted to education and even graduated with my associate degree.”

Indecisive and without a clear path in mind, Medina chose not to commit to either field. Instead, she decided to work and gain experience by returning to STC as a part-time employee in the school’s call center for two years.

It was during this time that destiny intervened; her younger sister, who was just starting her journey in the medical field as a physical therapy student, suggested pharmacy.

“I owe her everything. The moment she said it, it was like a light bulb went off,” she recalled. “I was scared to start over in something completely new, but once I started my classes, everything just clicked. Coming back to school made me nervous, but I told myself I had to do it because ‘future me’ would be so much more successful and happier if I pushed through.”

After a rigorous academic year, during which she gained extensive knowledge in areas such as medications, compounding and inventory management, while honing her critical skills, she is eager to be actively involved in the health care process.

“STC has the resources and capabilities to prepare us for both hospital and retail pharmacy settings, but based on my clinical experience last summer, I’m leaning toward the hospital,” she explained. “Previously, I believed we would only work in the hospital pharmacy, isolated from the rest of the team. However, interacting directly with patients opened my eyes to the significant impact we have on their recovery. It’s a considerable responsibility, even the smallest mistake can affect a patient’s health. Fortunately, STC equips us to double-check our work and remain vigilant at all times.”

Set to graduate again in spring 2025, Medina is also considering a transition to another discipline, such as radiology or microbiology, thanks to the encouragement of her instructors at STC.

“From my time as an employee to now, everyone at STC has always been helpful and approachable. Now that I’ve found my niche, the possibilities are endless,” she said. “I truly love this program, and I’m excited knowing I’ll enjoy my future work because I’m already so passionate about it. I want to explore new avenues to help people, and wherever I go, I know my foundation came from the best possible place.”

For more information about the Pharmacy Technology program, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-3100.