US Pharm. 2008;33(12)(Student suppl):14.

 

Currently I am in my second year of pharmacy school at the University of Connecticut (UConn), and it has been an amazing experience in terms of what the school can do for you as a student and the various opportunities that are available, such as community projects and studying abroad. Pharmacy school has broadened my views of what pharmacy is, and I have discovered the variety of paths that pharmacy can take. The curriculum is tough, and some days there is little time to study; however, I have learned how to balance my study time with the various activities I take part in.

One group I am proud to be involved with is the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), a national organization I joined during my sophomore year in college. Later on, in the spring of 2008, I became the president of my chapter, an office I still hold. SNPhA cares about pharmacy and health care–related issues and about serving underrepresented minorities, and it works to implement improvements in pharmacy and the community. SNPhA stands by its mission, and this is the reason I am devoted to it.

Since its inception in 2004, my chapter at UConn has nurtured many pharmacy leaders; having started with very few active participants, it has grown to embrace more than 70 members. A majority of our members are prepharmacy students, and we promote mentor–mentee relationships. Part of what I do is to develop good relationships within my organization and make it a sort of family where people can depend on one another, help each other, and give advice. I have developed my chapter into one that stands stronger for its purpose and has increased its devotion to raising awareness about various health issues.

We participate in many health initiatives and service projects within the community. Some of the projects we are involved with are blood-pressure screenings, smoking cessation, diabetes, flu, and one that we created--Unity Week. Unity Week, held each March, celebrates diversity and promotes professional careers in pharmacy. Unity Week is themed, and we bring in speakers from the community. This year's theme was "The Kaleidoscope of Pharmaceutical Practices," which highlighted that pharmacy is not just retail. Our art show, also part of Unity Week, involves contributions from other pharmacy organizations and shows what it means to them to be part of the health care field.

I am proud to be a leader within SNPhA and within my pharmacy school. Being a part of SNPhA has changed who I am, and one of the things it has affected is my shyness. I did not know that I was capable of leading an organization of this size  and of standing before an audience to give presentations with ease. I became the "mother" of this chapter, as my close friends in the organization call me. I have made many members my friends, and I have seen quite a few of them enter UConn's School of Pharmacy. What I love about this organization is that I am surrounded by people who care about what SNPhA does and believe in teamwork. The best thing I have gained from leading this organization--the first position of authority I have held in my life--is being able to help society and bring a bigger meaning to what I do. It has made me a better person and it has allowed me to understand what my capabilities are, including my weaknesses as well as my strengths.

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