Embracing the Journey as a Student Pharmacist BY: RUTH ADEYEMI
Why did I decide to be a pharmacist? Why am I putting myself through this much rigor? These are a few of the questions that filled my thoughts at the beginning of my first semester of pharmacy school. Before pharmacy school, as far back as elementary school, my dream has always been to be a pharmacist. As my dream is steadily becoming a reality, I won't stop questioning my decision to accept my first and only pharmacy school offer letter. Despite the questions that filled my thoughts, something happened halfway through my first semester of pharmacy school. This decision would reshape my thought pattern and show me how to embrace this rigorous, yet beautiful journey. What was it? In my second month of pharmacy school, I began pledging for Kappa Psi. Kappa Psi is a professional pharmaceutical fraternity with the mission to develop leaders with a passion for service to their community while creating lifelong professional connections. The pledging process was rigorous, but my fellow pledges and I were able to endure the process by keeping our goal in mind. We realized that we could accomplish our goal by incorporating fun activities, leaning on each other, and prioritizing rest as much as possible.
Soon enough, I began picking up some life lessons during the pledging process that would help me embrace my pharmacy school journey. The pledging process was rigorous, but my fellow pledges and I were able to endure the process by keeping our goal in mind. We realized that we could accomplish our goal by incorporating fun activities, leaning on each other, and prioritizing rest as much as possible. Soon enough, I began picking up some life lessons during the pledging process that would help me embrace my pharmacy school journey. I want to share some of the life lessons I learned while pledging. I hope that through my words, you can find the strength to embrace your journey as a student pharmacist as well. 1) BUILD MEANINGFUL AND IMPACTFUL RELATIONSHIPS Most students and faculty members genuinely want you to succeed. Likewise, when choosing your pharmacy school buddies, make sure you choose the right people. Look for people who will keep you grounded and focused but will also laugh with you when you need to relax. With great friendships, it is easier to excel in your classes, extracurricular activities, and cocurricular activities. Great friendships provide a constant reminder that you are not alone.
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