Nakoasha R. Dillard (PharmD ’21) 
Match Day 2021

April 2, 2021

Students from the class of 2021 celebrated one of the most exciting days in their professional journey—Match Day. Here they share their personal match story, what has inspired them along the way and what advice they would give to students starting the journey today.

What inspired you to go into pharmacy?

It is a combination of my life experiences and passion for helping others that motivated me to choose pharmacy. I also had (and still have) amazing women in pharmacy whom I called my SHEroes. As a pharmacist, especially a woman, I have the power to be an advocate not only for my patients, but also for those who are coming after me.

Where did you match?

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

How did you feel when you found out you matched?

I felt ecstatic and overwhelmed at the same time! All of my hard work both in the class and through leadership roles had paid off. I stayed true to myself and let my work speak for itself.

What advice would you give to year one pharmacy students just starting their journey?

Always stay true to yourself. Find your passion and purpose and go for it, because without purpose, there is no journey.

What is one memory you will take with you from PCOM?

The time in which my classmates and I were studying for a practical lab exam and found out we studied the wrong drugs! We laughed so hard afterwards, but for me that moment showed me that no matter what, I could always count on them - even if they were wrong!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I was told by Arrington Mason-Callaway, PharmD ’20, to not be an ordinary pharmacy student. That advice led me to be able to accomplish so many amazing things during my time at PCOM Georgia, including being a Top 10 finalist for APhA-ASP National Patient Competition, chair of SOC and regent (president) of Zeta Rho-Kappa Psi. To those coming after me, step out of your comfort zone and take every opportunity afforded because you never know where that path will lead you. I wish you the best in your pharmacy career!