Now that I am ending my first semester, I wanted to share the top five pieces of advice I would tell my younger self about starting pharmacy school.
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Make connections with your peers and professors.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. The USC College of Pharmacy is full of great people, professors, students, and administrative staff, who all want you to succeed. The first step in achieving this is by being present. Introduce yourself to other students in the lounge outside of your year, make study plans with classmates, go to all of your classes, and attend different events. These connections will enrich your experience and help you be successful. -
Get involved with organizations.
There are so many different organizations available in the College of Pharmacy. You are sure to find one, two or even three that work for you. Even as a pre-pharmacy student you should get involved with organizations on campus. Meeting people who share the same long-term goals as you can create lasting relationships. As a pharmacy student, you may get busy but it is still important to stay involved. Leadership experience will allow you to grow as a person and apply the skills taught in class. -
Explore career options within the world of pharmacy.
The world of pharmacy is huge. There are so many different career paths available. Keep an open mind and learn all about the options. There will be many opportunities to learn by attending presentations sponsored by different organizations. -
Practice self-care and don’t stress the small stuff.
Taking care of your mental and physical health is super important. Pharmacy school is intense and busy. Make sure you have time to get adequate sleep and eat nutritious meals. Schedule time during the week to do fun things that help you de-stress, like a hobby or hanging out with friends. There will be tough days and bad quiz grades. Use these challenges to focus on how to improve for next time. -
Don't forget to make memories.
College goes by fast. Take the time to make lasting memories. Pharmacy school might be busy, but go to the football games, see movies with friends, and don't miss Phall Ball. These are the things that you will be able to look back on after school ends.
Topics: Student Experience, Pharm.D. Program, 2023-24 Creators@COP