Watch Melanie’s Story
In this video, Melanie Torres shares how the loss of her grandfather inspired her to pursue pharmacy and make life-saving care more accessible. Through PBA’s mission trips, close-knit community, and Christ-centered environment, she has rediscovered her faith and embraced her calling to serve underserved communities with compassion and purpose.
Highlights of Melanie’s Story
Melanie Colon Torres is a fourth-year Pharmacy student at PBA who chose Palm Beach Atlantic University because of its commitment to missions and service. From the beginning, she knew she wanted to combine her passion for healthcare with opportunities to serve communities in need.
Her decision to pursue pharmacy was deeply personal. In 2017, after the loss of her grandfather, Melanie learned that he had stopped taking a necessary medication because it was too expensive and he did not want to be a financial burden to his family. That moment revealed to her how vital access to medication can be and how profoundly it affects quality of life. It solidified her calling to become a pharmacist who serves vulnerable populations.
At PBA’s Gregory School of Pharmacy, Melanie has experienced small class sizes, close mentorship from professors, and a strong sense of community. She values the face-to-face relationships with faculty and advisors who pray for students and support them personally and spiritually.
Although she had drifted from church during the COVID season, being immersed in PBA’s Christ-centered environment—through chapel, classroom prayer, and advisor meetings—helped bring her back into a closer walk with God.
Melanie’s God-Sized dream is to continue working with underserved communities, using her education and knowledge to provide essential healthcare. She hopes to participate in mission trips and healthcare outreach throughout her career, serving those who lack access to basic medical resources.
She expresses deep gratitude to those who support PBA, recognizing that their generosity provides students with opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
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