Eric started his journey as a Pharmacist at Grand Rapids Community College in 2003. There he completed his pre-pharmacy requirements and in May of 2005 graduated from GRCC with an Associates in Science degree. Previously in January he had applied to Ferris State University for the Pharmacy Program. The program allows 150 students per year and bases their acceptance on several factors. Each applicant receives a number and the students with numbers 1- 150 have been accepted. Students numbered 151 and up would have to wait and see if any students accepted declined or did not pay their enrollment fees. Eric received his letter and with great disappointment was number 224. Eric and family watched diligently the number climb closer and closer to 224. The dream of being accepted that year became more and more possible. Finally the number reached 224 and Eric was in. The number stopped at 231. Eric felt very blessed and lucky all at the same time that he was given the chance to attend Ferris in the Fall of 2005.
Eric drove to Big Rapids, Michigan from Grand Rapids and back, some 45 minutes to and from school every day for 4 semesters. He did well with his classes, yet there was always that one class that proved to be harder than others. He was certain he would fail his Chemotherapy course his second year. Eric however prevailed and with a little help from a grading scale he passed and avoided attending a summer semester.
Luck would come Eric's way again. The third year of school students were sent to continue their education in either Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids. Kalamazoo would mean an hour and 15 min drive and GR would mean a 10 minute drive. The location was based on a lottery type scenario. Eric was able to obtain the last and only spot available to attend his 3rd year at Ferris in Grand Rapids.
Eric drove to Big Rapids, Michigan from Grand Rapids and back, some 45 minutes to and from school every day for 4 semesters. He did well with his classes, yet there was always that one class that proved to be harder than others. He was certain he would fail his Chemotherapy course his second year. Eric however prevailed and with a little help from a grading scale he passed and avoided attending a summer semester.
Luck would come Eric's way again. The third year of school students were sent to continue their education in either Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids. Kalamazoo would mean an hour and 15 min drive and GR would mean a 10 minute drive. The location was based on a lottery type scenario. Eric was able to obtain the last and only spot available to attend his 3rd year at Ferris in Grand Rapids.
