Im having second thoughts, ....I think Im scared.

[BackeyWackey]

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So, as you may or may not know, I have been accepted into the University of Hawai'i at Hilo College of Pharmacy for their class of 2011. My $500 deposit to hold my seat in the class is due in 6 days. Now I am having second thoughts. One side of me says: Go to Hawai'i. You've put in this much time, money and effort into applying, you may as well just go. Another part of me is now thinking: Do I want to go this far? Do I want to spend all this money to get there? Ill have to buy a scooter. I need to learn how to ride a scooter, get licensed, AND send the scooter to Hawaii by a freight exporter which costs a lot of money. I will have to pay $800/month to live in an apartment that I won't even get to see before I arrive there (who knows, it could be infested with roaches and rats- I truely won't know until I get there). And I won't know a single soul. I will have to leave home, and leave my boyfriend, whom I love. I will have to move out there all by myself. Right now, I am really trying to convince myself thatgoing to University of Hawaii at Hilo is the thing I need to do. Im having a hard time. Do I put my deposit down now, and just hope I get accepted off of the alternate list to MWU-CCP? But what if I dont get accepted to MWU this year? Should I let this opportunity pass me up?

I know for certian that Pharmacy is what I want to do. In the end, I know we all pretty much end up with the same thing....a pharmD, but I know the WAY that I get there is important not only as shaping me as a pharmacist, but also the person I will grow to become. I want to get the most out of my experience, and I will need people to be by my side. Most importantly, my SO of 3.5 years. He is going to business school and cannot just move to HI with me. I think the 'pathway' that I embark on during the process of getting my PharmD is important, and I really truely want to enjoy the process with my family. 85% of me wants to stay close to home, and wait it out for Midwestern University here in downers grove. This part of me wants to rip up the papers I need to sign and mail with my deposit to HI. If i don't make it in this year to MWU-CCP, I can always reapply to UIC, MWU and the NEW school that's opening up here, University of Chicago pharmacy school. But then there's the other 15% of me that says: "What are you foolish? Why would you pass up the opportunity to actually go to school?" I'm pretty sure if I had the support here at home, family, friends, S.O. around me, I think that would make the whole process a lot easier.

I don't know, I have like 5 days to make up my mind. I don't know, tell me what the *beep* I should do.

 

[BackeyWackey]

AND>.....

to top it off, I got a fortune cookie today that said " Think twice about making that decision." Oh hell......

 

[chakavak]

Are they even accredited? Sorry to scare you but the last time that I checked they are not!

 

[rx27563]

You have to think about how much becoming a pharmacist means to you. I am afraid that I will be in your position this year as well...and to be honest if your significant other is really your significant other they will understand and support you...heck maybe even move to hawaii with you! you just have to decide how much you want it and how likely you are to get into another school next year..... goodluck and dont pay much attention to a fortune cookie - its just a cookie afterall. If i made huge decisions about my life based on those i would be in god knows where by now... 😉

 

[BackeyWackey]

Well they are not accredited yet, because I would be in their first class. But I don't really see that being an issue as far as them failing on that part. They seem like they know what they are doing.


And....yes, I don't usually listen to fortune cookies, as it's just a coincidence!

 

[ajce9]

So, as you may or may not know, I have been accepted into the University of Hawai'i at Hilo College of Pharmacy for their class of 2011. My $500 deposit to hold my seat in the class is due in 6 days. Now I am having second thoughts. One side of me says: Go to Hawai'i. You've put in this much time, money and effort into applying, you may as well just go. Another part of me is now thinking: Do I want to go this far? Do I want to spend all this money to get there? Ill have to buy a scooter. I need to learn how to ride a scooter, get licensed, AND send the scooter to Hawaii by a freight exporter which costs a lot of money. I will have to pay $800/month to live in an apartment that I won't even get to see before I arrive there (who knows, it could be infested with roaches and rats- I truely won't know until I get there). And I won't know a single soul. I will have to leave home, and leave my boyfriend, whom I love. I will have to move out there all by myself. Right now, I am really trying to convince myself thatgoing to University of Hawaii at Hilo is the thing I need to do. Im having a hard time. Do I put my deposit down now, and just hope I get accepted off of the alternate list to MWU-CCP? But what if I dont get accepted to MWU this year? Should I let this opportunity pass me up?

I don't know, I have like 5 days to make up my mind. I don't know, tell me what the *beep* I should do.

You know what, I have a friend who is a pharmacist. He makes 90 K a year and every once in a while he does overtime and makes time and a half for that.

The scooter costs what 3000 bucks. So what. You don't know anyone, so what. Your not going to a stranded island. your going to Hawaii. There are going to be other pharm students there. don't be a *****.

If the school is accredited go for it. Even if it is not, it is in the United States, it will most likely get accredited.
It will be the best experience of you life.
Forget about the rent, the scooter, JUST GO. Study your ass off and then you will make a ton of cash for a 5 year degree.

You will make a ton of friends.
It is time for you to grow up. Listen to yourself.
your crying because you have to pay rent and buy a scooter and won't have any friends??? Give me a break.
If you don't like your apartment, MOVE.

Pharmacy school in Hawaii. Are you kidding me.

Your parents need to beat some sense into you head.

 

[BackeyWackey]

You know what, I have a friend who is a pharmacist. He makes 90 K a year and every once in a while he does overtime and makes time and a half for that.

The scooter costs what 3000 bucks. So what. You don't know anyone, so what. Your not going to a stranded island. your going to Hawaii. There are going to be other pharm students there. don't be a *****.

If the school is accredited go for it. It will be the best experience of you life.
Forget about the rent, the scooter, JUST GO. Study your ass off and then you will make a ton of cash for a 5 year degree.

You will make a ton of friends.
It is time for you to grow up. Listen to yourself.
your crying because you have to pay rent and buy a scooter and won't have any friends??? Give me a break.

Pharmacy school in Hawaii. Are you kidding me.

EXCUSE ME????

Im not cryig because I have to pay rent or buy a f***ing scooter and won't have friends. It's a BIG life change. It's a huge decision to make, and I am just getting other people's opinions because I am not getting the support from my family like I should be getting. THEY are trying to get me to change my career. I am just looking for some advice, because I don't get it at home. I'm not being a *****, I am just asking for some simple ADVICE. I appreciate your reply, but I don't appreciate the language and disrespect that you are giving along with it.

 

[omnione]

Life is filled with uncertainties that we cannot always control. However, the things we often need in our lives are goals and ideals that act like the figurative lighthouse that guides us through the fog to the future. Whether you believe in fate or the ability to choose, you still have to have some idea about where your life is headed and where you want to go.

Ask yourself if you want to do pharmacy without all of these other factors. Do it. If you still find that pharmacy is your goal you really want to accomplish, then you can revolve everything else around it. You can make the best of your housing situation. You can learn, buy, and transport a scooter. You can somehow maintain your relationship. You can do all of this because you fit all the little things around your life around the big things so that everything fits nicely in a package.

So, I'd first worry about the bigger picture that extend beyond August and matriculation, and work your way down to the smaller issues.🙂

 

[andrewattheU]

EXCUSE ME????

Im not cryig because I have to pay rent or buy a f***ing scooter and won't have friends. It's a BIG life change. It's a huge decision to make, and I am just getting other people's opinions because I am not getting the support from my family like I should be getting. THEY are trying to get me to change my career. I am just looking for some advice, because I don't get it at home. I'm not being a *****, I am just asking for some simple ADVICE. I appreciate your reply, but I don't appreciate the language and disrespect that you are giving along with it.

the response may be unwarranted, but so is your question we really do not know you well enough to know how hard these changes will be on you personally. Even takes change differently some better than others. My advice ask your family and friends who know you better, as they will know if you can handle all of this change without having an emotional breakdown.

Good Luck on whatever you decide to do.

 

[AMO69657]

Did you think about the pros/cons of living in Hawaii when you applied? -about being away from your family/friends/bf, living costs being high? You've got the chance that many of us hope for....acceptance to pharmacy school and being able to live in Hawaii!!!!!! Take it and run! Yes you might miss your loved ones, but you have to do what you have to do for yourself. It's not like you won't be able to see them again, you can always visit or vice versa. good luck.

 

[StringTheorist]

the response may be unwarranted, but so is your question we really do not know you well enough to know how hard these changes will be on you personally....

Good Luck on whatever you decide to do.

+1 on that

look. its a simple decision. you are asking a question to people who would kill to attend pharmacy school. what do you think we'll tell you. get your ass on that plane and go become a pharmacist!👍

i know its scary, but so are all life changing events. this is one of them. and hey, its hawaii...life in one of the most beautiufl places and to become a person who holds the title of most trusted professional... so many good things in pharmacy. you are very fortunate you can even question whether to attend... take lifes blessings and go for it

 

[AntiviralsRule]

My thoughts: You got into pharmacy school. Not everyone can say that. I'd say embrace this opportunity if it's truly what you want to do. The details can be worked out. But this chance might not come again.

 

[Knickerbocker]

This is tough. If it was Honolulu, I'd advise against moving there (I lived there a few years in the 90s; seemed like most of the non-tourists were extremely hostile). No idea about Hilo.

How serious are you about your boyfriend? Do you think you can handle what will be a culture shock?

 

[Rx Pharmer]

Definitely send in the deposit to hold your seat. $500 might be a bit now, but it isn't a lot compared to pharmacy school tuition, housing, etc. With the deposit down, Hawaii can still remain as an option. Use this summer to thoroughly think of what you really want to do. If you do get off of the waitlist at MWU, you can always go there instead. If not, Hawaii is still available if you decide to go. Best of luck!

 

[sdn1977]

EXCUSE ME????

Im not cryig because I have to pay rent or buy a f***ing scooter and won't have friends. It's a BIG life change. It's a huge decision to make, and I am just getting other people's opinions because I am not getting the support from my family like I should be getting. THEY are trying to get me to change my career. I am just looking for some advice, because I don't get it at home. I'm not being a *****, I am just asking for some simple ADVICE. I appreciate your reply, but I don't appreciate the language and disrespect that you are giving along with it.

Backey - this is the most telling of your posts - your family is trying to get you to change your career.

That is a significant influence on your happiness or your perceived happiness - no matter where you go or what you do.

We sent our daughter 3000 miles away - no friends, no housing, the car was on the truck & who knows where & when it would get there, everything she owned which was not in suitcases was being shipped UPS, she didn't know a soul & had never lived east of the Sierras & she was leaving an SO of 4 years .... but, she had the support of us & she knew without a doubt that her choice of career was what she wanted.

You don't have that - and that really can come back to bite you.

None of us can give you any advice because each of us is different. She has excelled & loves where she is & what she is doing....but there are some in her class who are not so happy. So it can & does happen.

My only advice to you is - ask yourself - would I ever regret not going? There is no assurance you'll get accepted on the mainland another year. Will your family ever accept your career choice? Can you deal with that? Is your relationship solid enough with your SO that you can deal with the signficant distance issues? What happens if you get into pharmacy & thats really not what you wanted? Will your family give you the old "I told you so...". But, what if you really like it - will you always be considered the "lesser" or the one not living up to your potential or going into the family business? Can you deal with that?

At some point, we do all grow up & beyond the influence of our parents. As much as I'd like my kids closer to me - that is not what they need to be the best of themselves. So.....I'm fortunate enough to not just accept their choices, but to be able to afford to see them in their environment. But - I never, ever discount the strong influence family has on our self esteem.

Perhaps if you try to break down what your real fears are - not the individual issues (scooter, friends, distance) - but, what are the concerns that embarking on this phase of your life really make you fearful & think about what you would do if you broke down emotionally while in Hilo???? (It can happen - think about it....) Could you call your folks? Would they be supportive? Who can you call to complain or just share misery?

Best of luck - its a tough path, but this one you'll have to walk by yourself since your happiness is under your control & your regrets must be your own.

 

[tckc]

like others have mentioned, if your indecision is because you're unsure of pharmacy as a profession, then that is an issue you need to work out on your own...only you know what your life goals, interests and dreams are....it's a difficult thought process especially if you're like me and have interests in a variety of areas.....make this decision for yourself...ultimately, you are the only one it affects....

if you're worried about moving to hilo....don't be. all those things you mentioned can be worked out. i grew up and currently live in hilo....i can tell you that i most likely will be a culture shock (regardless of where you'll be coming from) the food, people, lifestyle will all be different...BUT if you're coming into this with an open mind and a willingness to try new things....you'll be fine. everyone's perception of hawaii is so different....it depends on what you immerse yourself in....there's a commercial/tourist side and a deep cultural side that you may fascinated by....i love the hawaii that i know...that is why i chose to raise my family here...come and experience our home for yourself....define YOUR hawaii....

best wishes in your decision making!

 

[BackeyWackey]

.

 

[Asrai]

You will still have the support that you have at home from your friends, family, and S.O. Just because you're moving does not mean they will stop supporting you in everything you do. Yea, things will change a bit, but change is needed for growth.

I moved from California to Pennsylvania for just my Pre-Pharmacy. I knew nobody in Pennsylvania except for my boyfriend. I packed up my things, drove across the country, and I could not be more thankful for the experience. Sure, in the beginning it was hard, not knowing anyone, being stuck with 3 roommates that didn't pay much attention to me because I was younger than them, not knowing where anything was. But eventually, that all didn't matter anymore. Sure, I had to go buy a winter wardrobe (sorry, but snow just doesn't exist in the desert), but I'm glad I made the decision I did. I branched out, I took a chance, and there's always the back up plan of transferring if you don't like it. Your parents will always let you come home, but they'll always support you even if your gone. Now I'll be attending the University of Pittsburgh for pharmacy school in the fall, and I couldn't be happier (I'm on the waitlist for MWU Downers Grove as well, but I feel like that wont be happening any time soon).

I think you should go to Hawaii, see what opportunities are there for you, try it out. If you don't like it there, no one can tell you that you didn't try. Good luck!

 

[eelo]

So, as you may or may not know, I have been accepted into the University of Hawai'i at Hilo College of Pharmacy for their class of 2011. My $500 deposit to hold my seat in the class is due in 6 days. Now I am having second thoughts. One side of me says: Go to Hawai'i. You've put in this much time, money and effort into applying, you may as well just go. Another part of me is now thinking: Do I want to go this far? Do I want to spend all this money to get there? Ill have to buy a scooter. I need to learn how to ride a scooter, get licensed, AND send the scooter to Hawaii by a freight exporter which costs a lot of money. I will have to pay $800/month to live in an apartment that I won't even get to see before I arrive there (who knows, it could be infested with roaches and rats- I truely won't know until I get there). And I won't know a single soul. I will have to leave home, and leave my boyfriend, whom I love. I will have to move out there all by myself. Right now, I am really trying to convince myself thatgoing to University of Hawaii at Hilo is the thing I need to do. Im having a hard time. Do I put my deposit down now, and just hope I get accepted off of the alternate list to MWU-CCP? But what if I dont get accepted to MWU this year? Should I let this opportunity pass me up?

I don't know, I have like 5 days to make up my mind. I don't know, tell me what the *beep* I should do.

Wow. Hard decision.

On one hand, you have an acceptance to pharmacy school. This is cool, and since it appears this is what you really want to do with your life, this has major value.

On the other hand, it's in Hawaii. Sure, it's easy to think of Hawaii as the land of warm tropical breezes, blooming flowers of all sorts, exotic smells, interesting cultural combinations from all over the world, and some very, very neat people......... but then three weeks later, after you've driven around the island six times, you've biked the volcano, you've discovered that while "two scoops rice" can be wonderful, macaroni salad with every dish is wearing a bit thin, and the phrase "Lucky you live Hawaii" is really getting under your skin. Everything costs more; even the ads for Pizza Hut or KFC have a disclaimer that reads "slightly more in Alaska and Hawaii." You want to go home for Thanksgiving break, you really do, but airfare will be over $1200, and between all that time in the air and adjusting to the time change, you'll really only get about one or two good days with them. It would be terrific to talk to your mother/brother/best friend/previous coworker about something, but by the time you get settled down for the night, you can't call because it's three a.m. where your friends and family live.

Hawaii is beautiful, exotic, interesting, fun (UH basketball and volleyball is Da Bomb!)..... a real life experience. It can also be incredibly isolated, which can be good or bad. If you're the type who needs personal contact with friends and family members, they can't drop what they're doing to drive three states away and spend the weekend with you. On the other hand, if you're really trying to cut ties, moving to Hawaii for school is a great way to do it.

There IS such a thing as "rock fever." Fascinating as Hawaii is, you're still on a relatively small rock in the middle of a huge ocean. I lived there for three years when my children were small and I was unable to travel or leave Oahu for the entire time.

Hawaii is amazing, it really is..... but it can get old. Not knowing you, I've tried to offer both sides of the coin as I saw it. Keep in mind that I was there twenty years ago, but that was my experience. I loved it, and I hated it.

I don't envy you this choice, and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[binghamkid]

So, as you may or may not know, I have been accepted into the University of Hawai'i at Hilo College of Pharmacy for their class of 2011. My $500 deposit to hold my seat in the class is due in 6 days. Now I am having second thoughts. One side of me says: Go to Hawai'i. You've put in this much time, money and effort into applying, you may as well just go. Another part of me is now thinking: Do I want to go this far? Do I want to spend all this money to get there? Ill have to buy a scooter. I need to learn how to ride a scooter, get licensed, AND send the scooter to Hawaii by a freight exporter which costs a lot of money. I will have to pay $800/month to live in an apartment that I won't even get to see before I arrive there (who knows, it could be infested with roaches and rats- I truely won't know until I get there). And I won't know a single soul. I will have to leave home, and leave my boyfriend, whom I love. I will have to move out there all by myself. Right now, I am really trying to convince myself thatgoing to University of Hawaii at Hilo is the thing I need to do. Im having a hard time. Do I put my deposit down now, and just hope I get accepted off of the alternate list to MWU-CCP? But what if I dont get accepted to MWU this year? Should I let this opportunity pass me up?

I don't know, I have like 5 days to make up my mind. I don't know, tell me what the *beep* I should do.

Since you are still on the alternate list for MWU-CCP, i would go ahead and put the deposit down. A $500 deposit is a small price to pay for security and peace of mind. If you get accepted into MWU-CCP later, then great! In the grand scheme of things, you've already spent a couple thousand dollars on applications; what's another $500 compared to the salary you'll make once you get out? That way you have more than 5 days to really reconsider your options. And if you don't get off the alternate list, then at least you still have U of Hawaii to look forward to.

Family and loved ones are important, but even more important is how you communicate that to them. It sounds like you've found a lot of reasons which make you hesitant to go to Hawaii because it's a new place, but I bet if you think hard enough there are lots of reasons why going to Hawaii would be a great experience =) Many of us here on SDN have made that same choice (not to Hawaii, but moving thousands of miles away from our comfort zones). It's part of becoming a professional: interacting in a different environment. Consider it an opportunity for your relationship (both romantic and family) to really mature during these years. There will be times when you are apart in the future, and a relationship needs to mature to be able to handle those situations. Instead of worrying about leaving them behind, think about them as your support link back home, because as you said, you won't know the area at all. If anything, I think that your relationships will be what keep you motivated.

As for the large sums of money you will spend, that's just part of the investment to the career. Many of us will probably come out of pharmacy school with >100k in debt ( some of us who pay out-of-state tuition will come close to double that). But if you consider that you can get great loan terms from your financial aid package, it's totally manageable. You just have to focus on studying, live within your means, and be prepared to pay them off once you're out. Don't worry about the money; it'll take care of itself once you're out and making a good salary at your job.

Congrats again on UofH - Hilo and I hope you do get off the waitlist for MWU - CCP! =)

 

[binghamkid]

You will still have the support that you have at home from your friends, family, and S.O. Just because you're moving does not mean they will stop supporting you in everything you do. Yea, things will change a bit, but change is needed for growth.

I moved from California to Pennsylvania for just my Pre-Pharmacy. I knew nobody in Pennsylvania except for my boyfriend. I packed up my things, drove across the country, and I could not be more thankful for the experience. Sure, in the beginning it was hard, not knowing anyone, being stuck with 3 roommates that didn't pay much attention to me because I was younger than them, not knowing where anything was. But eventually, that all didn't matter anymore. Sure, I had to go buy a winter wardrobe (sorry, but snow just doesn't exist in the desert), but I'm glad I made the decision I did. I branched out, I took a chance, and there's always the back up plan of transferring if you don't like it. Your parents will always let you come home, but they'll always support you even if your gone. Now I'll be attending the University of Pittsburgh for pharmacy school in the fall, and I couldn't be happier (I'm on the waitlist for MWU Downers Grove as well, but I feel like that wont be happening any time soon).

I think you should go to Hawaii, see what opportunities are there for you, try it out. If you don't like it there, no one can tell you that you didn't try. Good luck!

Just wanted to say I like your avatar. Princess mononoke, no? =)

 

[Asrai]

Just wanted to say I like your avatar. Princess mononoke, no? =)

Yes it is, although to be honest, I've never even seen it. I found it somewhere and i liked the moving heads lol. Found out later what it was 🙂

 

[DOPharmMD]

No replies would be complete without candid replies from folks like SDN1977, OMNIONE, Eelo (TCKC was great too) especially when the OP's post, is indeed quite serious. OMNIONE, particularly made some difficult decisions. My understanding of SDN website, when I discovered it, was that it could be a great virtual place to find info one would otherwise search many websites or even read many links to find what is of interest.

I wrote this a while back and I wasn't even leaving Florida, so important S.O. is to me!!!!!

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=402982

Also, read especially Dr.2011's reply to my post. She, too, wasn't even going to leave Florida. It shows that it is difficult whether one has to leave town or not. There are pluses and minuses. As a nontrad, I will have to evaluate my choices carefully. I expect to apply to all five schools in Florida. I may be a bit naive, but I expect to be accepted to at least one. I was really moved when my S.O. suggested moving with me should I get accepted to UF. 'Growing up' is a bit scary. We're suddenly having to make difficult decisions. In your case, I say it depends on how old you are. If you are young, you have time to consider next application cycle. If you are 28, you want to get in as soon as you can! In other words, I'd deposit that $500 and look forward to 3.5 to 4 years of pharmacy school in Hawaii. You'll then have a choice to practice pharmacy anywhere. Eelo, gave you a candid reply; she lived there. I know that four years is not four days. And yes, the going may get tough and you'll miss home. Or you may be pleasantly surprised! I feel for you and really hope, you can reach a conclusion soon. In short, if you are young and feel that your resume is good enough to warrant a second look by pharmacy adcoms, then I would not go to Hawaii!

PharmD Candidate 2008

 

[missnikki]

Hey BW...your situation sounds the same as mine......but i'm still waiting to be accepted there. If I don't hear from them soon i'm going to have to say forget it because housing there is already seriously picked over and there are hardly any 1-bedrooms left. The ones that are left i've heard bad reviews on and they are $750/month for 4-500 sq. feet. Not too mention the $30,000 plus a year for tuition........but I am like you and I want to become a pharmacist so I might have to do it. I also have a bf of 8 years that I would have to leave behind since he's going to pharmacy school at Purdue. I don't know a single soul in Hawaii but I know I would be very busy with my studies so that wouldn't bother me too much. PM me if you need somebody to talk to

 

[Kay51]

I say if this is really what you want to do then go for it! There are many people who try over and over and cant ever get into Pharmacy school, so take advantage of it!!

 

[Leb]

I would say you should go for it.
You know it is not so hard to be away from family and friends, especially if you are pursuing a career. Think of international students; they travel across the globe to a country they have never been in, dont know nobody there, it is hard to communicate well with locals, and they dont even know how they can afford school, but they all do it, because they are pursuing a dream, and it always work out just fine and turn it around into a life time experience that makes them stronger and you can do the same thing.
You know i dont know anything about drugs and i feel like an idiot when i log onto SDN and read all these posts discussing drugs which i dont even know how to spell or posts revealing experiences that i dont think i can get close to, like SDN1977 posts, Nevertheless i still am plannign to pursue a career in pharmacy and iam willing to put myself in 200 K debt, because it is all worthed. Soi dont worry about how you get to become a pharmacist, just work on becoming one.

 

[sakigt]

This kind of scenario is a no brainer for me. But I think its because of my backround.

For the lurkers reading this: Go on a school-organized study abroad, alone!

I went on a trip to China and Argentina, both times knowing no one and not knowing the language. Its amazing how much confidence in yourself you find when the only person looking out for you is YOU. No mom to call, no boyfriend to lean on... The only friends you have are the ones you chose to make. It was a life-changing 10 days for me.

I say this is a no-brainer because if you were lucky enough to experience what I had experienced, you would be on that plane without looking back.

If your boyfriend loves you, he will realize he can go to business school ANYwhere.

 

[evilolive]

I had second thoughts, but not directly the same in nature as yours:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=406454
I didn't know if pharmacy was the right first profession; I wanted to be a doctor, a psychiatrist, a teacher, or an ice cream shop owner.

 

[DOPharmMD]

It was a life-changing 10 days for me.


If your boyfriend loves you, he will realize he can go to business school ANYwhere.

First and foremost, 10 days is not four years. You had a choice of returning when you got tired. The OP has ~5 days to commit to 4 years in a far away state. Not an easy choice.

Q1:If 15% of her heart is to go to Hawaii, she'll be miserable. Then what good is a pharmacy education if everyday she wakes up being unhappy and feeling so lonely? Again, if she's young and feels good about her resume, she does not have to go to Hawaii! (pls refer to post 23 above) She can reapply for next cycle, others have done it. She can too!

Second, if her boyfriend is already accepted somewhere else, then not rejecting his acceptance does not disprove his lover for her. At this time, I ask that everyone, please be open-minded in your replies. One of our SDNer is facing tough decisions. Really, we owe it to her to respond in kind.

PharmD Candidate 2008

 

[Vr6]

i would go. i would submit my $500 and hold my seat at least. you can use hawaii as your safety while you wait it out for the alternate seat.

i went thru the same thing this year. i was accepted to Midwestern Chicago, paid my $500 deposit and was planning to go there since i didn't hear from UMD. I was starting to apply for housing, meal plans, insurance then i got a call from UMD, and i got in. I lost my $500 to midwestern, but i knew that i wanted the pharmD enought that i am willing to take the plundge and move to a place where i knew no one, had to get a new car, live in a new town. I told my SO that hey, you do your schooling for a few years and i'll do mine, and when we are done, we will be that much better off.

my family told me they didn't want me to go, but said i should because if i wait, i will lose another year (i am 24now). opportunites don't come back around all the time. put down that deposit and don't even think about it. in the end..

1. you lose 500 and stay close to home.
2. you start your pharmD now instead of applying against another 5000+ applicants next year. The stats get better every year

 

[twester]

Do it! Go to Hawaii! I remember how I felt a few years ago when I was getting ready to leave my home to go live and work in Europe. I was so scared and there was so much that had to be done in preparation. I shook with fear all the way to the airport and for the first few months there. Once I got used to things and made some friends (which was not as easy as it has been in pharm school), I was fine. In retrospect it was a fantastic experience that I'm so glad I had. All that anxiety was just a part of the experience and it facilitated a lot of personal growth.

Now that I think back on that time. I left a boyfriend behind too. I broke his heart by leaving even though he knew I was working on a work visa when I met him. I got hurt a bit, too. Things worked out for both of us, even though we aren't together today.

Screw your family. I'll bet they'll be rethinking things when they have a free place to stay in HI. You should charge them $150 per night for giving you grief. You gotta do this. You'll always wonder "what if" if you don't.

 

[beccala33]

Thank you sdn1977 and TCKC. I know for certian that Pharmacy is what I want to do. In the end, I know we all pretty much end up with the same thing....a pharmD, but I know the WAY that I get there is important not only as shaping me as a pharmacist, but also the person I will grow to become. I want to get the most out of my experience, and I will need people to be by my side. Most importantly, my SO of 3.5 years. He is going to business school and cannot just move to HI with me. I think the 'pathway' that I embark on during the process of getting my PharmD is important, and I really truely want to enjoy the process with my family. 85% of me wants to stay close to home, and wait it out for Midwestern University here in downers grove. This part of me wants to rip up the papers I need to sign and mail with my deposit to HI. If i don't make it in this year to MWU-CCP, I can always reapply to UIC, MWU and the NEW school that's opening up here, University of Chicago pharmacy school. But then there's the other 15% of me that says: "What are you foolish? Why would you pass up the opportunity to actually go to school?" I'm pretty sure if I had the support here at home, family, friends, S.O. around me, I think that would make the whole process a lot easier.

Isn't this pretty much the exact same thing that you posted previously?

 

[sakigt]

First and foremost, 10 days is not four years. You had a choice of returning when you got tired. The OP has ~5 days to commit to 4 years in a far away state. Not an easy choice.

Q1:If 15% of her heart is to go to Hawaii, she'll be miserable. Then what good is a pharmacy education if everyday she wakes up being unhappy and feeling so lonely? Again, if she's young and feels good about her resume, she does not have to go to Hawaii! (pls refer to post 23 above) She can reapply for next cycle, others have done it. She can too!

Second, if her boyfriend is already accepted somewhere else, then not rejecting his acceptance does not disprove his lover for her. At this time, I ask that everyone, please be open-minded in your replies. One of our SDNer is facing tough decisions. Really, we owe it to her to respond in kind.

PharmD Candidate 2008

No offense, but the OP asked for my opinion. Not my diluted, touchy feely post that vaguely suggests she should do what her heart tells her.

The benefit of posting in an open forum is to get a variety of honest opinions.

 

[KARM12]

Pay the $500.

Wait for MWU.

If you get in to MWU, great! You're only out $500..which in the grand scheme of things not a lot.

If you don't, then enjoy the great weather in Hawaii! You'll be on you way to becoming a pharmacist.

 

[cdpiano27]

Definitely put the $500 deposit down. And wait for the decision by Midwestern.

If your boyfriend really loves you, he will not break up with you.

I am just sick that in the US, people leave their boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife WAY TOO EASILY. There needs to be more dedication to family.

In a country like China or india, the divorce rate is much lower. I just wish that people would be dedicated too each other more.

I am in a PhD program and EVERYONE except me is basically married including MANY international students from China. (that sometimes makes me feel very lonely even though it is on the east coast, because I really cannot have any dates from my school, as we are segregated from the other undergrad / grad students since all of our classes are always in the same building). Their husband/wife is in another far away state or even back in China. And they are still close together and respect their decision. In fact sometimes their job after graduation is far apart, and they realize that this is only a necessity.

Your boyfriend should love you for who you are, and should respect you for whatever decision you make.

Deep down, think about what YOU want to do with NO influence from anyone else. Do you mind being that far in debt to be a pharmacist? To me the debt would be more an issue $30,000 a year plus $12,000 in living expenses = 42000 * 4 = 168000 in debt a year ~ (2000 a month for 10 years) (is that right?) and your new adjusted salary is $94,000-24000 = 70,000 with about 50,000 in take-home pay after taxes. (only approximate). Would you be a pharmacist with this adjusted salary? If yes, then this should not be an issue.
If you are not absolutely sure that is what you want to do, then definitely DO NOT GO BY ANY MEANS!!!!

As far as hawaii, that should be no issue. Hilo is on the big island of hawii itself and is much more remote than Honolulu, you will have a much quieter place than Oahu. So I think the environment is great!!!

Good luck in your decision!!!


(By the way, I have moved from Boston to Orlando to Raleigh with summers in D.C. and Philadelphia) So I have been in many places in a relatively short time. You will get used to another place!!)

 

[binghamkid]

Definitely put the $500 deposit down. And wait for the decision by Midwestern.

If your boyfriend really loves you, he will not break up with you.

I am just sick that in the US, people leave their boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife WAY TOO EASILY. There needs to be more dedication to family.

In a country like China or india, the divorce rate is much lower. I just wish that people would be dedicated too each other more.

I am in a PhD program and EVERYONE except me is basically married including MANY international students from China. (that sometimes makes me feel very lonely even though it is on the east coast, because I really cannot have any dates from my school, as we are segregated from the other undergrad / grad students since all of our classes are always in the same building). Their husband/wife is in another far away state or even back in China. And they are still close together and respect their decision. In fact sometimes their job after graduation is far apart, and they realize that this is only a necessity.

Your boyfriend should love you for who you are, and should respect you for whatever decision you make.

Deep down, think about what YOU want to do with NO influence from anyone else. Do you mind being that far in debt to be a pharmacist? To me the debt would be more an issue $30,000 a year plus $12,000 in living expenses = 42000 * 4 = 168000 in debt a year ~ (2000 a month for 10 years) (is that right?) and your new adjusted salary is $94,000-24000 = 70,000 with about 50,000 in take-home pay after taxes. (only approximate). Would you be a pharmacist with this adjusted salary? If yes, then this should not be an issue.
If you are not absolutely sure that is what you want to do, then definitely DO NOT GO BY ANY MEANS!!!!

As far as hawaii, that should be no issue. Hilo is on the big island of hawii itself and is much more remote than Honolulu, you will have a much quieter place than Oahu. So I think the environment is great!!!

Good luck in your decision!!!


(By the way, I have moved from Boston to Orlando to Raleigh with summers in D.C. and Philadelphia) So I have been in many places in a relatively short time. You will get used to another place!!)

With the job market the way it is, it is entirely possible for a pharmacist to make 120k+ (especially if you take into account overtime pay). I've heard some pharmacists hit over 180k just with overtime pay. They're nuts and work 50 hour weeks though ( in like three days)

 

[No1 Pusher]

The solution is very easy.

Finish school first. Then have a boyfriend. Live happily ever after.

Or have a boyfriend first, work at Mcdonalds, and goto Pharm school when you are 40 years old.

You see? Very simple.

 

[cdpiano27]

I agree with No1 Pusher.

 

[shroomhead]

BW, I really think you should go for it. It will be an experience of a lifetime. You will make tons of friends. Just remember education, family and then SO.Those should be your priorties. I just got married but if a got into pharmacy school I would not think twice about going. Follow your dream and accomplish it=) We SDNer's support you 110%=)

 

[missnikki]

I recently got accepted there and i'm going and I think YOU should too!!!! 🙂

 

[Falokis]

OP. I wouldn't worry about all that stuff. Your moving to paradise and going in to a great career. I understand your worries, but it's hard to believe that it could turn out bad. You will love it.

 

[beanpie]

hey backeywackey...i graduated from UH HILO (BS biology) in 1997 and it is an awesome place! i left my family and boyfriend and it was the best decision i ever made. it is a beautiful place. i moved to Hilo from so. cal and i experienced some culture shock and was homesick, but once school started i had the time of my life and wouldn't trade the experience for anything! i would have applied to the pharm school in Hilo, but i am now married (not to the guy i left behind in so cal) and have a baby. but if i were you, i'd go! The University of Hawaii is an excellent place of higher education. you will receive the best education (and i know because i have attended 7 different colleges and taught at 2).

and...you don't need a scooter!!!! it rains all the time and you would be very wet. i recommend a bicycle and then you can decide later what type of transportation would work best for you. Hilo is not a big place so it's easy to get around if you meet people with cars and have a bike or skate board. there's the bus too!

if you have any specific questions you can always pm me 🙂

best of luck

 

[overhillpharmer]

BackeyWackey,

If you have not paid the $500 deposit I would overnight it right now. $500 is nothing compared to waiting a whole year to maybe get into pharmacy school. Next year your planets may not all line up correctly.

Accreditation is not an issue. Before they start up any of these professional schools they do so much research and line up a great faculty under contract. I have not done the research but I would be interested in finding out the last time a pharmacy school did not make it through an accreditation cycle. You get to be a pioneer here, you will be in the first graduating class helping work out all the kinks for future students that attend there.

It's Hawaii and it's only 3-4 years that may turn into a very enjoyable lifetime. The BIG Island is so cool. I would love to go there again.

If MWU comes through it only cost you $500 to guarantee that you wouldn't have to wait another year and go through all the hastle of apps. and interviews again.

 

[eelo]

BackeyWackey--

I just read that you got pulled off the waitlist for Midwestern. Congratulations, I'm really happy for you. Now you won't have a big personal crisis or the added stress of deciding whether or not to go to UH.

Congrats again!

 

[BackeyWackey]

yes, I am going to Midwestern. I am so happy. Thank you.

 

[AntiviralsRule]

Excellent, kudos! Best of luck to you B.W.!

 

[omnione]

yes, I am going to Midwestern. I am so happy. Thank you.

Just like that, the worries are gone......

Congrats and maybe you can go to Hawai'i for real once you start making six figures.😀