The Power of Focus

During pharmacy school I had the pleasure of being acquaintances with one of the most outgoing people I've ever met in my life. This person had experienced a lot in their lifetime and seen a lot of misfortune but I think those things only made them more ambitious and more positive. They were involved in everything. Their theory was: they were so grateful for the opportunity to become a pharmacist (be in pharmacy school) they were going to take advantage of every opportunity they could. While I admired my classmate's enthusiasm, their life just seemed like a lot.  I often thought, what are their real goals and ultimately what are they trying to accomplish.

I on the other hand, didn't do a lot. Well, to be honest I tried. I tried throwing dirt at the wall to see what stuck and it didn't go over well. I wasn't happy or enthused with any of the things I was doing. To be honest, I wasn't focused. Let's just say, I learned the hard way what the lack of focus can do. There is power in being focused. Focus will help you put life into perspective and accomplish things you never knew you wanted to achieve.

Goals: When you are focused, you are able to clearly define what it is you want to do or at least get in the general location. These goals are concise, and they make sense.

Time: Because the goals are specific to what you desire to accomplish, you save time. Being focused is most definitely time-saving. You are spending time doing things that are going to get you to the goals you want to achieve.

Fulfillment: Even if everything you are doing isn't actually enjoyable. You will get the satisfaction of knowing you are moving closer to your goals.

When I was able to become focused it changed the course of my career. I was able to identify my enjoyment for writing.

 Then I pursed a writing career.

 Which lead me to writing articles, which I have published both locally and nationally.

Focus is a conscious decision. Are you focused?

Dear Phamacy Graduates of 2017!

First let me start off by saying Congratulations Doctors. Your commitment to education and excellence has finally paid off. You have accomplished a task that most people lack the ambition to start and dedication to pursue.

You are the proud recipient of not only a Doctorate of Pharmacy but, for most of us, also at the least $100,000 worth of student loan debt. That unfortunately for us all Besty DeVil-ros is attempting to make problematic. It's just bad (Republican or Democrat) this is not up for debate.

You are several exams away from being entrusted with the resposibility of protecting millions of lives. Preparing to tackle what may seem like the fight of your life.

The Journey may feel as if it has come to an end, but be not confused, it is just really begin. You have choices to make, much bigger than what you will eat for dinner, what you will spend your refund check on when it arrives, or where to vacation for spring break. No, refund checks and spring breaks as you know them are things of the past.Much like being a poor struggling student, if you manage your money. Or maybe poor and struggling, not so much. That is up for debate.

So much responsibilty is getting ready to hit you right in the face. Not, just like one brick falling more like 10 just all at once, at a super fast speed. This will be overwhelming and frustrating, but we all ("new grads," because of course I still consider myself a new grad) go through it. You will have days that, even after the inital transition you will still go through it.

Days when your sole existence as pharmacist will consist of answering challenging questions such as:

"What aisle are shoe strings on?"
"What time do you close?"
"Is this made in China?"

And my personal favorite...

" Where do I drop off?" While Standing undering a sign that says "Drop Off"

All questions only a licensed pharmacist could answer. Clearly.

And this is okay.

I think the hardest part of our job is figuring out how to best "Help" our patients. Sometimes, they just need us to be an ear to listen. Other times, our patience, other days it's our kindness, and yes even some days they need discipline.

They need us. Never forget that! Dare, not let an Amazon, nor a mail order automated machine, outshine you! More importantly, replace you. And yes you may have some work to do, to prevent that from happening. You are brilliant, you GOT THIS!

If this journey, as a pharmacist is leveled on a 100% scale, you are now at 25%. Upon licensure you will be at 50%, you have a complete lifetime of greatness ahead of you. So, as you prepare to become a licensed pharmacist be encouraged.

Today is your day, You're off to great places, you're off and away.

You want to be a Pharmacist?

To this day one of the most read posts is "10 Tips of making it through your first year of pharmacy school" Long title I know and not that creative might I add. I always feel so scattered. Every other day I try to talk myself into deleting this blog. I just can't seem to bring my self to do it.

At first I wasn't a mom, who was blogging about getting ready to be a mom.
Then I was a mom blogging about mommy stuff.
( I mean I am still a mom, just a less figured out one)
Next a pharmacy student writing about student stuff.
Now I'm a pharmacist, and well I'm not all that sure what I write about at this point.

So, this morning when I logged to see how the blog was doing. Who's reading, if anyone is reading, and what exactly they're reading. I decided, "Hey why not put a new spin on an old topic" What do I have to lose, right?

Ok, can I first say I am pro-pharmacist because I think from this moment forward it may not exactly sound that way.

1. If you are thinking about pharmacy school...Don't do it, turn around and go the other way. Now why would I say that about a career I love so dearly?

Supply and demand.

I recently had a lot of interviews, and I mean a lot. The market is not looking all that great. I've had many interviewers tell me, "the market is so saturated, I really have the ability to hire who I want and pay what I want. Because students need jobs."

Whoa! At present I am compensenated really well. Just to put you in a range I make upwards mid-sixty/hourly. Now I can tell you out of the 8 interviews I had NO ONE willing to A. match my pay and B. Come within $8 of it. I think the lowest I've been offered is $40/hourly by a company who claimed I was highly recommended to them. They were really interested and even offered to give me $5 more hourly than the initial offer. Financially, I just couldn't do it. I am over $200,000.00 in debt. I do have a 4 year old. And most certainly I must live.

This whole situation has been frustrating and frightening. I love my job. I love being a pharmacist. I volunteer my time as a pharmacist to my community because I enjoy. While, I realize money isn't EVERYTHING. It does take money to do most things.

I want students who are interested in being pharmacists to really understand what that means, to understand the commitment.Financially. Years ago people would say "don't become a pharmacist just for the money" Well now the money isn't there like it was.

So, You want to be a Pharmacist?

Ask your self what's the plan if I graduate and I don't receive a full-time job offer?

Or

What if I have to move away from my family or thousands of miles from where I thought I was going to live?

What is my game plan if it takes a year or 2 for me to find employment? What will I do if I can only find part time employment?

What will I do if I get in $120,000.00 of debt from student loans and I thought I would be making $100,000-$150,000/yearly but I find myself making $55,000-$90,000.00?

If you still want to be a pharmacist, if you still have the passion and you feel like a pharmacist is who you were created to be. Go for it, and be the very best pharmacist you possibly can. Change lives, hell change the profession. Be eager and enthusiatic to make the world a better place. Just know the flavor of the tea, before you sip it.

Life after Pharmacy School...

I can tell you from experience that life as a Pharmacy Student really is a challenging life. I mean your social life is pretty much non-existent. Your family and friends get put on the back burner. There is always some assignment, or test, or presentation that is somewhere lingering.

And then there's P4 year when things kind of slow down but not really. Tests get replaced with journal club's and case presentations, preceptor attitudes. Then there's my all time favorite, free labor. There were several times during my rotation, I would have rather been in the classroom.

Nevertheless, then you graduate. At this point you get to "bask"  Until you realize you have 2 exams standing in your way of being really official. And yes I said "really" because right now you're in transition. You know the point where people ask you, What do you do? And you want to say pharmacist but, you're not all the way sure it's appropriate. I tried several times during transition to convince myself, that in fact I was a pharmacist just not a licensed, practicing one at the moment.

Ok, so now you're studying for either the Naplex or the law or both at the same time. It's funny because I read somewhere on the internet that the law exam is written by laywers and the Naplex is written by pharmacist, so fear the law more than the Naplex. Then I read somewhere else, that 70% of people who take the law exam pass and 94% of people who take the Naplex pass. In hindsight, I believe it. I most certainly felt as though the law exam was much more difficult than the Naplex. Ok, so all of that seems impossible until you pass and then you're expected to work.

So not life!

Working is interesting. I personally felt the difference between being an intern and now a pharmacist. People asked me questions and if I didn't know the answer as an intern it was ok. Now, people ask me questions and if I don't know I get a side eye. I ask my best friend like every other shift " Who thought it was a good idea to give me a license?"

Throughout the day we frantically share text messages that go a little something like:

"What is prefiber?"
" Can you give fluad to anybody?"
" How do you mix this?
"Do you mix that?"

Life after pharmacy school has been scary and exciting, interesting and overwhelming. Even still sometimes life has been a little bland. In short life has been no beach but when is life ever?

Dear Pharmacy Graduates of 2020!

I am not a morning person. That is a very random statement. However, hopefully by now you know (if you read regularly, if not shame on you) that I am a very random person. Hold on to my lack of morning luster. To the Pharm D. graduates of 2020 this post today is for you.

Dear Future Pharm D. graduates of 2020:

I am penning this open letter to you in efforts to offer non-solicited advice that I feel you may all so desperately need. At this point in your career you have just gotten your letters of acceptance and you are eagerly awaiting to began your matriculation as a Pharm D. Candidate. My first bit of advice is to not be too eager. Enjoy your summer, it is the last summer you will have for a while. Seriously, take this opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Enjoy freedom as from August forth you won't experience very much of it.
Pharmacy is not what it use to be. The pharmacy market is toning up and is much more competitive than previously. The work environments are questionable and the pay is GREAT. However, unless you are on scholarship the debt you graduate with will be even GREATER. Pharmacy is really not all that great to be frank. In the sense-You could do a million other things in life and make a decent living, with little debt and be very happy. The point. Don't do this for the money. I recently completed my exit counseling and found that as of May 8, 2016 I am the brand new owner of $218,000.00 worth of student loans. Was I freaked out? Ugh, yeah. However, as of May 8, 2016 I will be able to help people in ways I never have been before. In short, I'm Happy.
Excitement- The excitement you will feel during your first week of orientation, write it down, take a picture of it, do whatever you need to do to capture that feeling. Then greet pharmacy school each day with that same excitement in your eyes. Each question, obstacle, struggle, late night study session, early morning exam, and impossible professor-meet all with that same excitment. The way you will feel the moment you are donned with a white coat (At this moment you will feel pretty official). -Funny story, the day I recieved my white coat I walked around the mall for hours with my coat on, begging to be asked a question that probably til this day I may be too afraid to answer. That same coat brought me great feelings of delight to throw away. Which leads me to pride.
Pride- Take pride in your profession. I certainly do. Be creative and innovative. Meet problems with your eyes wide open- for a solution. There are probably thousands of pharmacists who don't want to be pharmacists. You may meet a few of them on your journey. Never let them dim the light that so brightly shines inside you. This is your career. You make as much of it as you want, or as little it's your choice. But pharmacy needs trailblazers, pharmacists who are unafraid to make changes, and push the enevolope. We have enough bench warmers-literally.
Confidence- I believe that our confidence is tied to our faith. If you have studied and put forth honest efforts to master material. The information is there, there may be challenges in the translation of the information. But make no mistake it's there. You have to develop that confidence in yourself. That is, have faith that what you know, you honestly do really know. I still struggle with this and I amaze myself every time. Like "Oh, I actually do know this." -Funny story. A man walks into the pharmacy and confidently says to me " I need the nonsedating bendadryl- come show me where it is" I thought to myself "am I tripping.Nonsedating benadryl?" Confidence.Get it!
Honesty-There will be many times where the opportunity will present itself to be dishonest. Don't. Because if you will lie, you will cheat, and if you will cheat, then you will steal. And then well, it's just a slippery down hill slope that you don't have to ride.
Deliver Yourself From People- Know matter how old you are in pharmacy school you can become lost. This experience is so freaking brand new. You'll have hopes, fears, and dreams and the first thing you may want to do is align yourself with people who share these exact feelings. I met someone who I aligned myself with very early in my pharmacy career. I had to deliver myself from that person. They constantly suppressed my ideas and fed me a lot of negativity- a person I called a friend. Sure we had great times. However, they introduced a lot of unnecessary conflict into my life. I shared things with them, only for them to call me crazy and later do the very things I said. Needless to say we are not "friends" anymore, if we ever were. The point I want to make is always keep your eye on the prize. Friendships are a pleasure, not a need.
Gratitude-While in pharmacy school you will have no probably identifying problems, whether it be with your school, your classmates, or even yourself. Don't make this process harder than it needs to be. Stay focused on the positive as much as possible. Keep a gratitude list if you must. Be thankful for each opportunity to present and each opportunity to sit for an exam. Because the fact of the matter is you applied for this opportunity and it was granted. I'm sure there are several people who weren't granted the opportunity who would be more than happy to experience the struggle.
Professionalism-Pharmacy is a profession, which requires the individuals apart of it to exhibit professionalism. To be honest, this was actually a hard concept for me to grasp. Professionalism is not the way you act at work, its your whole life. After four long years, someone will call you Doctor. That entails a lot. There is even some social responsibility attached. The way you dress, the way you speak, the way you handle situations, and even your attitude should all be appropriate. Wearing a bathing suit to the beach is appropriate and yelling at a basketball game is also very appropriate. Wearing a bathing suit to a restuarant and yelling at a customer at work are inappropriate. There should be a level of distinction in the way you conduct yourself and that starts now. Then once you graduate never sign your name Dr. John Doe, Pharm. D. Its either Dr. John Doe or John Doe Pharm. D.

Take what you need and leave what you don't or even suggest it to someone who could benefit from it.

With much respect and love from one fellow pharmacist to another,

Dr. Charity Strothers

Surviving Drug Disease Management Modules

Hi All!


I'm guessing that people enjoy reading my posts about pharmacy school, as I get oh so many comments. I'm glad that I am able to help those who are searching. So, in my quest to continue to help, I've decided to post about the infamous DDM. That is Disease and Drug Management.


Not every school follows the same curriculum so I can only speak for my institution. DDM, happens a little like this: You study a system for example the cardiovascular system, you go through pathophysiology, pharmacology of drugs that treat CVS diseases, and Therapeutics (that is the application of the drugs useful for treating the disease).


Lets lay it out more.... Take for example the Central Nervous System is the system we've chosen to study.


Pathophysiology would be the "WHAT" - What's wrong in patients with ADD, ADHD, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease....


Pharmacology would be the "How"- In the sense of, there's a lack of Dopamine in a patient with ADHD, how can we increase the amount of Dopamine available in the synapse? So we study all the drugs that can do this.


Therapeutics would be the "Why" Where" "When" and "Who"- With therapeutics you tend to contradict everything that you've just learned in pharmacology. It's the application of therapy. Why have you chosen to give your patient this drug versus another (maybe it's the drug of choice). When is the patient supposed to take the medication (evening or mornings, everyday or once a week). Who can an elderly patient take it, someone who is breastfeeding, someone who is severely burned. Where is this medication topical, inhaled, oral, parenteral....


So, what makes DDM difficult?
I'm not sure why it's so hard to get a straight forward answer from people. When I was asking people whom had graduated they would always say things like " It's just like nothing you've every experienced before!" And I agree you've probably never experienced that type of learning before but I think there's a better way to explain how to tackle it.


1. Stay on top of studying (take in consideration if you start studying the day your professor introducing information to you, the moment your professor walks out of class you are already "X" amount of pages or slides behind)


2. Read the book (reading the book helps to make connections that maybe you didn't catch in class or your professors didn't mention but not only that some professors will make notes from the book so you're reading and studying at the same time. Or you'll have professors who give you the practice problems from the book on a test and that's always a plus)


3.  Search for professor's old exams ( Either ask the professor directly or ask around, it helps you to understand how they tend to test the material or the material they tend to focus more on)


4. Don't Take a pharmacology test with a therapeutics mind ( these 2 arenas are very different and people tend to not get them straight.)


5.  For me having 5 teachers on one exam is difficult because every professor presents and looks for information differently


6. Committing the information to memory with your learning style. I learn well from reading so if I can read something I tend to commit it to memory. However that wasn't the case for pharmacology. Professors tended to test on half-lives, contraindications, and indications. So there would be 15 drugs with 6 contraindications, 8 side effects and 4 indications each. There was no way that I could read it and know it. I had to make flash card and write, write, write....


I have a few more blocks of DDM and it won't be easy but hopefully it will be worth it!

I'm a P3 now!!!!

Hello  All!

I feel like every time I post, I am apologizing for not posting sooner. At any rate I'm sorry for not posting sooner, but life has just been going.

I am officially a P3 now!!! It feels amazing! In case you were wondering how it feels. School ended April 30 at noon and final grades came in a few days later and here I am chillaxing.  This semester had to have been the roughest of them all. The second semester of P2 year begins Drug and Disease Management (DDM) 1-3. I have covered CVS and CNS, that is Cardiovascular and Central Nervous System. Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics. I feel like a Champion because CVS (Block 3) was rough, it took a few people out! Hell, it almost took me out. Through God's graces, mercies, and strength, I made it out with a C+.

When I logged in, I saw 4 comments needing to be published. Now, I am here to tell you for so long I have felt like my blogging had been in vain. But to see people actually reading and responding has elevated my feeling of AMAZINGNESS to a new level. I blog because when I was interested in pharmacy school their wasn't anyone blogging.  I say this because I mostly feel like I blog about school now, more than anything when I do blog. My goal in life is just to be a help, or a motivation to someone!

SO...... In response to my comments: Go to Pharmacy School and KICK MAJOR BUTT! I say this because there is no longer a shortage of pharmacist in the United States of America, and in fact we are rapidly approaching saturation. I love my Profession, it didn't choose me, I chose it! I plan to make my mark on pharmacy! Thirty years from now when professors are teaching History of Pharmacy, I want my name to be in a text book. I hope this is the goal of all of my colleagues!

Us Pharmacy Students are in this race together! Stay motivated and encouraged. I can be reached by email at cbstrothers@vwc.edu , facebook @Charity Strothers, and Instagram @makeupill. Whether, you want to say "Hi" , need a word of encouragement, advice, or have a question! Never hesitate to give me a shoot!

With Love!

My Response...

I'm not sure if you all are aware or not that I have a contact form linked to this blog, if ever you have a question or topic or maybe you just want to say hey, please feel free to use that.

This post is to respond to a young lady who emailed me about pharmacy school. I have several posts that I have written about some of my experiences with pharmacy school what I suggest, how to study and things of that nature so it may be beneficial to take a look at those.

It is important to take into consideration that each pharmacy school has different curriculum and I started pharmacy school 3 months post partum.

To your first question what types of books should you read?

I was really unsure of how to answer this question because I could not make heads or tails of what your current academic level is. I think if you are interested in pharmacy it wouldn't be a bad idea to get familiar with some of the magazines that are out: pharmacy times, pharmacy today, and countless others... there are blogs and organizations like NCPA,  and APHA that offer valuable content. If you are looking for materials to prepare for the pcat I suggest kaplan they have an amazing review book and I would take time and go through that. The key to the pcat is practice, introducing yourself to different questions and the Right answers and time. Time is a BIG factor with the pcat.

You also mentioned being worried about catching up.

 My advice to you would be: you seem like a good student you are using resources to get prepared. I would take this time to relax if you are waiting to enter school in fall. You will not fall behind. During the school year STAY ON TOP OF YOUR WORK. Look at something everyday no matter what. One of my friends is a morning person so every morning from 5 am to 7 am she reviews and 30 minutes before she goes to bed. Just that little bit of extra looking over material helps. That is the most effective thing that I can tell you to do because it works.  Teachers will tell you even if you start pharmacy school with a doctorate in chemistry it will not be more beneficial, you all start on the same playing field. Your work ethic and study habits will do the most for you.

My first year went like this:

Fall,
Introduction to pharmacy practice
A&P
Pharmaceutical Care
Pharmaceutics
P.Chem

Spring
Pharmaceutical care 2
Pharmaceutics 2
Med Chem
BioStats

For those courses, professors didn't really use text books they gave out packets and did powerpoints and put material on blackboard. Purchasing text books wasn't really necessary. I say that to say this, save your money and wait until you start classes and ask your professors if you need to purchase the textbooks, it will save you lots of money.

ADVICE
-study always
-you will need to try different techniques (visual, written, listening)
-find a job in the pharmacy (it will help ALOT)
-buy a dry erase board ( a big one)
-find a comfy study area
-find a comfy study area in the library
-make time for your health (gym, eating)
-make healthy study snacks
-save all materials given(after each year file them away)
-learn don't memorize
-learn top 200 drugs before your rotations
-look at material everyday even if you don't feel like it
-have a set time to study and don't let anything interrupt that
-try to find a study group but if you can't study alone
-start preparing for a test the day you learn material
-stay on top or fall behind
-give yourself breaks
-you go to school for education not friends
-rest
-get in bed by midnight ALWAYS
-ask questions
-don't be nervous you got this

P.S.
I say this to be motivational and not cocky. I have a 1 year old daughter I started school 3 months after I had her via csection. Go to school and do what you need to do. My first semester I made the dean's list. Out of both semesters 10 people of 65 had failed a course and 2 people had dropped out. I wasn't in either category. Put your mind to it and do it. I'm not speaking ill or trying to praise myself. Through God all things are possible and never let anything come in between you and your dream.

Anything else just email me. I'll be sure to respond

FIRST QUESTION *YAY*

SO I don't know if you guys remember or not but you can email me questions, comments, concerns, and suggestions for ADVICE or ANYTHING and I will respond on the blog or Privately however you want just indicate that in the email. And my email of course is thejovialmom@gmail.com.

At any rate my first ever question reads as follows: What tips or advice can you give me about preparing for my pharmacy school interview?

Well, that is a great question!

First understand why you are there. You have applied to the school which shows your interest in the school and this is their way of showing some interest back. If you have made it this far you have beat out 30% of applicants so you should be proud of yourself.

 Pharmacy is a professional program so you must go into the situation with a high degree of professionalism. No tats or piercings showings. Stick with black and white for your attire. Very basic nothing to over powering.No Cologne or perfume. Let's play this out in our heads one of your interviewers has just broken up with their significant other and you are wearing the scent that they use to wear (by the way they broke up because the person was cheating and they now hate them) it sounds off the rocker but you will be surprised.

 I like the saying "people will forget your name, they may even forget your face, but they will never forget how you made them feel." GO IN CONFIDENT even if you're not. Work the room. Be at ease with yourself. Make them feel like "you would be crazy not to have me here" 90% of that interview is going to be how you make them feel. AND you control that 100%.

BE HONEST! I didn't have the best transcript and when they asked about that I told them I made them believe in me because I was honest.

 Know your history on the school and why you want to be there. NOT JUST PHARMACY SCHOOL BUT THAT PHARMACY SCHOOL.

 ASK questions not a ton so they feel like you are interviewing them but two questions to let them know you are really excited and interested and that you were paying attention.

BE passionate even if pharmacy was your back up plan research it and KNOW WHY NOW IT IS YOUR NUMBER 1 PLAN !!

Look up issues on and related to pharmacy. Know all recent issues on your field. When I was doing my interviewing,  pharmacists being able to do immunizations was a big thing and sure enough I got a question on it. Pharmacy today is a magazine you can read you can get pharmacy apps anything just be current and up to date on relevant issues.

 You will probably get some questions on working in groups or dealing with people from different backgrounds and your ability to communicate. So, be ready for those.

 The main thing will just be your personality. Interviews are like songs. IF you have a good rhythm and beat and can make people feel happy and like they want to party without being annoying they kind of overlook what you say because they believe in how you are making them feel (to a certain extent that means be prepared to the best of your abilities and just let the rest align)

Hope that helps!

10 tips of making it through your first semester of pharmacy school

So because I am so thankful that God allowed me to successfully make it through my first semester of 8. I thought "why not make a blog post about it" because when I found out that I was accepted to pharmacy I hit the net looking for any information that I could get to prepare and such because I was so excited so here goes.

1. To Prepare or Not To Prepare (before you start school)

I say this depends on what type of learner you are, your educational background, and responsibilities. I say that because when I was researching people always said wait there will be so much work and you just need to relax right now. However, my honest opinion is if you don't have an undergraduate degree in a science or if you aren't strong in science it would be a good idea to read various material something like a cliffnotes or review book just to get familiar with some terms and concepts. And I wouldn't say you have to go hardcore with it. Maybe just read it before bed or something along those lines. And this would be a good idea if you take a bit of time to process information. I know for me sometimes I can state facts but things don't actually connect or make sense until a few chapters in. Also, if like myself you are a mom,dad, or work any type of situation where pharmacy school won't be the only thing on your plate, preparing ahead is a good idea.

2. Study>Sleep

This isn't really a suggestion but it sounded pretty cool and it was true for me. Study the first week of school, study the second week of school. Study every week of school. Study when you don't feel like it. Study even when you feel like you understand. DON'T STUDY 1 hour before the exam. So, that statement is personal preference, I know before pharmacy school I would study right up until I took the exam but I found this semester that it was so much information that I would get confused and frustrated if I tried to look over and talk about things an hour before the exam. I know a mistake I made was letting valuable study time get away from me because I didn't have an exam that week or whatever. It's better to be ahead than behind so even if nothing is pending. No tests, no quizzes no homework still study. START strong FINISH strong! It is so hard to play catch up and I'll tell you it was because in 2 classes that I took this semester that I started strong, I scored really high on the first two exams that I was able to pass the class. That is a horrible feeling, when you have a difficult class and you have to calculate "Oh, I need at least a 80 to pass the class" you didn't get a single 80 all semester like how you expect to get one now. It's not impossible but it's hard, stressful, and dis encouraging

3. Listen to yourself

Ok, so I'm telling you how things went for me. But everyone's experience will be different. Take what people (peers,colleagues', students ahead of you) say with a grain of salt. Professors change, people change. Hear what they say but listen to yourself and what your professors say.

4.It's in your Head

You know more than you ever think you know. If you truly studied. Don't freak out. Take a breathe and THINK. It's all up there, it's just a matter of pulling it out.

5. You Must read to Succeed

I know for my school they gave handouts. So people didn't read. This is a personal preference type thing but, reading can never hurt.

6. You come to learn NOT to friend

Pharmacy school will be a bunch of different cultures and personalities all thrown together. It's important to have few people you can call for assignments, studying, questions and things of the such. But if you don't gel with half of your class it's okay. That was a lesson for me. I felt so out of place, I just had a baby I was young but not the youngest and old but not the oldest. And to be honest I felt really lonely. So, don't get caught up in all of that.

7. Remember Why You Want to be a Pharmacist

If you what to be a pharmacist because you don't know why or money skip this number. Everyone else keep reading. You will feel crazy, it may be tough but you're there for a reason so even when it looks bad stick it out. I can't tell you how many times I had to remind myself I'm doing this for Ems to make a way a better life, because this is my passion, I don't love anything else, I've wanted to do this since I was 16. Something drove you to it. Let that something drive you through it.

8. Plan

Plan your study sessions. Plan study breaks. Plan your lunch. Plan your breakfast. Plan your dinner. Plan dates. Plan events. Know when your tests, homework, and assignments are due. The more you plan the better life will be.

9. Communicate

With your professors and that means asking questions. If you have a question ask it, the professors are on your side they are on your team. Visit each and everyone one of your professors at least once every two weeks and a little more often for harder courses. I say this because if you plan to go see them you don't want to go and just look stupid so that forces you to look over material find questions and make certain you understand. It also makes them familiar with you face to name. And then they really cheer you on. And you guys develop a relationship and you don't want them to think you are stupid so you study and try to do well AND they feel bad if you don't do well. I've never failed a class where I had a relationship with the professor. I've only failed one course EVER and I spoke to that professor 3 times and one of those times was after I have failed the course.

10. HONESTY

Be honest with your family and friends about what you are about to experience. If you don't have time or you've been studying really hard and you rather sleep, be honest. Because if you fail a test or something I mean you can blame them but it won't really mean much. You may feel a little better you may not. Be honest with yourself! If you know you didn't study don't be mad at the professor because you failed, YOU DIDN'T STUDY. You will talk more to yourself now than ever before. I talk to myself so much sometimes I'm in the grocery store mumbling to myself. You may not be the smartest but work the hardest. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. You may not understand everything. GET the help. COMPETE with YOURSELF ONLY, because that's all that matters. You competed for your seat you don't have to compete to keep it.Tape your lectures. Make flashcards out of the material. Study alone first. Relax your mind to give yourself an opportunity to process information. Try to get into bed by 12 always. TEAMWORK MAKES DREAMWORK, try to transcribe notes and make study guides work together with your classmates. NO PHARMACIST LEFT BEHIND help your brother and sisters. Be inspirational and encouraging. WHERE the mind goes the man will follow you can do it. Think Positive. Stay in your lane, drive your own car. Other people don't understand as well but they probably won't say it. Nothing beats failing  Don't tell your grades.PRAY. DON'T ask your professors to change test and assignment dates. Make mnemonics they help. Dry erase boards help. Personal preference but studying away from home, away from the bed is normally a good idea. You can do it! IF only because I BELIEVE in YOU!!