Graduate Spotlight: Baylis’ adoption highlights her pursuit of Pharm.D.
Kim Chaudoin |
Baylis, second from left, at her adoption ceremony on Nov. 2, 2021.
As Brooklyn Baylis prepares to graduate from Lipscomb University with a Doctorate of Pharmacy on May 4, she reflects on a journey marked by personal growth, academic achievement and a budding career through which she will impact lives.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Baylis moved to Nashville at the age of seven, growing up in a city she now calls home. As a high school junior, Baylis made the decision to pursue pharmacy, inspired by her passion for chemistry and her desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
“It was my dad who first suggested the career path after I expressed my passion for AP chemistry and my desire to make a difference in people's lives,” says Baylis. “Learning that pharmacists can collaborate with nurses and physicians as part of a care team to develop patient care plans further solidified my conviction that pharmacy was the right choice for me.”
She completed prerequisites for pharmacy school at Hampton University, where she studied for two years before moving back home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When she decided to pursue her Doctorate of Pharmacy, Baylis was drawn to Lipscomb for its sense of community and support.
“During my interviews with Lipscomb, I was overwhelmed by the strong sense of support from everyone involved. The accessibility of professors, transparent communication and tight-knit cohort were pivotal factors in my decision to choose Lipscomb,” shares Baylis. “It was a decision that simply resonated with me. Since joining the community, I've experienced significant growth, not only in my academic and professional pursuits but also in my personal development. Lipscomb has equipped me with all the necessary tools to achieve my aspirations while also fostering lifelong friendships.”
During her time at Lipscomb, Baylis not only excelled academically but also experienced a time of personal growth. When Baylis was a young child, her mother married a man who was a father to her “in every sense” to her and her sister.
“Although we had intentions of formalizing the adoption process soon after their marriage in 2005, other priorities intervened. Nevertheless, we held the unwavering conviction that he was our father in every sense,” she explains. “Over the years, we cultivated a close-knit bond centered on open communication, honesty and abundant laughter. My mother imparted optimism, creativity, and empathy, while my father instilled discipline, reliability and a strong work ethic. Together, they fostered a nurturing and supportive environment that profoundly influenced my development.”
In October 2021, while Baylis was in her second year in Lipscomb’s pharmacy program, after 16 years of him being an integral part of her life, “my mother, sister, and I surprised my dad by initiating the adoption process and changing our last name.”
Brooklyn Baylis with her parents, standing in back, and siblings celebrate the holidays together.
“On November 2, 2021, I officially became Brooklyn Baylis,” she says proudly. “I firmly believe that fate brought us the perfect parents. This milestone wouldn't have been possible without their unwavering support and guidance.”
“It's incredibly fulfilling,” she says about reaching this milestone. “I've poured a great deal of effort and passion into earning this degree and pursuing this profession, and I'm eagerly anticipating what the future holds.”
With her Doctorate of Pharmacy nearly in hand, Baylis is set to move to Philadelphia, where she will begin her residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital after graduation. She says, “I am very excited for the new scenery and adventures that are to come.”