Although I graduated with Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree 15 years ago, I look back and sometimes wonder how I did it....let me tell you how...
When I started my journey back to school, I had a 4 year old and a 1 year old and by the time I had graduated Pharmacy school we had also welcomed a 3rd child.
I knew going back to school wasn't going to be easy, so I mentally tried to prepare for the challenges that I would likely encounter.
As you can imagine, I had no easy task in front of me but I was determined...
Looking back...what were the pieces that made everything work...
#1 Compartmentalize the task: My approach was to break things down. Take it one day at a time. For example I focused first on completing the Prerequisites required to even apply to Pharmacy school before worrying about getting into a school.
To be a Pharmacist, you must first obtain the prerequisites required to enter Pharmacy School. (Prerequisites usually take about 2-3 years and then Pharmacy School is another 4 years totaling about 6-7years in it's entirety) When looking at the entire length required, it can be a bit overwhelming.
#2 Good Foundations: My Mother...Strong Women Raise Strong Daughters
One of my greatest inspirations was my Mom. My Mom was a teacher by trade. Beginning as a young child, good study habits were taught and I was always encouraged to set my sights high. My Mom taught me dedication and determination.
#3 Determination: Drive, Grit, Dedication...Whatever you want to call it but having some internal and unstoppable force that won't quit!
Find your internal power to push through anything...
I don't necessarily think I was unique in that group. Everyone I was going to classes with at the time had a drive. We all had that grit and a strong work ethic. All you had to do was look around you in class. We all had to have an internal drive to get where we were at.
#4 Time Management: Successfully managing ones time is an important skill for any student but because I had a family and 2 children at the time who also needed my attention, it became even more essential.
When I first started my studies my biggest mistake was trying to study when it my kids time. They had been patiently waiting till I returned from classes and wanted my attention so then when I tried to use their time to study I quickly realized that not only I became frustrated but so were they. One thing that I did was set their bedtime at 8pm and as soon as they went to bed, the night/evening was mine to study. There were some long nights with very little sleep. I studied as long as it took but this way during the day (when I was not school) I could give my kids my full attention.
One small trick that I had though was to always carry flash cards. So when I took them to the park or they had play dates that I could use some of the time to study.
#5 A Supportive Family
My husband and children had to make sacrifices as well. This quest was more than just about me. The whole process was a team effort. A lot more fell to my husband and he often had to pick up the pieces when I was unable to be there. School was a huge time investment but also a financial investment...
For me this also meant having a back up to help when my husband couldn't...I had an incredible sister in law that was always there to step in and help. At times, she picked them up from school, fed them, and did whatever else might have come up at the time that needed to be handled.
#6 My Classmates: A support group with a common cause. We leaned on each other when times got tough.
During prerequisites, those late night study sessions for Organic Chemistry brings with it, a special bond with your classmates classmates. For many of us, if we can get through Organic Chemistry we can get through anything!
Later spending 4 years together balancing the demands of Pharmacy School you become close. You had all of your classes together and you spend so much time together you cannot help but becoming very familiar with each other. Even now, I would not hesitate to reach out to one of these classmates.
These were the pieces that made me successful.
#grateful #strongmother #girlpower #dedication #support #momsgoingbacktoschool #momsgoingbacktocollege #takeitadayatatime
**Please take note, my views are my own and are not associated or representative of my employer(s). This website and its associated platforms are for education purposes only and not medical advice.
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