CINCINNATI — When Nicole Wess decided to give pageantry a try, she was looking to meet new friends, grow as a speaker and build her confidence, but when she took home her first title, Miss Ohio USA, suddenly those opportunities took on a larger scale than she ever imagined.
Between public engagements, her graduate school responsibilities and her volunteer work, Wess said her time with the crown has been a whirlwind, but she said the chance to represent Ohio on the Miss USA stage was irreplaceable, as are the lessons she said she’s bringing back to Cincinnati.
A graduate student at the University of Cincinnati, Wess said she’s had two passions for as long as she can remember: helping others and chemistry. She said pharmacy felt like the best field to bring the two together.
“Pharmacists are one of the most accessible health care providers and the pandemic really has shown that,” she said.
More than distributing medications, the West Chester native said working in a pharmacy is about educating patients, helping them manage their symptoms and understand how their treatments work.
“I learn how to talk about each of these medications, about the side effects about what’s in them and explain that to patients,” Wess said.
Not everyone is able to reach their doctors when they need help and others may not have health care providers so as the face of the neighborhood drug store, Wess said it’s important to be a friendly, trustworthy first resource for medical knowledge.
“We learn much of the same information as doctors,” she said.
Wess currently works with the St. Vincent DePaul Charitable Pharmacy, helping low-income patients access the prescriptions they need and answering any questions they may have.
It may seem a far cry from the glamour of pageants, but Wess believes working in the pharmacy has made her a better contestant, and being a contestant will make her a better pharmacist.
“It’s a title to serve in my opinion,” she said.
Wess had modeled before but she said this year’s Miss Ohio USA was her first pageant, a completely different world.
When she earned the title in July, it offered her a chance to step into the national spotlight and put her passions on display, while preparing to speak in front of the biggest audience she’s ever faced.
“The Miss USA pageant was my second one ever so it was quite a shock experiencing everything for the first time,” she said.
On Nov. 29, Miss Kentucky, Elle Smith, won the title of Miss USA. Though Wess did not place in the top 20, she said she was grateful for the opportunity to represent the state and meet other passionate women from across the country.
“I learned a lot about myself, my confidence,” she said. “I’m excited to use those relationships, those connections, those networking skills I’ve learned to apply that into my daily life and into my career.”
Now back home, Wess said her first priority is final exams at UC. She has another six months as Miss Ohio USA, during which Wess said she’ll continue to advocate for community service, but she said that won’t stop when she passes on the crown.
“I graduate in 2023 and then I plan on continuing work in underserved communities,” she said.
Like the St. Vincent DePaul Pharmacy, Wess said she wants to find a job somewhere she can use her skills to give back, a knowledgable, friendly face who can help people in need get the care they deserve.
“It’s shown me being a pharmacist is the spot I want to be in to make a difference in my community,” she said.
