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Matthew Jacquot from Bloomington is graduating from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville this spring with degrees in both PharmD and Master of Public Health. He describes himself as “passionate about helping people live healthier lives.” During his training while at SIUE, he focused on providing patient-centered care, especially for vulnerable populations, and worked on projects in health education, chronic disease management, and deprescribing. He also served in leadership roles and contributed to clinical and community-based initiatives to support better patient care. “These experiences,” said Jacquot, “have strengthened my commitment to making a real difference in the lives of others.” Here is his commencement story.

When I first started as an SIUE student, everything felt new and a little overwhelming. I was excited but also unsure of exactly where I would fit in or what path I would take. Now, as a graduate, I feel much more confident in who I am and the kind of impact I want to make. My experiences at SIUE shaped me both personally and professionally, and I’m leaving not just with degrees, but with a strong sense of purpose, a deeper passion for helping others, and a real readiness to take on what’s next.

SIUE was the only school I applied to because I knew it was the right place for me. Looking back, I realize how important it is to be somewhere you truly believe in, surrounded by people who support and challenge you to be your best. When you genuinely care about what you’re doing and you find the right environment, it brings out a better version of yourself, one that is more confident, passionate, and ready to make a difference. SIUE gave me that opportunity, and I’m grateful for everything it helped me discover about myself.

My support system throughout my journey was made up of my family, close friends, and the incredible professors and mentors I found at SIUE. The professors and staff at the SIUE School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health program were especially instrumental, offering unwavering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for growth. They believed in me even when I doubted myself and pushed me to keep going through challenges. There’s no way I would have achieved what I did without them, and I’m truly grateful for all the support and care they gave me along the way.

One of the most memorable and unexpected experiences for me at SIUE was having the chance to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that combined my passions for both pharmacy and public health. These projects really opened my eyes to how interconnected different areas of healthcare are and gave me a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges in providing care. I also think back to the moments when I was working directly with patients during my clinical rotations and community outreach efforts. Those hands-on experiences made me realize how crucial patient-centered care truly is, something I didn’t fully grasp until I was able to interact with patients firsthand. These moments not only enriched my education but also reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery.

During my time at SIUE, I had the privilege of serving in several leadership roles, including President of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honors Society, President of the School of Pharmacy Class of 2025, and President of the School of Pharmacy Student Representative Council (SRC). Additionally, I was the Founding Coordinator of the SIUE Student Health Fair, which became one of my most meaningful volunteer experiences. The event brought together over 30 student organizations and local health agencies, providing education and resources to more than 300 SIUE students. These leadership roles and the health fair helped me develop crucial skills in organization, teamwork, and community outreach, all while fueling my passion for serving others.

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my college experience was the impact of COVID-19. Like most students, the pandemic really threw off my plans and made things much harder than I expected. Transitioning to online learning was tough, and it was a big adjustment not being able to interact with professors and classmates in person. It was difficult to build connections and feel the sense of community that’s so important in college. But, in a way, the pandemic pushed me to become more self-disciplined and figure out new ways to stay connected. Once things started to return to normal, I really appreciated the in-person experiences I had missed and realized how much I had grown through all of it. It taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability.

If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to take every opportunity that comes your way and not shy away from the challenges that come with it. College is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and gain experience, and saying yes to more things will only make you stronger. Even when it feels overwhelming, trust that you’ll adapt and rise to the occasion. Those extra challenges will make you better, and the skills and lessons you learn will shape who you are and help you become more confident in your abilities. Embrace the journey, take on what you can, and remember that every experience will prepare you for what's ahead.

To the next generation of Cougars, my advice is to jump in and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s taking on leadership roles, joining different clubs, or tackling something outside of your comfort zone. College is about more than just classes. It’s about making connections and figuring out what you’re passionate about. Also, remember to take care of yourself throughout the journey. Find a balance, surround yourself with good people, and stay curious. Every experience, even the challenges, will teach you something important for what’s ahead.

After Commencement, I'll be starting as a PGY-1 pharmacy resident at the Minneapolis VA in Minneapolis, MN. I'm excited to dive into this next chapter and build on my education and experiences in a hands-on, patient-centered environment. This residency will give me the opportunity to grow in areas I'm passionate about, like ambulatory care and geriatrics, while also expanding my knowledge in a variety of settings. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and to contributing to the healthcare needs of our veterans.

I’m incredibly grateful for all the experiences, opportunities, and people that have shaped my journey so far. Looking back, I can see how everything has come together to prepare me for this next chapter, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. I’m thankful for the support of my family, friends, mentors, and the faculty at SIUE, who have all helped me grow both professionally and personally. I’m ready to take on new challenges, continue learning, and make a positive impact in the world of healthcare.

PHOTO:  Matthew Jacquot is graduating with both PharmD and Master of Public Health degrees