This month’s 2T1 Feature stars our very own Amy Botross! Find out more about her in this interview with our 2T1 Monograph representative Kyle!
This interview has been edited for clarity
Tell us a little bit about yourself! Where are you from, and what were you doing before pharmacy?
I was born and raised in Egypt and moved to Canada about 8 years ago. Before pharmacy, I did my undergrad at UofT Scarborough in Cell and molecular biology and I also completed a psychology minor.
What do you like doing outside of studying?
I like hanging out with friends and taking long walks on the beach or at the park, anywhere where I am surrounded by nature really. Church is also a big part of my life. I also really like reading especially Sci-Fi and mystery books, these just take me to a whole new world. I also like playing ping-pong which is why I am stoked about the new ping pong table we recently got in our student lounge.
What sort of music do you like listening to?
I like classical music in general. My favorite artist would have to be Yanni. I can listen to any of his concerts non-stop.
As people may or may not know, you have a twin. Are there any perks or downsides to it that most people might not think of?
WOW Where shall I start? Haha I feel like the biggest perk to having a twin is having a best friend since day one. It’s such a blessing having someone there with you through every detail in your life, someone who can understand you like no other and can tell how you feel without you even having to say anything. However, life of a twin is not all roses. I feel like the biggest downside to being a twin is that most people don’t understand how different we are. Ereny and I are polar opposites in a lot of things and only our close friends get to see this. Most people just assume that since we’re twins, we must have a similar taste in everything which is mostly not true. For instance, I am a much bigger fan of social media (especially Snapchat) than Ereny is. I am more laid-back, more spontaneous and don’t mind on the spot planning while Ereny is more rational, more organized and likes to plan and think everything through. We also, fortunately, have different taste in guys! So, I guess bottom line is: being a twin has its ups and downs, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way!
Is there a goal for yourself in life that you’ve set? What drives you?
A general life long goal that I set for myself is to make a difference in the world even if it’s a tiny one; tiny changes add up. This is one of the reasons that drove me to get into pharmacy because I wanted a more direct way to achieve this goal. The little chats I have with patients at work and the fact that they leave with a smile by the end of it, means a lot to me. It feels good to know that you’ve helped make someone’s day a little brighter. I do however believe that regardless of what you’re studying or doing in life, you can always leave a positive impression wherever you go.
Is there a quote that you find hilarious or resonate with for inspiration? Your choice
“ I am just gonna flip this omelette…… aaaaaanddd we’re having scrambled eggs for dinner”
I saw this quote a couple of years ago on Facebook and it stuck with me ever since. A message that I got out of this quote and that really hit home is that sometimes our plans don’t go the way we thought they would and that’s fine. This doesn’t mean it’s the end, you never really starve, you just have a different meal for dinner. Sometimes life takes us through a different route, but we still reach the same destination.
If you could go back in time and speak to yourself 10 years ago, what would you say? What about yourself from last year?
I am much more laid-back version of my self today so if I could say something to myself 10 years ago, it will probably be to stress less and have more fun. To myself last year, I would tell her to make more time for old friends and that mol pharm wasn’t going to crush her soul.
Would you live in the universe of the last TV show, movie, book or video game you’ve played? Why or why not?
I would definitely not want to live in the universe of the last TV show because that was Bachelor in Paradise. I like watching drama but I wouldn’t want to live in it. I was also concurrently watching MasterChef and I wouldn’t mind living in it only if I am judging (and thereby tasting) the food and not the one cooking. Last movie I watched was Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom, which I wouldn’t like to live in for obvious reasons.
All photo credits to Michelle Yee, 2T1 Pharmakon Rep.