CRISAFI THANKYOU Letters
Alondra A. Butler Soberal
lumibutler73@gmai .com
(787)308-0950
June 1, 2025
Dear CrisafiFamily,
As a Crisafi Scholar, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your generosity and support of the pharmacy students at the University of Florida.
I have always been passionate about the field of pharmacy, particularly the role it plays in improving patient care and advancing medical treatments. My interest in pharmacy grew through my academic experiences and hands-on exposure to the field, leading me to pursue my Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Florida. In the future, I aspire to contribute to the development of innovative treatments, particularly in the area of personalized medicine and nanotechnology. I am excited to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Receiving this scholarship has provided both financial relief and motivation as I begin my PharmDjourney. Knowing that dedicated alumni like you are investing in students like me strengthens my determination to succeed and give back to the field of pharmacy.
Once again, I deeply appreciate your generosity and commitment to supporting future pharmacists. I look forward to making the most of this opportunity and carrying forward the spirit of excellence that this scholarship represents.
Sincerely,
AlondraA. Butler Soberal
Alejandro Curbelo
15241 SW 31stLN
Miami, FL 33185
June 01, 2025
DearCrisafFamily,
AsaCrisafi Scholar,Iwouldliketoexpressmysincerestgratitudeandappreciationforyourgenerosity andsupportofthepharmacystudentsattheUniversityofFlorida.
In 2018,Ipursuedadegreein ComputerScience,thinkingitwouldbethequickestpathto acareerthat wouldfundasuccessfulfuture. Aftergraduating,IrushedtofindajobandwashiredatAccenture asa BusinessIntegrationandArchitectureAnalyst. Atthetime,itfeltlikeeverythingwasgoingaccordingto plan; IwasdoingwhatIwas 'supposed' todo.Butafterafewmonths,Ibegantofeeluneasy; eachday feltmundane,uninspired,andslow.EvenwhenmyworkalignedwithwhatIhadstudied,Istillfeltoutof place. Convincingmyselfitwasjustaphase, Iwaiteditoutforayearand ahalf, butthefeelingonly worsened. Withthesupportoffriendsandfamily,Ifinallyfoundthecouragetochangecourse. Ireflected onmytimeincollegeandrememberedhowchemistryhadeffortlesslycapturedmyattention, thoughI hadn'tconsidereditseriouslyatthetime. Unburdenedbytheprevioustemporalandfinancialpressures,I searchedearnestlyfordirectionanddiscoveredcompoundingpharmacy-afascinatingfieldcombining labwork, technicalandclinicalknowledge, andcollaboration, oftenhelpingthemostvulnerablepatients. Workingasapharmacytechnicianconfirmedmyinterest; unlikemy pastwork, thechallengesmotivated metolearnmore, andIknewIhadfoundatruepassionandafulfillingpathforward.
Receivingthisscholarshiphasa profoundimpactonbothmypersonalandacademiclife. AsIplan to finance my education through student loans andpart-time work, thissupportsignificantly eases the pressure of balancing financial responsibilitieswiththedemanding coursework of pharmacy school. Onceagain,Ifindmyselfintheearnestand unburdened pursuitofmy passions, thistime,thankfully, due toyoursupport. Since 2017, mymotherhas beenunableto work duetoadisability,and without fmancial assistancefrommyfamily,Ianticipatelong-termfinancialstrainasIwillberesponsibleforsupporting heraftergraduation. Thisscholarshiphelpsalleviatesomeofthatburden, allowingmetomoveforward withstability.Itbringsmeonestepclosertoachievingmygoalswithoutsacrificingacademicfocusor personal well-being. Iamtrulygratefulforthis opportunity andthesupportitprovidesduringsucha criticaltimeinmylife.
Pharmacyreignitedmyacademicpassionsandpulledmeoutfromthelowestpointinmy,life andIlook forwardtothankingitandyoubybecomingacompoundingPharmacistandonedaybyfinancially supportingandfosteringgrowthinyoungtalentasyouhave.
Thankyouagainforyourgenerosityand forthanlcyouforchoosingtoinvestinmyfuture!
Sincerely,
Alejandro Curbelo
ToCrisafiFamily,
As aCrisafi Scholar, Iwouldliketo expressmy sinceregratitudeand appreciationforyourgenerosityandsupportofthepharmacystudentsat the UniversityofFlorida.
I am astudentwhofroma veryyoung agehaswantedtobeinvolvedin the community. Ilovemedicineandscience, but Iwantedtomake sure I chose a careerthatcombinedthat medicinewithrealhelpformy community. I endedupchoosingpharmacybecause I believeditwasthe best option for meto balance servingthe communityand patient care with real hands-on science andlearning about medicine. Iwasso excited and grateful when I got accepted into UF'sCollegeof Pharmacy, just as I am gratefulnowthat I amreceivingthisscholarshipto help continue my education. Thesenextfouryearswillhopefully open meupto many opportunitiesinthefield, and I amhoping to attenda residency after graduating frompharmacy school. I'dliketo eventuallyworkinahospital.
Thisscholarshipwillreallyhelpme achievethesegoals. Receivingthis scholarshiphelpedboostmyconfidencetowardsthisnextstep inmy education, and I amreallygratefultohavethishelp incompletingmy PharmDdegree. I almost can'tbelieveit still. So I really wantedtothank youfor yourhelpandexpressmygratitudeabout gettingto receive this amazing and gracious scholarship.
Ihave attachedmyresume sothat youmay seewhat I have donebefore gettingtopharmacyschool.
Thankyou,
ArlynedDelgado
KoyonaEwa
1445 Via Sangro Place
Winter Park, Fl, 3 2792
Koyonae@gmail.com
04/01/2025
DearCrisafi Family,
IamtrulyhonoredtohavebeenselectedasaCrisafiScholar,andIwanttotakethisopportunityto ex-press myheartfelt gratitude for your generosity Thisscholarshiprepresentsasignificantmilestone inmyacademicjourneyandmeanstheworldtomeasIembarkonmystudiesinpharmacyatthe UniversityofFlorida.
Mypathtopharmacyhasbeenprofoundlyshapedbymypersonalexperiencesandmyenduring passionforscience. GrowingupinNigeria,Ifacednumeroushealthchallenges, includingfrequent boutsofmalariaandfoodpoisoning,whichoftenledmetohospitals.Theseexperiencesexposedme tothevitalrolethathealthcareprofessionalsplayinthelivesofpatientsandinstilledinmeadeep respectforthemedicalfield. AftermovingtotheUnitedStates, Ifeltastrongmotivationtopursuea career inhealthcare,althoughIinitiallystruggledtoidentifythespecificpathIwantedtotake. However,myperspectivebecameclearerasIenrolledincoursessuchasOrganicChemistry, AntimicrobialResistance, andBiochemistry.Ifoundmyselfcaptivatedbytheintricatedetailsof dmgfonnulation andthemechanismsbywhichmedicationstargetandtreat humandiseases. The clinical researchbehindthedevelopmentofnewtherapies,particularlythoseundergoingtestingfor approval, :furtherfueledmyexcitementforthisfield.
Myexperiencesasamedicationteclmicianandresidentcareaidehavesolidifiedmycommitmentto pursuingacareerinpharmacy.Intheseroles,Ihavelearnedtheimportanceofeffective communication empathyinhealthcare. Workingcloselywithresidentshasallowedmetowitness firsthand howthe medicationcansignificantlyenhancea person's quality oflife. ultimate aspirationistobecomeaphannacist who notonlydispensesmedicationsbutalso empowers patients ,vithknowledgeabouttheir treatments andadvocatesfortheiroverallhealthandwell-being.
ReceivingtheCrisafiChallenge Scbolarslripwillsignificantlyimpactmyacademicjourney.It alleviatessomeofthefinancialburdensassociatedwithpursuingaPbam1D,enablingmetofocus moreintentlyonmystudiesandengageinactivitiesthat,villenrichmyeducationalexperience.This scholarshipservesasapowerfulreminderofthefaithandsupportthatyouandotherdonorshavein studentslikeme, motivatingmetostriveforexcellenceinallmyendeavors.
Thankyouonceagainforyourgenerosity andforinvestinginthefutureofpharmacystudents. Iam genuinelyexcitedabouttheopportunity tomakeapositiveimpactinthefieldandtogivebacktomy community, bothhereintheU.S. andbackinNigeria.
Wannregards, KoyonaEwa
DearDr. CrisafiFamily,
As aCrisafi Scholar,Iwishto extendmy sinceregratitudefor your kindness andassistanceto the pharmacy students at the University of Florida. I am genuinely grateful to have been chosen for this scholarship, and I know it exists because of your amazing dedication to promotingthefutureofpharmacy.
I was born in Puerto Rico, and I just finished a Bachelor ofScience in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Biology. My love for pharmacy began when I worked at a community pharmacy and saw the critical role pharmacists play in patient care. That enthusiasm was fostered by practical experience and biopharmaceutical internships, such as those with AMGEN BioTalents and a summer course in bioprocessing. These encounters reinforced my aspiration to be a pharmacist who can work in the clinicaswellasin the widerfieldofpublic health, and they also taught me the essential connection between science and its impact on patients.
The Crisafi Scholarship has been extremely important to me, both academically and personally. This assistance helps relieve financial strain and enables me to concentrate entirely on my studies as a student transferring from Puerto Rico to the University ofFlorida in order to earn my Pharm.D. But most importantly, being selected as a Crisafi Scholar motivates me to continue yourlegacy of generosity, leadership, andexcellence. Justlike you have, I want to use this chance to develop, serve, and one day give back to the next generationofpharmacy students.
Thank you, Dr. Crisafi, for the enduring impact ofyour vision and generosity. Your legacylivesonthrougheverystudentyou havehelped, and I amproudtobeamongthem.
Withheartfeltgratitude,
RashelL. Graulau Nufiez
Dear Crisafi Family:
As a Crisafi Scholar, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your generosity and support of the pharmacy students at the University of Florida.
When I began dual enrollment in fall 2020 at Seminole State College, I enjoyed one of the courses I took more than the others. That course was General Chemistry 1, and little did I know that it would put me on the path to a lifelong career When I graduated high school in 2022, I applied to work at a community pharmacy to gain experience and see if I wanted to start my career in pharmacy What I saw when I worked there was a team which worked together to care for their patients. The pharmacist I worked under had an inspiring understanding of not only what conditions the medications treat, but also of many of the mechanisms of action, and I knew that I wanted to be able to help people just like she did. To have a strong understanding of the medications and their pharmacodynamics, I must have a good foundation in the fundamental classes before I start pharmacy school, and therefore I did my best to understand that material and get good grades. Due to my strong record of academic achievement, I was offered a generous scholarship from Liberty University to complete my undergraduate degree there, and during that time I earned my B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Many of the classes I took were challenging, but I believe that the time I invested during the last three years will pay off in my next four years at UFCOP and during my time as a pharmacist.
I grew up living on a farm in rural Florida. My father had a bachelor’s degree and worked hard to provide for my family From my time working in the community pharmacy, I knew I wanted to become a pharmacist, but I was uncertain that I would be able to afford it. If I could get through pharmacy school, I would be the first person in my family to be a doctor. This motivated me to keep moving forward; however, cost is always an issue. I was able to go to Liberty University for my undergraduate studies because of the wonderful scholarship they provided; however, UF College of Pharmacy is much more expensive than Liberty was. I was just hired as a pharmacy technician at Publix which will help support me to pay for my education, but one of the things the pharmacist at the community pharmacy warned me about was student loans. She is still paying off her student loans and has warned me about was student loans. She is still
paying off her student loans and has warned me about taking out too much money to pay for college. Although I will be able to work for Publix to pay for part of my tuition, this first semester will be the most challenging for me because I just started at Publix and I already have debt from my undergraduate degree. I hope to avoid accumulating too much in loans during my time in the pharmacy program. Being awarded the Crisafi Challenge Scholarship has made the first semester of pharmacy school less daunting for me and has allowed me to feel more peace about how I will pay for this first semester.
Thank you for believing in me as I begin this next level of education on my path to becoming a pharmacist. I look forward to advancing the reputation of excellence at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and serving my community as a pharmacist at Publix.
Sincerely,
Connor Harper
May 19, 2025
Dear Crisafi Family,
As a Crisafi Scholar, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for yourgenerosity and support ofthe pharmacystudentsat the Universityof Florida.
My name is Joyce M. Hernandez Lopez and I am from Puerto Rico. I am the youngest of a family of four and some of my hobbies include reading, listening to music and practicing martial arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I graduated from the lnteramerican University of Puerto Rico with a bachelors in Biotechnology with a minor concentration in Pre-medicine. Since I was child, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, given the fact that I was heavily.inspired by my dad. He studied medicine abroad and when he visited back home, I witnessed how he was ableto stepin andhelp ourfamily and others when sick. Therefore, I researched the field of pharmacy and Idecided to pursue it ever since. I aspire to study pharmacy because I respect the role of a pharmacist asthe patient's most accessible healthcare provider, and it inspires me tobe someone that others can rely on and trust with their health. For this reason, my long-termgoalsaretocompleteresidencytrainingandworkasaclinicalpharmacist.
It is undoubtedly both an exciting and a humbling experience to havebeen selectedto receive this scholarship award. It definitely encouraged me to keep striving to fulfill my goal of pursuing my PharmD at the prestigious UF College of Pharmacy. Getting this recognition truly is an honor. It made me feel supported, seen and acknowledged, knowing that others believeinmypotentialto becomeaclinical pharmacist. I am deeply grateful for your support and advocacy as I pursue my academic and professional aspirations.
l8t , 2025
DearCrisafiFamily,
AsaCrisafiScholar, I wouldliketoexpressmysinceregratitudeandappreciationforyour generosity andsupportof thepharmacystudentsat theUniversityofFlorida.
MynameisMerolaIshak, andI amanupcomingstudent attheUniversityofFlorida'sCollege ofPharmacy. Ireceivedmy bachelor's degreefromtheUniversityofSouthFlorida, majoringin Biomedical Sciencesand minoring inPsychology. Within mytimeatthe University ofSouth Florida,I wasamemberoftheJudyGenshaftHonorsCollege, aswell asaProvost's Scholar, Bothgrantedmeaccess tovariousuniqueopportunities. For example, Ihadthewonderful opportunityofstudyingabroadinGermanyandPoland, throughtheHonorsConfrontingthe Holocaustprogram. BeinganEgyptianimmigrantmyself, anda CopticOrthodox Christian,I havefacedmyownstruggleswithdiscrimination. Givenmyinterestsinhistory, aswellas personalexperienceswithreligiouspersecution, suchanexperiencewaslife-altering. In addition to thisopportunity, Iwason theexecutive boardfortheAmericanRedCross Club atUSF, as well asMedi-Futures atUSF. Ihavebeena volunteerfortheAmericanRedCrossforoversix years, allowingmeto dedicate timetogiving back to the community. In addition, I volunteerat SaintAnthonyCopticOrthodoxChurchseveraltimesa week,andhavebeenfornearlyadecade.
Suchexperienceshaveallowedmetovaluemycommunity.Throughmypursuitofbecominga pharmacistattheUniversityof Florida, Iwill beabletoexploremedicaldiagnoses, learnabout a varietyofdiseaseswith theirtreatmentoptions, and beable toeasethe painofeachpatientI encounter. Pharmacyis auniquecareerwitha balanceofdifferentintereststhatmany other healthcarecareers simplylack. Receivingsuchagenerousscholarshipallowsmetoprioritizemy studies, ratherthanthe worriesoffinances. Inaddition, itwillopenavenuesformeto spreadthe wordabouttheUniversityofFlorida'swonderousprograms, being aCrisafi Scholarmyself!
I trulyappreciatethefinancialsupportinmyacademicendeavors.
Sincerely,
MerolaIshak
James Marques
Crisafi Scholarship Thank You Letter
My family comes from a background of both first and second-generation Americans. To put this plainly, we are very new to America generationally. I am the first person in my family to go to college to any capacity, as well as the first to graduate with a bachelor's degree, which included a Latin honors distinction. I could not afford college, which is why I joined the Air Force as an active duty enlisted member. Why is all of this important? I grew up with very little and have fought for every inch through my life to create something special for my family. This is, to my knowledge, the first monetary award I have ever received in my life. I have expenses that supersede even tuition and books because my wife is unable to work, and I have a special needs son who requires many therapies to give him all the support that he needs. This money means more therapy, housing, and things less conceivable for those who may not have experienced them. It is with great honor and respect that I was given the opportunity to receive such a gift. I want to thank the late Dr. Bob Crisafi, as well as his family, for such generosity. Without this scholarship, it means less of all of these integral life-affirming pieces afforded to not just me but also my family. Thank you again.
With great appreciation,
James Marques
James Marques
3805 Crystal Beach Road
Winter Haven, Florida 33880 (352) 400 9390
Jamesmarques23@gmail.com
Education
Bachelor of Science Biomedical Science: Major GPA: 3.72 | Cumulative GPA: 3.60 July 2025 University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
Associate of Arts Biomedical Science focus May 2023 Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, Florida
Professional Positions and Experience
Aircraft Metals Technologist August 2014 - May 2019
United States Air Force Minot AFB, North Dakota
Coordinated with 4-5 maintenance shops to achieve metal hardness and tensile strength by analyzing hardness scales of 2,800 samples.
Saved the United States Air Force 2.6 million dollars and 1,200 maintenance hours by eliminating the need to replace 20 aircraft parts through precise repairs.
Welded at 5G position, machined, soldered, heat-treated/metal tempered, and performed precise measurement inspections with repairs as needed with 7 different metals.
Veterinary Technician
January 2010 – January 2012 Luv My Pet Orlando, Florida
Assisted veterinarian with the administration of routine and specialized vaccinations to a variety of animal species.
Customized vaccination protocols and dosage based on species, breed, age, and weight to ensure optimal efficacy and safety.
Provided client education and facilitated sales of preventative medications, including flea, heartworm, and tick treatments.
Carpenter May 2009 – December 2013 Refined Renovations
The Villages, Florida
Remodeled kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas for projects up to a final cost of $300,000.00. Performed prospective layout measurements for blueprint evaluation and client communication. Installed bathroom/kitchen sinks, under-mount lighting, cabinets/vanities, tubs, showers, tile, fans, and a variety of trim.
Professional Community Activities
POW-MIA Run
July 2017
Ran a 24-hour vigil with prisoners of war and missing in action (POW-MIA) flag to commemorate and remember service members.
Achievements
Air Force Achievement Medal May 2019
Awarded for outstanding achievements and service in the United States Air Force, preserving aircraft maintenance hours and saving 2.6 million dollars in component changes. Assisted with the unit deployment of 39 members and 139 tons of cargo.
Certification and Licensure
CPR/BLS certified August 2025
PADI Dive Certified: Open Water September 2015
Developed Skills/ Extracurricular Activities
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu September 2007-2013
Integral in safety and awareness of daily activities while generating healthy lifestyles. Participated and refereed in tournament-sanctioned Brazilian jiu-jitsu through Grappler's Quest and Naga jiu-jitsu.
Haithem Musa
8712 Scenic Oak Ct
Orlando, FL 32836
407-969-6494
Haithem Musa
6th May 2025
Dear Crisafi Family,
As a Crisafi Scholar, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your generosity and support of the pharmacy students at the University of Florida.
My name is Haithem Musa. I'm a really big sports guy, with soccer and basketball being on the top of that list. I love the outdoors and love to travel. With this, however, came a lot of injuries and I think that was one of the main reasons i chose to pursue a career in health care and pharmacy. Growing up, science classes were always my favorite and the most interesting. I always loved Biology especially, andjust the ways living things were made up. This love went even further when I took a Human anatomy and physiology class. Taking the things I loved about the human body and relating that to how it reacted to external factors, whether that's medicine or its environment. made me fall in love with the healthcare field and specifically pharmacy. After graduation and once I actually start working as a pharmacist, I want to be someone who understands, calms down, and reinforces that everything will be okay,justlike the pharmacist that was takingcare of me when I was a kid did.
Receiving this scholarship will truly help me in all sorts of ways. Academically, by helping me pay for required books and parts of the tuition, In addition, personally, by helping me pay for overall necessities like gas and food. I truly can't be more grateful for not only the trust you have placed on me but also for your generosity and thoughtfulness.
Sincerely,
Haithem Musa
Duyen Kim Nguyen
Coral Springs, FL
nguynduyn19@gmail.com
May 23rd, 2025
Dear Crisafi Family,
As a Crisafi Scholar, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your generosity and support of the pharmacy students at the University of Florida.
I was born and raised in Vietnam. After moving to the United States, I became the person in my family who handled all medical matters. I translated during doctor’s appointments, managed prescriptions, and made sure my loved ones received the care they needed. These experiences shaped who I am and made me realize that I wanted to do more-not just for my family but for others as well. That is why pharmacy became more than just a goal for me. From studying drug development to working in research at Florida Atlantic University and gaining experience as a pharmacy technician, every step has brought me closer to my dream of becoming a pharmacist. I am excited to join the Doctor of Pharmacy program and become a pharmacist who listens with care and serves with purpose.
This scholarship means so much to me. It helps relieve some of the financial stress of attending school and allows me to focus more on my education and goals. It also reminds me that there are generous people who believe in students like me. I am truly grateful.
Thank you again for everything you have done. Your generosity will continue to inspire me and many others.
With sincere appreciation,
Duyen Kim Nguyen
DianaPierre
319 JamesSt
OrangeParkFL, 32073
April22, 2025
DearCrisafi Family,
Asa CrisafiScholar, Iwouldliketoexpressmysinceregratitudeandappreciationfor yourgenerosityandsupportofthe pharmacystudentsatthe University ofFlorida.
Growingupasa Haitian American, I have hadtheprivilegeofexperiencingboththe American and Haitian school systems, whichhas givenmeaunique perspective onlife. My father,anentrepreneur,ownedandoperatedseveralsmallbusinesses, includingapharmacyand a hospital. From ayoungage, Iaccompaniedhimto thepharmacies heowned,whereI observed howeach employeeworkedtogether toensurethepharmacyran smoothly. Oneemployee in particular, who wasexceptionallyknowledgeable about medications, inspired meand sparked my desiretopursueacareer in healthcare.My passion for thefield grewfrommy personal experienceswithmy father's businesses, and my academicinterestsinchemistry and art, whichI pursuedduringmy undergraduatestudies. Thecombination oftheseinterestssolidifiedmy commitmenttoattendpharmacyschool. I aspire toownmyownpharmacy,justlikemyfather, andultimatelyhopeto obtainanMBA/PharmD tocombinemyinterests inhealthcareand business.Mylong-term goalis to openmultiplepharmacies,bothintheU.S. andin Haiti, continuing my father'slegacy and passingitonto futuregenerations.
Receivingthisscholarshipwillhavea profoundimpact onbothmyacademic and personaljourney. It willprovideme withthe opportunitytofocusmore fullyonmy studies, ensuringI canexcelinmy pursuitofacareer in pharmacy.This scholarship willalsoallowme togetmore involvedin studentorganizations focusedonentrepreneurship, expandingmy knowledge ofpharmacybusinessandnetworkingwithpharmacybusiness owners. I am excited totake fulladvantage oftheresourcesand opportunities theUniversityofFlorida Collegeof Pharmacyoffers, especiallyintermsofmentorshipandoutreachprograms. Ultimately, this scholarshipwill enableme to notonlysucceedin pharmacy schoolbut alsocontributeto the communities I serve,justasmy father hasdone throughout his career.
Thankyouforyour generous support, whichishelpingtomakemydreamsa reality.
Sincerely,
DianaPierre
Nicholas Raddi
9LakeVistaway
Ormond Beach,Fl,32174
May20. 2025
DearDr. CrisafiFamily,
AsaCrisafischolar, Iwouldliketoexpressmysinceregratitudeandappreciationfor yourgenerosityandsupportofthepharmacystudentsattheUniversityofFlorida.
Havinggrownupinasmalltownin NewJersey, IknewthatIhadtoworkhardifI wantedtoachievemygoals. AsIworkedmywaythroughhighschool, Iquicklyrealizedthat thefieldofstudythatinterestedmethemostwaschemistry. Ifellinlovewithchemistry, becauseitpresentedaninfinitepossibilityifyoudidtherequiredresearch. Nomatterhow complextheproblemis,asolutioncouldbefoundifyouspentthenecessarytimelooking forit. Therefore,tocontinuefindingsolutionsIpursuedabachelor'sdegreeinchemistryat FloridaAtlanticUniversityandeventuallyearneditattheUniversityofCentralFlorida. It wasattheUniversityofCentralFloridawhereIfinallydecidedtofocusmychemistry studiesonspecificallybiochemistry. Biochemistrystoodouttobemebecausemostofthe biologicalreactionsthatoccurinthehumanbodyareheavilydependentoneachotherfor theentiresystemtowork. Ifanyofthebiologicalreactionsareunabletooccuritcausesa chainreactionthroughoutthebodycreatingdisease.Whichultimatelybroughtmetomy decisiontonowpursuepharmacyschool. Iwanttousemyunderstandingofchemistryto helppatientsunderstandtheissuestheyaredealingwithandhowthemedications prescribedtothemcanhelpaddressthoseissues. Overthelastyear, Ihaveworkedasa pharmacytechnicianataretailpharmacy, somygoalistocontinuetohelpimprovepatient outcomesasthehealthcareindustrycontinuestoinnovateintothefuture.
Receivingthisscholarshipwillallowmetosecurelytakethefirststepinthisnew academicjourney. IamawareoftheincreasedexpectationstheUniversityofFloridahas foritsgraduatestudiesandthereforeIwanttomakesureIampreparedtomeetthose expectationsatthestart.ThisscholarshipwillhelpmemakesureIhavetheresourcesI needtomeetthoseexpectationsondayone. Givenmypreviousacademicachievements, I believeIcanbesuccessfulattheUFCollegeof Pharmacy.Thankyouforselectingmefor thisscholarshipandforacknowledgingmypotential.
Sincerely,
NicholasRaddi
DarianisRamos Nieves
ColinasdelManantial#9
Peiiuelas,PuertoRico 00624 darianisnieves78@gmail.com (787) 202-9007
May22,2025
DearCrisafi Family,
AsaCrisafi Scholar, I wouldliketoexpressmysinceregratitudeandappreciationforyour generosityandsupportofthepharmacystudentsatthe UniversityofFlorida. Yourcommitment tosupportingfuturepharmacistsisinspiring,andI amhonoredtobearecipientofthis prestigiousscholarship.
I amcurrentlyanundergraduatestudent, intheInterAmericanUniversity, PonceCampus, majoringinBiomedical Sciences, withastrongpassionforhealthcareandcommunity service. Mygoalistoattendpharmacyschooltobecomeapharmacistwhonotonlydispenses medicationsbutalsoplaysan activerolein educatingandadvocatingforpatienthealth andwellbeing.Myinterestinpharmacy wassparkedby seeingthecriticalrolesomeofmyrelatives playedaspharmacistsorpharmacytechniciansindifferentcommunities.Ihope tospecializein clinicalphannaciesorc01mnunity phannaciesto contributeto patientcareandthedevelopment ofothertreatments.Inthefuture, I aspireto workinahospitalorresearchsetting, whereIcan combinedirectpatientinteraction withcontinuedscientificexploration. Mygoalistoimprove patientcareandcontributeameaningfuldevelopmentintreatments.
ReceivingtheCrisafi Scholarshiphasdeeplyimpactedmebothpersonallyandacademically.It hasalleviatedasignificantp01tionofmyfinancialburden, allowingmetofocusmoreintentlyon mystudies, research, andcommunityinvolvement without the added stress offinancial insecurity.On apersonallevel, thisrecognition hasboostedmyconfidenceandstrengthenedmy resolvetopursueacareerinpharmacy.Ithasreaffirmedmybeliefthathard workanddedication arerecognizedandrewarded,and I ammore motivatedthanevertogivebacktothefieldandto thosewhohavesupportedmealongtheway.
Thankyouonceagainforyourgenerosityandbeliefin studentslikeme. I amtrulyhonoredto be a Crisafi Scholar.
Sincerely,
DarianisRamos Nieves
DearCrisafiFamily,
AsaCrisafiScholar, Iwouldliketoexpressmysinceregratitudeandappreciationforyour generosityandsupportofthepharmacystudentsattheUniversityofFlorida.
I,likemanystudentsgoingintopharmacy,didnotoriginallyhaveplanstobecomeapharmacist. I wasoriginallyabiomedicalengineerwithaplantoworkonprostheticsandmobilityaids. During thattime,IdecidedIwasmoreinterestedinthehealthcareaspectthantheactualtechnology and decidedtodabbleinotherareas. IpivotedintoemergencymedicinewhereIbecamefirst respondercertifiedandrealizedthat Ilovedtreatingpatients,but Iwasnotabigfanofdiagnosing. Aftersomeself-reflectionIendeduplearningabouttheUFpharmacyprograms. Iimmersedmyself in pharmacy relatedopportunitieswithinand outsidetheschool. Iwanted tobecertainthat this wasthecareerIwassearchingfor. Betweenvolunteeringandclubs, Ieventually foundmywayinto thepharmacyasapharmacytechnician.Fromthere IsawthekindofpeopleIwanted toworkwith andthekindofjob Ineverwantedtoleave. Isawabridgebetweenthehealthcaresystemandthe communitythroughthatpharmacy. Iappliedforpharmacyschoolandamontheroadto completingabachelor'sdegreeinbiology. Ihopetosomedayworkin ahospitalsettingasa specialistbutasaretailpharmacytechnicianIalsoseethebenefitstobecomingaretail pharmacist. Onlytimewilltell.
Igotacceptedtothe UFcollegeofpharmacyOrlandocampus.Thisscholarshipwillmakethe worldofdifferenceasItransitionfromGainesvilletoOrlandointhecoming months. Betweenjob relocationandextraexpensesthisscholarshipwillhelpeasefinancialstrainpersonallyor academicallydependingonmyneedsduringthattime. ItismoneythatIcanalsoputtowardsnew schoolsupplieslikealaptopthatwillmeetthecollege'srequirementsandanytextbooksforthis comingfall. Itisscholarshipslikethisthatputeducationalopportunitiesbackinourreach. Thank youforyourgenerosity.
Kindestregards,
Mahrukh Sajjad
Dear CrisafiFamily,
As a Crisafi Scholar, Iwould liketoexpress my sinceregratitude andappreciationforyour generosity andsupportof the pharmacy studentsat the Universityof Florida.
During undergrad, I knew I wanted toholdacareerin the healthcare field, but I was undecidedon whichfield topursue. After I graduated, Covid-19took overand I beganapplyingto differenthealth carejobopenings in hopesofhelpinginany way Icould. I appliedfora pharmacypositionandwas immediatelyacceptedduetothe highvolume ofvaccinationsthey wereadministering; they neededall thesupport they couldget. This was whatstruck myfascinationfor pharmacy, and I haven't looked back since. Istartedoffasapharmacyclerk and slowly progressed overtime toapharmacytechnician. Iwant to keepexcellinginthe pharmacy field whichis why Idecided totake a bigstepand apply to pharmacy school. Havingworked inaretailpharmacyforthelast4 years, Iwant totake myeducationfurtherandexploreother areas of pharmacy and potentially specializeand pursuea residency.
Growing up my parents were not wealthy, but they workedhard to provide for my sister and I and they madesure we had everything we needed. Duringundergrad I waslucky to receivea Pell Grant to assistin thepaymentformyclasses. This helpedtremendouslyasittookthe financialburdenoff myshoulders, and I was abletofocuson my studies withless stress. Italso allowed meto pursueextracurricularactivities and work onresearchprojectsoutside ofclassesas wellasvolunteering at variousorganizations. Thisscholarshipwill impact myschoollifeinthe same waybecauseitwilleasethefinancialburdenmanygraduate studentsface. Itwill alsoallow meto enhance myacademic background inpreparationformyfuture without worryingas muchabout how I am going topay offmy loans. This scholarshipshows thatmy hard work and dedicationduring my undergradyearsreceived recognitionwhich I truly appreciate.
Iwant to thank you againfor your kindness, Iamhonoredto be chosen as a recipientof this extraordinary scholarship.
Sincerely,
TalaTrabulsi
