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PINEHURST, N.C. —For Ayahnie Daniel, a senior at Pinecrest High School in Moore County, interest in a career in pharmacy started with family inspiration and is now taking shape through hands-on experience at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital.
As FirstHealth’s first pharmacy technician pre-apprentice through its FirstFutures program, Ayahnie is gaining an early start on a future health care career.
“My grandmother has worked as a pharmacy technician for thirty years, and it rubbed off on me,” said Ayahnie. “I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”
That early interest in health care grew during her junior year as she explored health sciences coursework, eventually identifying pharmacy as the right fit.
“When I saw the opportunity to work with FirstHealth, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue,” she said. “It felt like a great opportunity—especially being able to learn at one of the top hospitals in North Carolina.”
Hands-On Training at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital
Through her pre-apprenticeship, Ayahnie is building foundational knowledge in pharmacy practice while developing professional skills that will prepare her for future certification and career opportunities. Her coursework at Sandhills Community College reinforces what she is learning on-site, including drug identification, patient confidentiality and proper handling of medications.
“Taking classes at Sandhills has been amazing,” Ayahnie said. “What I’m learning in the classroom connects directly to what I’m seeing in the hospital, especially with drug names and confidentiality. I still have a lot to learn, but this experience has helped me grow.”
Mentorship from FirstHealth Pharmacy Team Members
At FirstHealth, Ayahnie is supported by a team of pharmacy professionals who serve as mentors, helping guide her development and provide a strong foundation in safe, high-quality patient care.
“The pharmacy team has been really helpful throughout this experience,” she said. “They’ve supported me, answered my questions and made sure I’m following the right procedures.”
What is the FirstFutures Workforce Development Program?
The pre-apprenticeship is part of FirstFutures, FirstHealth’s innovative workforce development program, which creates early pathways into health care careers by connecting students with real-world experience, education and mentorship. Programs like this are designed to strengthen the local workforce pipeline while providing students with meaningful opportunities close to home.
Following graduation, Ayahnie plans to continue working with FirstHealth while exploring her long-term career goals.
“This opportunity has given me a chance to learn and grow while figuring out my future,” she said.
Carolyn Helms, R.N., director of FirstFutures said stories like Ayahnie’s highlight the power of investing in the next generation of health care professionals.
“Through FirstFutures, we are creating opportunities for students to explore meaningful careers while building the workforce our communities will rely on in the future,” said Helms. “Ayahnie represents the passion, curiosity and commitment that define the future of health care.”
FirstFutures is a collaborative effort by FirstHealth of the Carolinas and The Foundation of FirstHealth to transform how the system recruits and trains the health care staff and providers of the future. We are educating and growing the next generation of the health care workforce and investing in their success with student aid, financial incentives, apprenticeship programs and more through partnerships with our area’s community colleges. To learn more, visit www.FirstHealth.org/FirstFutures.
