Brianna Correia is the 2023 recipient of the Dr Kathy-Ann Louise White Scholarship offered by The Phoenix Stores Ltd.

The scholar will start her second year at Union University College of Pharmacy in Tennessee this autumn.

Although pharmacy is a complex subject to study, the 22-year-old said the cost of her schooling is the biggest obstacle in pursuing her career goals.

A Phoenix statement said less worry about the expense should help her to push through the challenging course work.

Ms Correia said: “I wanted to be an astronaut when I was younger, but the doctor said I needed glasses, which crushed that dream.

“I’ve always loved sciences — biology, chemistry — all of them! However, when introduced to the pharmacy field, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It is challenging but fun.”

Named after the first Bermudian pharmacist with a doctorate, Kathy-Ann Louise White, the scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of five years of study at an approved college or university.

George Grundmuller, the president and chief executive of The Phoenix Stores Ltd, said: “The Phoenix Stores Ltd is committed to supporting our local community and investing in its future. We are delighted to provide this opportunity for budding Bermudians eager to advance in pharmacy.

“Dr White worked at the King Edward Memorial Hospital for more than ten years before moving to The Phoenix Stores, where she held the chief pharmacist position, and we are pleased to carry on her legacy with our support of ambitious students such as Brianna.

“In addition to the financial support, as the scholarship recipient, Brianna has joined The Phoenix Stores as a summer intern, where she will gain first-hand experience in day-to-day pharmacy processes working alongside our professional team servicing the needs of our patients.”

Ms Correia said: “I have a passion for pharmacy and was excited about this scholarship opportunity.

“It is great to see The Phoenix Stores offer this prospect as only a few scholarships are available in the pharmacy field. I hope the hard work I’ve put into my studies was the quality that stood out most in the application process.

“At first I didn’t know what to say. I stared in shock when they told me I was successful at becoming this year’s scholarship recipient. Later, when I told my mom, I excitedly cried because school is expensive. Though I know it will be worth it in the end.

“Indeed, life after completing eight years of schooling will be a massive shift. I often wonder where I’d end up after studying the field.

“I know I’ll eventually return to Bermuda — that’s my end goal. But I also think about the challenge of transitioning from learning to practising pharmacy. I must say, my summer experience at The Phoenix Stores is helping build confidence levels, especially when dealing with customers face-to-face.

“My advice to any young person aiming to become a pharmacist is once you see your hard work in action, you’ll feel rewarded. Never regret chasing after what you want.”