‘You’re all in this together’

By Danica Hidalgo Cherewyk

Sebastian Sarte was about 10 years old when he experienced a severe hives attack.  

As hives spread across his body and he struggled to breathe, his father said, “A pharmacist can help you with that and give you antihistamines over the counter.”

They went to the nearest pharmacy, and after seeing a pharmacist and taking the recommended medication, Sarte felt instant relief. That defining moment inspired him to pursue pharmacy.

Sarte was one of the first-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) Class of 2030 students welcomed at the College of Pharmacy’s White Coat Ceremony. He received a William G. Eamer Community Leadership Undergraduate Scholarship, one of five awards presented at the event.

“As one of the most accessible health-care workers, I feel that desire to learn and become that person who's reliable in my community,” Sarte said. 

‘Make a lasting, positive impact’

Dr. Hope Anderson, dean of the College of Pharmacy, addressed the crowd and shared messages from second-, third- and fourth-year PharmD students gathered during Coffee with the Dean conversations she held in March.

“Take a deep breath,” she said as she began reading the messages. “You’re all in this together. Lean on each other. One setback doesn’t define your whole student experience. Learn how to let things go. It’s okay to need a break ... Friendship is important.”

Out of 219 applicants, 55 students were accepted into the highly competitive program.  

Pharmacists, Anderson said, are the people patients turn to with questions, concerns and uncertainties; the people who help make sense of complicated medication regimens; and the people who support patients through some of the most challenging moments in their lives.

Meet the students

Winona Zamora is the first person in her family to pursue a career in health care.

“I want to become a pharmacist to help my community and share my gifts and knowledge,” she said.

Zamora also looks forward to supporting her family with their health-care questions.

“I didn’t grow up with anyone that was familiar with the health-care system,” she said. “Being that person in my family is important to me ... and being able to help out my lolas (grandmothers) and my titas (aunties) with all their questions is something I'm looking forward to.” 

For Ethan Mastaler, second time’s a charm. He was not accepted into the 2025 intake, but this year he was admitted to the program.

“I’m happy that I got accepted this time,” Mastaler said. “And I'm just really proud of myself to be here.”

He was inspired to pursue pharmacy while working at a Co-op grocery store in Winnipeg. He started as a cashier before moving into the pharmacy and becoming an assistant.

“I enjoyed the profession, the busyness of it and the community I’m building with my team, and how we work hard to provide the best possible patient care,” he said. 

Cassidy Vu, who received the Ronald F. Guse Scholarship for Excellence in Pharmacy, wanted to become a pharmacist because of the important role pharmacists play in guiding patients through their care.

“It's such a great profession to be in, where you provide accurate counselling and information for patients no matter where they are,” she said. “There's so much more to learn. I’m also very excited to be that person that people can turn to and ask questions.”

When she put on her white coat, Vu said she felt the responsibility that comes with being a pharmacist.

“It made me realize the weight of what I was doing and the duty I’ll have to take care of my future patients.”