In this post, I’ll share how I discovered UX design and how it has become a passion of mine.

From Pharmacy to Army

In 2016, I enlisted in the US Army Reserves as a Preventive Medicine Specialist, and after my training period, I was back in my civilian life. Four years flew by as I completed my undergraduate degree in biology. In 2020, I was accepted to my dream pharmacy school and I had my whole career set. Or so I thought. I had doubts about my life as a pharmacist but I didn’t have much time to look back at the choices I made because I was too focused on what was in front of me

The Deployment Call

I still remember the day I received my deployment notice, shortly after my pharmacy school acceptance. I was in an anatomy and physiology class when an email titled “Involuntary Mobilization” popped up on my screen. I froze. Unable to concentrate, I had to leave the class. My pharmacy school enrollment was postponed, and my civilian life was put on hold for a year.

Reflections During Deployment

I could have seen this as something devastating. And yes, initially, it was. But I decided to view it as an opportunity. While the deployment was mentally and physically demanding, it created a whole year of time to ponder about my life, personal values, interests, and goals. I contemplated my future as a pharmacist and questioned whether it was truly the path I wanted to pursue for the rest of my working years. I delved into reasons why I chose pharmacy as a career and examined whether it truly aligned with my aspirations.

Discovering UX Design

I always wanted to help people, which initially led me to healthcare. While I enjoyed studying biology, psychology, and chemistry, working in healthcare didn’t feel like the right fit. I realized there was a disconnect between my desire to help others and my pursuit of pharmacy. This prompted me to consider other careers that could fulfill my passion and make a difference in people’s lives. I revisited my childhood interests in graphic design, fashion design, and interior design, all of which had a common design element. This introspection led me to UX design.

Enrolling in UX Boot Camp

Initially, UX design seemed like a perfect match. It combined my strengths in critical thinking with my unfulfilled passion for creativity, all while helping people. With time on my hands, I decided to dive into UX design, researching and enrolling in a boot camp that suited my needs.

Enjoying the Field of UX Design

Being in UX design has been even more rewarding than I anticipated. It allows me to merge my critical thinking skills with creative problem-solving, helping people in meaningful ways. My journey from the Army Reserves to pharmacy school, and ultimately to UX design, has been unconventional, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It taught me the importance of taking risks, embracing new opportunities, and continuously learning and evolving. I am excited about the future of my UX design career and how I can continue to make a positive impact through my work.

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