If you could go back in time to your first year as a pharmacy student, what would you do differently?
What advice would you give yourself?
I'm from California and I'm about to start pharmacy school this summer in Arizona. I just want to make sure I get off on the right track 🙂
-People will tell you certain semesters are hard or easy, or that pharmacy school is easy. Pharmacy school is *not* easy. It's often very difficult, confusing, boring, and frustrating. Be in the mindset to work really hard, all the time, often on things that seem incredibly ridiculous and/or menial. Even the menial stuff turns out to be useful, though it seems ridiculously dumb and a waste of time while you do it. I think if you go in thinking it will be hard, it will help you. I was told it was a cake walk. That was a big lie.
-What's generally a good idea: get involved in some group. The fraternities are a great place to start; I recommend joining one if you're even remotely interested. Once you get networked in a fraternity, it makes it easier to build an even bigger group of friends and connections.
-Exercise and eat right when/if you can, whenever possible. Sometimes it won't be possible. Just do your best.
-Realize that those perfect people that look like they get 100% all the time and never break a sweat are a lot like ducks: they are struggling and paddling, but it's hidden under the surface. They just look calm and collected all the time. Try to be more like them, but don't get frustrated when it seems like you're the only one working your a** off. Trust me, you're not, some people just like to pretend like they don't have to work for their grades. Avoid people who tell you they never study and get straight As. These people are just trying to get you to tell them how smart they are. Don't do it.
-Avoid people who always tell you their grades. Never tell other people your grades. Never compare yourself. If people are crowded around, discussing a test afterward, get out of there as fast as you can. They will only bring you down.
-Do your best to network. Find positional and non-positional leadership roles you can take on. Smile. Be nice to people. Be the person that others can rely on. Don't ever be a flake. If you flake, people in your class won't trust you, and won't want to work with you when you graduate.
I think that's all I've got for now...
OH YEAH...
Last one!
-Intern. Try to get an internship somewhere you'd like to work later; work somewhere where you don't just get treated like a tech. Get paid and learn at the same time.
