108,000 Miles and a Pharmacy Degree: Nicholas Kucko’s Journey of Perseverance

Student in Doctor of Pharmacy regalia standing in front of a fountain

Name: Nicholas Kucko

Program: PharmD

Match: PGY-1

Residency program: PGY-1 SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO

Undergraduate education: BA Theology, Malone University

BA Youth Ministry, Malone University

AS Fire Sciences, Community College of the Air Force

What Campbell experiences or people meant the most and helped you get to where you are today?  While I am deeply grateful for the education, mentorship, and guidance provided by the faculty at Campbell, what stands out most are the relationships I built with my classmates, particularly my brothers in the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Pharmacy school is an academically rigorous journey that cannot be navigated alone. Success requires building a strong network of support where individuals serve others through their strengths while receiving encouragement and assistance in areas where they may struggle.

Throughout my time at Campbell, I was fortunate to be surrounded by classmates who embodied teamwork, selflessness, and camaraderie, creating an environment where we learned from one another and grew together. Through Kappa Psi and my class, I formed lifelong friendships, shared countless memorable experiences, and developed a deeper appreciation for the value of collaboration both in education and in healthcare. More than any individual course or accomplishment, it is these relationships and the sense of community they created that have meant the most to me and played the greatest role in helping me become the person and future pharmacist I am today.

Accomplishments and involvement:  While others may choose to highlight awards, scholarships, leadership positions, or professional accomplishments, I would rather recognize a few personal achievements that mean the most to me. These milestones may not come with public recognition or accolades, but they have shaped who I am and represent some of my proudest accomplishments. In pursuit of my pharmacy education, I commuted an estimated 108,000 miles, demonstrating a level of commitment and perseverance that I am proud of.

I also earned a score above 100% in Medical Literature Evaluation, an achievement that reflected the hard work and dedication I invested in my studies. Most importantly, during pharmacy school, I married the most amazing and unfathomably supportive wife. Through her unwavering encouragement, love, and belief in me, she helped make this journey possible. Together, we welcomed our son, Julian, who is now two years old and serves as my greatest source of pride, purpose, and motivation. While these accomplishments may not appear on a résumé or c/v, they are the achievements I value most because they represent perseverance, family, sacrifice, and the reasons behind my success.

What are the most important things you did that helped you get to where you are now? When I reflect on how I arrived where I am today, I believe the most important thing I did was learn how to understand myself. Throughout pharmacy school, I constantly evaluated and refined my approach to learning through reflection, trial, and adaptation. I developed study habits and techniques that many of my classmates may have considered unconventional or inefficient, but they worked for me. Each year, I continued to improve and personalize these methods until I had created a system that complemented my strengths and helped me overcome my weaknesses. This process of self-discovery and personal growth, combined with the support of my classmates, ultimately helped me graduate Magna Cum Laude.

Above all, however, I attribute my success to my faith in God. While I was responsible for putting in the effort and perseverance required to succeed, it was my faith that provided direction, purpose, and strength during the most challenging moments. God continually reminded me why I began this journey and gave me the confidence to continue moving forward when the path seemed difficult.

What would you recommend to those interested in becoming a successful clinician pharmacist? For those interested in becoming a successful clinical pharmacist, my advice is to focus on truly learning the material rather than simply finding the fastest way to pass the next exam. Shortcuts may help you earn a passing grade, but they often become obstacles later if the underlying concepts are never fully understood and reinforced. Clinical practice requires a foundation of knowledge that can be applied to complex patient situations, and that foundation is built through consistent study, repetition, and curiosity. Take the time to understand the “why” behind therapeutic decisions, develop study methods that work for you, and embrace lifelong learning. Most importantly, remember that every concept you master today has the potential to impact a patient’s life tomorrow.