Finding Purpose: How Victoria Perez Chose a Life-Changing Career in Pharmacy Technology

In her mid-twenties, Victoria Perez was one of those ‘just looking’ career searchers when she checked out the Pharmacy Technology program on SJVC’s Ontario campus. But, just two weeks after her on-site visit, she was sitting in a classroom, shocked at how quickly it all came together…and wondering if she made the right decision.

Why SJVC’s Pharmacy Technology program?

Actually, I’d been looking at the Dental Hygiene program and helping people have perfect smiles, but when I was on the campus tour, I met Doaa Saleeb (Pharmacy Technology program instructor), and she explained the Pharmacy Technology program to me and what they actually do. It caught my interest.

What attracted you to the Pharmacy Technology program?

I always thought a Pharmacy Tech was somebody who just put pills in a bottle, but she (Doaa) gave me details about what they actually do…like compounding (mixing) medications to create a new medicine and preparing home IVs. I immediately thought of being able to do some of these things for my grandfather.

My mom had gone with me to the campus and when we got into the car I told her, “This is what I want to do – be a Pharmacy Technician…and spend my life helping others live their lives to the fullest and healthiest advantage.” I’d made my decision before I even left the campus, but I needed some time to figure out the road I wanted to take to get there.

Did you have doubts…challenges?

I was going into a field I knew nothing about. It was a grown-up decision from someone who was ‘just looking’, but I knew it was the right decision for me and the best thing for my career.

I also felt like I could mess it all up in a second because school had never been a strong thing for me. My first day was full of uncertainty, but it only took a week for me to know it was absolutely right.

What was the best thing about the Pharmacy Technology program for you?

When I got into class, I made friends with classmates – and the three I originally joined with are still really close. In the beginning there were about a dozen students, but every module we gained more students until we had to split into two classes. It was lovely!

We all worked well together and without my classmates I can say I wouldn’t have been as successful as I was. Our class was extremely helpful and beneficial. We stood by each other and supported each other throughout the entire class.

What was your greatest struggle in the classroom?

My biggest struggle was math; and there was an entire math module that I had to get through. I actually ended up passing with an A. I was so proud of myself; I didn’t think I would ever get an A in math.

How did you make that happen?

For that class I was in a study group with friends. Without them I would not have understood absolutely anything about that entire module. I wouldn’t have made it without them, and I thank them to this day for that. Knowing we would get through it together made it so much easier.

And each module provides student mentors – students who volunteer to help other students. I, too, became a mentor. It made me feel that my hard work was acknowledged, and it was so gratifying to help a student who was struggling.

What was one of your favorite moments in the Pharmacy Technology program?

It was when I first became a mentor. There was a student who pulled me aside and admitted that she could not understand, couldn’t ‘get it’. We had long talks, and she ended up staying in the program. I knew she would do amazing things. And she became a mentor, herself. Mentors wear badges so that students and staff know we’re mentors. It lets others know that many are struggling but we would get through it together.

Are you satisfied with what SJVC provided for your career goals and ambitions?

The SJVC family is truly a family. They care so deeply about you as a student. They help you build the best version of yourself…that you didn’t even know existed.

I go back to SJVC as a Student Speaker and tell them (students) that even during the hardest times, they’re not going to go through it alone. If your mind and heart agree that what you’re doing is something you can do for the rest of your life – take that leap. It will fall into play naturally.

What inspired you to complete your Pharmacy Technology program?

When I first started here, it was my two little sisters, who were in middle school. I wanted to be the best influence and the best version of myself that they could see. I wanted them to see that if you take the time, dedication, you will always come out on top – and prove to yourself that you are absolutely capable of anything.

Who was your role model that inspired your career vision?

I grew up watching my mom, Crystal, who with two kids worked 2-3 jobs and still went to school. She became a Respiratory Therapist for at-home babies on a ventilator. Seeing my mom fall in love with a job was something I always wanted to feel. She gave me the confidence that I could be and do whatever I wanted.

Do you think your little sisters recognized your struggle and accomplishment?

When I got my diploma at graduation one of my little sisters screamed so loud that I could hear her over everyone else! My parents just let her cheer at the top of her lungs, and I was on stage laughing so hard.

Where are you now, almost a year later?

I am a full-time Pharmacy Technician and on a typical day I call around 20-30 patients to schedule medicine deliveries through Fed Ex — We are not open to walk-ins. We verify delivery dates, times, addresses, insurance, co-pays; and I handle customer complaints and questions.  Good customer service a key necessity for a Pharmacy Tech and effective communication is primary in my job.

Any regrets in choosing this career field?

I think I amounted to so much more than I thought. I’m so proud of myself for continuing with school and proving to myself that I am absolutely so strong, so smart and that I will continue to grow into the best version of myself.