This fall, Ana Park will be attending the University of Washington-Seattle with a plan to major in biochemistry. But, that’s just the beginning for this 1,000 Dreams Fund scholarship recipient who wants to continue her studies in pharmacy school so she can help underresourced communities have access to medicine.

What is your professional dream?

My dream is to become a pharmacologist so that I can help those living in underserved countries access cheaper and more effective medications.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship? 

It will help covering the costs of any textbook and other course materials required when I start attending college this fall.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream?

It definitely relieves stress by allowing me to attend college and concentrate on my passions and interests without financial burden.

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

For those young women who are facing obstacles and feel like giving up, I want you to know that these obstacles will all be lifelong lessons and these lessons will make you better.

​Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

I definitely had many setbacks during my high school years — from constantly dealing with financial stress in my family to having days where I felt like school made me restless. But, I was able to move past them by reminding myself of the end goal I’ve set for myself. This way, it motivated me to move forward no matter what obstacles I have to face.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

My next goals are to graduate with an undergraduate degree related to the medical field so that I can attend pharmacy school.