By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

Many students panic at the thought of adding “CHM 145 – General Chemistry I” to their academic schedule. But Liberal Arts and Sciences: Science: A.S. student Anesa Galesic (LAAS’ 24) viewed her chemistry prerequisites with a different perspective. For Galesic, studying chemistry has the power to unlock the doors to unbelievable medicinal discoveries and developments. Driven by a personal passion for health and wellness, Galesic is in the midst of completing her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree at Binghamton University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences via SUNY Broome’s expedited 2+4 articulation agreement. 

Though born in Binghamton, New York, Anesa Galesic’s story begins in Bosnia. In 1998, Galesic’s parents fled their homeland in search of a better life. After a stint in Germany, the Galesics immigrated to the Southern Tier, joining a community of fellow Bosnian refugees. Just as they were establishing their lives in America, Galesic’s 17-year-old brother, Anes, was tragically killed in a car accident. Born the following year, her parents chose the name Anesa to honor his memory. 

A main motivator behind the Galesics’ emigration to the United States was their desire for their children to have access to a quality K-12 and college education. Ever the consummate student, Galesic excelled in all of her classes but had a special affinity for math and science. She dabbled in extracurricular activities and sports but found the most joy in spending quiet evenings at home, surrounded by her close-knit family.  

When Galesic was about to enter ninth grade, her mother was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Heartsick over her mom’s declining health, she vowed to do two things – care for her mother and devote her professional life to eradicating the leading cause of death worldwide.

“As soon as my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I immediately began to research,” Galesic reflected. “I kept thinking, ‘Can I cure this? Who does that? What can I do with my life to help?'”

Through her exploration, she stumbled across pharmaceutical sciences, a biology—and chemistry-based discipline that focuses on the efficacy and safety of therapeutic medicines. While she found great comfort in entering the pharmaceutical sciences field, Galesic worried about leaving her parents and siblings to pursue her studies.

“I didn’t know how limited my time would be with my mom,” Galesic explained. “I wanted to go to college but was afraid to leave her for four to eight years.”

Conscious of time, Galesic spoke to her parents about developing a plan to help her graduate from high school as quickly as possible. The then Binghamton High School freshman chose to follow in her sister’s footsteps and expedite her studies by doubling up on classes. While the COVID-19 pandemic had its many downfalls, one perk was that she could complete her courses online and remain by her mother’s side. By the time in-person classes resumed for the 2021/2022 academic year, Galesic was finishing her junior and senior years concurrently.

After graduating from Binghamton High School at 16, Galesic enrolled in SUNY Broome’s Liberal Arts and Sciences: Science: A.S. program. Specifically designed to serve as a transfer pathway program for further study in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, or pre-health professions, she entered the program excited to spend her days in the lab. Galesic soon became a favorite amongst the STEM faculty, especially with her unofficial mentor, professor, and Chairperson of Biology, Dr. Tracy Curtis. During one of their regular check-in meetings, Dr. Curtis offered Galesic some practical, life-changing information.

 

Not only had Binghamton University recently opened a School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, but they also established an official 2+4 articulation agreement that designated guaranteed seats to SUNY Broome students. Galesic could do it all — study at an accelerated pace, and do so locally to remain close to her mother. 

“I didn’t know anything about the 2+4 agreement until I arrived at SUNY Broome,” Galesic said. “I felt like this program was made for me. I was so worried about leaving the area to continue my studies, and now I can enter a doctoral program in my backyard and shave two years off.”

Before graduating in May 2024, Galesic ended her SUNY Broome career on a high note by being honored with the 2024 Binghamton American Chemical Society Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Chemistry Major. While SUNY Broome’s STEM faculty proudly cheered her on, her biggest champions were on the homefront. 

“My parents are so proud of me and that brings me the most joy,” Galesic beamed. “They worked, and continue to work, so hard to give my sisters and me every opportunity possible. As a result, their daughters are nurses and a soon-to-be pharmacist. We’re using our education to do our part to care for patients like our mother.”

Wise beyond her years, Galesic never hesitates to share advice with fellow students. “Prioritize your goals and never give up. At the end of the day, life is temporary, so use your time wisely and appreciate each moment. 

The Liberal Arts and Sciences: Science: A.S. (LAAS) program has transfer articulations with several colleges and universities. To learn more about these agreements, please visit www2.sunybroome.edu/transferagreements/

 

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