Juan Cervantes Reyes

How does a first-generation American born in the state of Washington wind up in the University of Pittsburgh PharmD program?

Juan Cervantes Reyes (PHARM ’20) was the first in his family to graduate high school. In his words, he “did well enough to qualify for college” but until he landed a scholarship at the College of Idaho, he did not think he would actually be able to attend.

“Getting that first scholarship put me in the mindset that I could actually ‘do’ college,” Juan said.

Through a series of twists, Juan eventually applied to the University of Pittsburgh’s doctor of pharmacy program.

“My parents worry about the money it takes to pay for school, but I tell them it’s an investment in myself; it’s for my future,” Juan said.

But Juan had already maxed out his federal student loan capacity. He needed scholarship support if he was going to achieve his dreams without taking a few years off to earn enough to attend graduate school. Pitt came through, awarding him the John P. and Constance Curran Scholarship.

Juan did get a job while earning his PhD. He worked in the pharmacy of the Veterans Affairs Health Care System in Pittsburgh.

“It’s about the experience of working in a real pharmacy with real patients, not the pursuit of a paycheck just to pay for my education,” said Juan.