2009 Annual Report - College of Pharmacy - The Ohio State University

Blake Toney, an Ohio State senior studying pharmacy, aspires to enter a two-year residency to specialize in infectious diseases.ationwith a dramatically reduced debt load.How did you select pharmaceutical sciences as your chosen field of study?The more I researched it and thought about it, the more pharmacy made sense, as though it had been tailored to my interestsand goals. What better way to combine the desires of understanding our world through the lens of science and using thatknowledge to help others? Pharmacy practice integrates many of the sciences to create a new science geared toward the safe andefficacious use of pharmaceuticals. Now that three years have passed, I have grown fond of this awesome institution. Ohio Statehas fostered a fresh outlook on life, on education, and on what it means to pursue a profession that is a perfect fit. I love Ohiothis fine establishment.What stands out the most about your Ohio State experience so far?My highlight has been the transition from the Mansfield campus to main campus. The bigness of it all is breathtaking. When I rodemy bike through the Oval on the first nice day of spring, I hurriedly searched for the large body of water that was apparentlynearby, because I could have sworn that I rode right into the middle of a beach! Students were everywhere, with beach towels,beach balls, the coconut aroma of sunmemory epitomizes the unique and diverse population that we have at Ohio State; our city-sized group of ambitious young peoplefosters an unmatched learning environment.As a recipient of financial aid, you know through experience how essential scholarships can be. Why do you feelsupporting students through donations is a worthwhile endeavor?I am truly pleased that there are so many people who understand the importance of giving to students in need. These donors arenot only making an investment in the lives of the recipients, but also in our economy. I have a first-hand insight into theimportance of both the scholar and the pharmacist, who I am and hope to be, respectively. As with everything in life, both requiremoney. After I graduate, I plan to earn some of this for myself, but then later give back to those students who will perpetuate myprofession. At times I feel unworthy of the generous amounts of money Icitizen of this country, and that I will indubitably go on and do my part to stimulate the economy through my years of hard workand tax dollars.Describe your future professional goals.At the beginning of my junior year, I was almost positive that I was going to become a community pharmacist, working in thesame setting I do now (I work as a pharmacy technician at a Rite Aid). However, I am increasingly certain that I want to enter atwo-year residthis is just a phase. I presented data about this profession in a research paper, and it seems tailored to my strengths andaspirations.www.giveto.osu.edu