Embracing the Journey as a Student Pharmacist

B Y : R U T H A D E Y E M I

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.

2) NEVER COMPARE YOURSELF Comparison can shift your focus from your goals to someone else ' s goals. Of course, it' s easy to compare yourself to the person that appears to be doing well and when it appears that you are not. If you focus on being better than who you were yesterday, you will appreciate your journey more and enjoy every experience (even the rigorous ones).

3) STAY POSITIVE

I cannot stress the importance of reminding yourself often that you can do this. Before pharmacy school, I found it cheesy to look in the mirror and talk to myself. As a student pharmacist, I' ve often found myself in front of the mirror more often, and I tell you, it works! When you feel overwhelmed, repeatedly say to yourself: "I know I am overwhelmed, but I am also brilliant" . This will help build your confidence and carry out the task at hand beautifully.

4) MANAGE YOUR ANXIETY/NERVOUSNESS

My good friend and pledge class brother, Aicha, told me this during one of our conversations one night: “ when you are anxious, it clouds your thinking, and you forget things you knew. ” That night changed my whole pharmacy school journey. After that night, I began to repeat her words to myself. The more I repeated the words to myself, the less anxious I became, and the more I could get my work done devoid of anxiety. 5) TAKE TIME OUT TO REST

Burnout is real! As much as you want to get good grades and participate in every activity on campus, you won 't enjoy the journey if you don 't rest enough. As you plan study time, schedule in time for fun and rest, too. It is vital.

6) ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE PHARMACY SCHOOL

Participate in activities outside of pharmacy like movie nights, cookouts, etc. Finding activities outside of pharmacy school will allow your body to relax and allow you to enjoy pharmacy school, not endure it.

7) KEEP YOUR FAITH IN GOD ACTIVE

Last but not least, as a Christian, staying connected to God and doing my devotion has brought me peace and helped me remember that being a pharmacist is my calling. Knowing that alone is enough to keep me focused. If you are a person of Faith, allow it to guide you on this journey.

Pharmacy school is a lot; it requires your time, energy, and mental presence. Truthfully, it can be almost impossible to enjoy the journey. But with a great support system, taking time out to rest, and engaging in activities outside pharmacy school, embracing the journey becomes easier.

Go do great things; I' m rooting for you!!!