From Airman to Aspiring Pharmacist: The Unexpected Journey of Jimmy Tangchittsumran, Inspired by Service and Science
November marks a special time to honor and thank those who have served our country. This Veterans Month, we're dedicating our newsletter to spotlight the incredible stories of our veterans, their sacrifices, and their enduring impact on our communities.
Jimmy Tangchittsumran embodies the notion that life can take us on unexpected journeys, often leading us to paths we never anticipated. With a chef father and a sommelier sister in a prestigious two-star Michelin restaurant, the culinary arts seemed a natural choice. Yet, this self-described scrawny kid from Queens, New York, chose a different path: enlisting in the Air Force.
Growing up in the shadow of One World Trade Center, Jimmy felt a deep-seated calling to protect his country. "I found the Air Force particularly cool," he reflects. "This was my way to do something selfless." At just 19 years old, he fulfilled his dream and became an airman, a decision that would lead him to experiences far beyond his initial expectations.
During his military service, Tangchittsumran was stationed in the United Kingdom, where he conducted research on environmental threats to brief aircrews. Quickly recognized for his aptitude, he earned several awards and accolades, rising to the rank of sergeant. Throughout his six and a half years in the military, he honed his skills and found joy in mentoring others. His time in Kyrgyzstan provided a sobering view of the impact of conflict, further shaping his perspective on the world.
However, life took another unexpected turn when Tangchittsumran received a medical discharge in 2015 while stationed in Korea due to an autoimmune disease. This experience became a catalyst for a new passion. "As a result, I became more interested in science," he shares. "I wanted to research my own disease."
This newfound interest in STEM ignited a flame within him, though he initially struggled to pinpoint exactly what area to pursue. His journey into the world of scientific research took shape as he began to investigate autoimmune diseases and their immunology. "There are a couple of people I know who are actually affected by certain autoimmune diseases, so I'm currently trying to investigate autoimmune disease immunology," he explains.??
With determination and a clear focus, Jimmy Tangchittsumran completed the CUrehs program this spring. His hard work and resilience have paved the way for his acceptance into the University of Colorado Pharmacy class of 2028, where he is set to begin in August. With a background marked by service, mentorship, and scholarly curiosity, Jimmy's future in the field of pharmacy looks bright, promising not only personal fulfillment but also a chance to contribute to the health and well-being of others.
As he embarks on this new chapter, it's clear that Tangchittsumran's journey—from airman to aspiring pharmacist—will be fueled by the same selfless spirit that initially drove him to join the military, a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and science.
Jimmy believes that GlobalMindED can help veterans by providing a platform to share their stories and raise awareness of the challenges they face transitioning to civilian life.
United Nations Conference 2024:
Our 2024 conference at the United Nations, co-hosted by the Foundation for the Support of the United Nations,?Brave Solutions Fueling our Economic Future,?gathered a diverse group of students, graduates, funders, and industry and education leaders for a day of dynamic conversation. View more and watch the sessions below.
GlobalMindED Conference 2024:
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