Julia Outerbridge is on her way to becoming a pharmacist courtesy of a generous scholarship from a local firm.

The 22-year-old has received $10,000 from the Phoenix Stores.

She was one of only two people to apply for the Dr Kathy-Ann Louise White Pharmacy Scholarship, an annual award made by the company.

“It’s an indication that very few Bermudians are going into the field,” said Sharai Parris, the group’s human resources manager. “It used to be a worldwide shortage up until about three years ago. For Bermuda it’s still like that.”

She said there are currently 14 registered Bermudian pharmacists.

Because there is a need for pharmacists worldwide, many Bermudians choose to relocate overseas.

Miss Outerbridge, however, jumped at the opportunity to work as a pharmacist in her own country.

The University of Manchester student is about to start her first year in the pharmacy programme there.

“I always knew I would choose a career in the science field,” she said.

“I chose to study pharmacy, because it is really needed in Bermuda.”

She spent this past summer working in the pharmacy at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“The formulations of making up the different drugs interest me,” she said. “I am interested in how the drugs work when they enter the body and how they break down. I have always liked mixing things.”

One of her fondest middle school moments involved creating a volcano meant to gently erupt. Hers exploded all over another student.

“I think I may have put too much baking soda,” she said with a smile. “I was sorry the other student’s uniform was ruined.”

One of her biggest challenges is staying patient with clients. “Patience is the most important thing I have learned so far and the importance of explaining things, no matter how many times you have to do it and how many different ways,” she said. “That is something I do not like.”

Her parents, Leroy and Victoria Outerbridge, were thrilled she had received the scholarship.

“I have an older sister who is also in university and this scholarship has taken a lot of stress off my family,” she said. “It is a big relief for us all.”

The Dr Kathy-Ann Louise White Pharmacy Scholarship is open to Bermudian students interested in working at local pharmacies. For more information contact Ms Parris on 295-3838.