From first-generation student to pharmacy manager: A path fueled by family and community
A son of immigrant parents, Freddy Gomez is now using his bilingual skills to work as a pharmacist in the same community he grew up in.
My name is Freddy Gomez, and I’m a pharmacy manager at store #3948 on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Going to work every day doesn’t feel like a job because of the passion I have for my community. I grew up in this very vibrant neighborhood where I now work. There is a large Spanish-speaking population here, and I feel an immense privilege knowing I serve my own community as a Mexican-American pharmacist.
Why I became a pharmacist
I began my career with Walgreens in 2016. My journey—from starting as a customer service associate to becoming a pharmacy manager, all while being a first-generation student—has been incredible.
Early on, I became fascinated with our pharmacy. I looked up to the pharmacist and closely watched her interactions with patients. It made me realize how rewarding her job must be—to know she was helping people. I often served as a translator, to help her communicate with Spanish speakers. It reminded me of my childhood, when I translated for my mom during her doctor and pharmacy visits.
Then as a high schooler, it hit me: How beautiful would it be if the pharmacist and the patient could have a conversation in Spanish without a translator? It would feel more like a personal connection rather than a transaction. That’s when I decided to become a pharmacist.
When I graduated high school, I decided to pursue a five-year accelerated program to earn a pharmacy degree. I completed two years of undergraduate study at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois. Then I attended Roosevelt University for three years to earn my doctorate—all while interning at Walgreens. My friends and co-workers often asked how I managed to work full-time, while attending pharmacy school. My answer: First-generation hustle! You gotta do what you gotta do. This was the only way I could obtain financial assistance through Walgreens.
The Pharmacy Education Assistance Program was crucial to my success. I’m deeply grateful to Walgreens for supporting students like me and providing opportunities for those who don’t have connections but work hard to be recognized.
My roots and how they define me
My parents moved to Chicago from Zacatecas, Mexico, to chase the American dream. My mom stayed home to take care of me and my siblings while my dad worked in construction.
As a kid, I remember my dad coming home after long, tiring days, especially during the summer months, often dirty from work. He would tell me, “I don’t want you to have to work like me.” His education ended in third grade, so he always encouraged me to go to school and get a college degree. I did just that.
At my graduation in 2023, I could tell my parents’ hearts were full. I remember when I crossed the stage, the professors referred to me as Dr. Freddy Gomez. Yes, you are called “Doctor” when you earn a pharmacy degree, as it is a professional doctorate degree. However, a Doctor of Pharmacy, or PharmD, is different from a medical doctor.
Regardless, my parents kept saying in Spanish, “Tenemos un doctor en la familia!” In English, that means, “We have a doctor in the family!” Even in Mexico, my extended family found out and were beyond thrilled. I didn’t think it was a big deal then, but to them it was everything. I’m the first in my family to pursue higher education. My diploma meant all their sacrifices were worth it.
My passion is rewarding in many ways
My passion lies in helping others. I do this job because I love giving back to my community and making a meaningful impact each day. Pharmacy allows me to connect with patients at a deeper level and gives me the opportunity to provide the care and support they need to lead healthier lives.
Last month, I was humbled when Walgreens recognized me for that passion.
My former shift lead, Robert Rodriguez from store #4395 in Chicago, nominated me for Champion of Champions. That’s a companywide awards program, and I won in the “Committed” category. He has seen me grow from a pharmacy tech to a pharmacy manager and thought I deserved some recognition. I was shocked when my district manager showed up at our store wanting to see me. It turns out, he was there to give me the award in person, and it warmed my heart.
Sometimes, I feel imposter syndrome taking over. I ask myself, “Am I really doing a good job? I am only 26 years old.”
There are moments when I feel like I don’t belong in certain spaces because I don’t look like everyone else or share their background. But moments like these remind me that my hard work has earned me a seat at the table, and I deserve to be here just like anyone else.My parents would always say, “Échale ganas,” meaning, “Give it your all.” Getting here wasn’t easy. There were many sacrifices along the way. But that struggle is part of the journey’s beauty. Put your heart into everything you do and never forget where you came from.
Advice for future pharmacists
My parents would always say, “Échale ganas,” meaning, “Give it your all.” Getting here wasn’t easy. There were many sacrifices along the way. But that struggle is part of the journey’s beauty. Put your heart into everything you do and never forget where you came from.
Story written by Sandra Torres-Zwolinski. Video produced by Brian Kobeluch.