When Robert John Borja Pangelinan stepped into the role of a pharmacy associate at CVS #9113 in Chula Vista, California, he discovered a newfound sense of purpose. The act of engaging with patients, offering a warm smile, and making a positive impact on their days fueled his passion for healthcare.

“I don’t know how to explain the feeling that I get when I go into work and I have the ability to change someone’s day just by saying, ‘Good morning, my brother. How can I help you?’ or ‘How are you doing, man?’ or ‘That’s a very cute dog you have,’ and just seeing someone’s face light up,” Pangelinan says. “There are no words that can describe that feeling.”

But Pangelinan wasn’t always the outgoing person his customers meet at the pharmacy counter now. His transformation from a reserved individual to someone who actively engages in conversations and offers comfort and companionship to those in need is a testament to his commitment to serving others with care and respect.

“It’s been amazing,” Pangelinan says of his first year at CVS #9113 in Chula Vista, California. “I’ve been going to this pharmacy since I was a little boy. It’s about three minutes down the road from where I grew up. I get to help the people who have been around me my entire life, and I feel truly blessed.”

Pangelinan’s journey has also been shaped by personal experiences, particularly the profound impact of caring for his grandmother, who had diabetes and required dialysis before she passed away. “I had the privilege to take care of her in those last few months,” he says. This period of caregiving instilled in him the importance of compassion and kindness, especially in the face of adversity. 

One of the most fulfilling aspects of his job, Pangelinan says, is the ability to inspire hope in individuals facing challenging circumstances. Whether it’s patients undergoing chemotherapy or those recovering from a hospital stay, he finds solace in offering moments of respite from their difficulties.

Pangelinan believes in making a positive impact, no matter how small, and after only one year on the job has several heartwarming stories of connecting with patients—like the one who affectionately calls him “son” and buys him Kentucky Fried Chicken or the musician who generously offered him piano lessons.

Pangelinan has ambitious goals for the future, too. Although he cherishes his current role at the pharmacy, he aspires to become a travel nurse and then a doctor. His ultimate objective is to provide healthcare to those in need, particularly in areas where access to quality healthcare is limited.

“I go into work for eight hours, and I come out inspired to go into work the next day, motivated to work even harder and try out something new,” Pangelinan says. “This job really does push you to be a better person every day.”

We spoke with Pangelinan about his drive to positively influence the lives of those he encounters on his path as a pharmacy technician. 

You are working toward getting licensed as a certified pharmacy technician. What’s driving you to go for that next level?

When I first started this job, I didn’t think much of it until I got one-on-one with the patients and realized that just a simple smile can really change their mood. The longer I’ve been working here, the more I’ve realized I can make a difference, and that’s what’s pushing me to focus on going to the next level in my career.

What have you learned in your role at the pharmacy?

Even though it can be incredibly stressful, this is one of the coolest jobs on earth. And it’s not because of the medicine; it’s because of the personal interactions you can have with people and how much this job can change you as a person. Before this job, I was completely reserved and kept to myself, but one year later I’m walking up to strangers and having conversations for an hour with them—sometimes even outside of work.

What has been the most rewarding part of your job so far?

Giving hope to people. There are some patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or who just got out of the hospital, and they’re super bummed. But throughout the year I’ve been doing this job, I’ve been able to pick up a lot of emotional intelligence. I can help by just having conversations with patients and distracting them from the harsh reality we live in. And seeing them enjoy themselves, even for a second, during our conversation makes it completely worth it.

How do you connect with your patients?

I have so many stories. I’ve gotten so much love from our customers. There’s one lady, I don’t know her name, but I call her auntie (it’s a Pacific Islander tradition to call our elders “auntie”). Every time I help her, she always buys me KFC from across the street; every single time. I’ve been invited to parties and potlucks by people I’ve taken care of. I’ve gotten so many blessings from people who come to the pharmacy. This job can truly change people’s lives. 

Do you have a favorite customer story?

There’s a patient in her 60s or 70s. When we first met, I just had this vibe from her that made me think she plays music. So I started talking about music with her and her face lit up. There was so much passion in her eyes, and for 10 minutes—since no one was in the pharmacy—we talked about music. She said, “You know what? Here’s a free piano lesson. Come here at this time to the library and I’ll teach you how to play.” 

I went to the lesson and she was just incredible. Her health wasn’t very good, she walked very slowly, but when her hands touched the keys, she was insanely fast. It was beautiful. That’s just one of the hundreds of moments that I’ve had with patients that make this job worth it.

How do you help your customers save money on prescriptions?

At our pharmacy, we try to emphasize the use of manufacturer coupons and savings cards. Most patients aren’t aware of manufacturer coupons, and personally, I’ve helped a few patients save maybe $200 or $300 on medication they’d usually spend $600 a month on, and it’s awesome.

One of my favorite savings stories is when a gentleman who had no insurance came in. I think he had six or seven prescriptions, and they all came out to be around $150. I said, “Hold on my friend, give me a minute,” and then I searched for savings options. It all came out to $20 or $30. When I told him the price, I could see the sense of relief on his face, and he just kept saying, “My friend, my friend, my friend.”

What qualities make you a good pharmacy technician?

Honestly, it’s nothing that I do. My coworkers, who I consider my family, are the reason I’m able to succeed. Ever since day one, everyone’s been welcoming and helped me so much. Every single day they have the patience to sit with me and teach me. They’re very supportive, and I owe everything to them.

What does this award mean to you?

This award, I don’t deserve it. I’m only accepting it because of the efforts that the staff has gone through for me to get where I am today. They make me feel like family, not just some random kid who came off the street. And that’s why we’re regarded as one of the best pharmacies in our county—because we genuinely care about each other.