In honor of First-Generation College Celebration Day, Temple University School of Pharmacy is proud to recognize two terrific first-gen students from TUSP: Taira Naz, PharmD Class of 2029 and Lawrence Carey, PharmD, ’89, ’93, Vice Dean for Strategic Planning and Assessment.
For Taira, being the first in her family to attend professional school, she has struggled with not having family members who could guide her through decisions like choosing a graduate program or understanding the professional school application process. And having to balance work, school, and family responsibilities without the benefit of a roadmap has been extremely challenging.
But Taira has found a support network at TUSP and encourages other first-gen students to view challenges as part of the journey, seeing them as opportunities to grow rather than setbacks. In her own words: “Never feel out of place because your determination and perspective are what set you apart. We are LEADERS!!”
Dr. Carey, a residency-trained, registered pharmacist with more than 35 years of experience in clinical practice as well as in education, training and consultation, was the first in his family to attend college. His parents were depression-era children who worked very hard but had little formal education, so they had limited knowledge when it came to things like financial aid, scholarships, and more. But they always made sure to be supportive and to help him with what they could, like money for books and supplies on birthdays and holidays.
Dr. Carey learned early on that love and encouragement can be just as powerful as resources and turned his own educational journey into a lifelong commitment to higher education. He now serves as a clinical professor and vice dean for strategic planning and assessment at TUSP.
Taira and Dr. Carey’s stories remind us that being first-generation means facing the unknown with courage, determination, and gratitude. We celebrate them and all first-generation students who continue to break barriers and lead with determination and tenacity every day.