UC Irvine checked all the boxes for women's volleyball newcomer Carly Richter. The freshman knew it was a beautiful place to live, a chance to play top level volleyball, but more importantly a place she knew she could flourish academically.

She couldn't wait to get to her collegiate experience started so she graduated from La Sierra High School early and enrolled at UCI last spring quarter. Unfortunately, she would have to wait for the volleyball portion of her collegiate experience to begin, but she could jump right in academically.

"At first I wasn't even looking at UCI, I was thinking of going out of state, but after talking to the coaches I was impressed with the culture here. You were dedicated to your athletics and you were dedicated to your academics. You would have someone pushing you not only on the court but off. I wanted to pursue something in the medical field and knew UCI would have just what I needed, plus I love being so close to the beach."

Pharmaceutical sciences was just what Ritcher needed. In August, UCI announced the establishment of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the first public pharmacy school in the Los Angeles-Orange County region.

While not exactly sure which branch of the major she would like to pursue, Richter loves the idea of mixing the medicine with the chance to shape society's health and well-being.

"Right now, I'm interested in being a pharmacy tech or psychiatrist for a prison system. I want to help people come back to society. I want to help people become successful when they get out."

Richter plunged in to the college experience spring quarter and was pleasantly surprised at the level of support provided by UCI.

"I thought it would be challenging, but I felt really supported not only by my team, but by the professors. They were good about asking if we needed help and were open to communication. There was a really good support platform to get me going in college."

Head women's volleyball coach Ashlie Hain knew she would shine at UCI.
 
"Carly is an enthusiastic player and a genuine student of the game. After coming in early for Spring 2020, she is adjusting quite well to the new learning environment and always has a great attitude about overcoming challenges," Hain said. "She will thrive at this institution athletically and academically because she takes initiative and is proactive in her approach. I look forward to seeing her growth and future successes here."

Her first class was a pharm sci class that explored the depth and opportunities within the major.

"I learned about how to find a path for yourself and focus on finding something you really like. While I don't know what exactly I want to do, I know going to UCI will set me up for a good path and career."

"The college classes have opened my eyes to things I've never taken notice of before. I can't wait to take more classes because I had such a good experience last spring."
 
The pandemic has fueled her fire, knowing that her major and her future career are things that will make a difference and are vital to creating a healthier future. Pharmaceutical scientists are briskly changing the field of drug development and Richter proudly proclaims she is very nerdy when it comes to taking it all in.

"This moment is exactly why we need people in this field. These are the people that are going to solve this or prevent this. One of my main goals is helping people even though they might not even recognize it or see it."

The first day of class can't come fast enough for Richter. She is excited to take her required pharm sci classes this fall to help her hone in on what she wants to do in the future.

"I can't wait to take this seriously and find things that I'm passionate about and I'm excited for. I know it will be challenging, but I'm up for it because I know ultimately it will benefit the people around me."

The start of school is first up on her list of upcoming events, but beginning to train and being with teammates is also a high priority. Even though it's been a remote introduction to her team, she feels very connected and embraced. Interaction with alumni, a book club and other team bonding calls have her motivated and she is eager to get going.

"I feel like we have been stepping on the gas, everyone is super dedicated to this team and building a strong culture. Even though we aren't in the gym right now we are all dedicated to having a successful season. I really look forward to team zooms, it is exciting to see my teammates. They're my people."

When asked if she would like to attend Pharmacy School at UCI the answer was "100% yes!"

In a press release announcing the new School, it reads "The college is establishing a new standard for how we train the diverse healthcare workforce of tomorrow."

Richter couldn't wait to be at UCI and after getting a taste of pharmaceutical sciences, she can't wait to be the workforce of tomorrow.