Bring Your "Swagger" to PCSP!

Dear prospective students, congratulation on getting to the interview process!!  The interview part of the process was my favorite.  I knew if I could get an interview and the school was able to see who I really am, I would have a great shot at getting a seat in the upcoming class.  I know there will be a lot of nerves kicking in during the interviews and that is normal.  I would like to pass this on to you.  One of my professors always tells our class that as long as we show up to test day with our “swagger” then we will do just fine.  I have listened to him and learned that as long as I show up in whatever I am doing with “swagger”/ confidence in myself then I do just fine.  So as you are preparing for your interview or if you have already been accepted and you are preparing for the start of the year, come with your “swagger”, have your personal confidence built, be yourself and you will be successful.

If you have already been accepted and you are looking for a way to get a jump start on your P1 year, there are few things I would suggest.  First go ahead and learn the top 200 drugs in both brand and generic names, this will be HUGE advantage to you if you already know these terms coming in.  Secondly, when you get tasks that you think are small task that you can easily knock out then go ahead on the weekend and easily knock them out.  You do not want these easier tasks piling up on you at the end of the semester.

Best Wishes!!

Written by Caleb, P1 student

White Coat Ceremony

White Coat Ceremony, what a day.  I never felt so full of hope and excitement for the future.  It was not simply my induction into the doctor of pharmacy program; the connotation of this phrase goes far beyond the innocently named ceremony or the physically white coat.  I had already worn a white coat before.  Why did I feel so different and special on that particular day?  Maybe it was the representation of all of my hopes and dreams.  I finally felt that I had attained something on account of all of my hard work.  Ironically, on such a day of beginnings I experienced a sense of completion.  The physical ceremony proceeded equally as beautiful as my inner epiphany.  I was impressed by the faculties’ dedication to perfection.  Hopefully we did not throw them off kilter by collectively giving them high fives during the procession.  That moment was so glorious that I proudly take credit for instigating it.

My name is Anna Lavotchin and I highly recommend the white coat ceremony as a day to ponder about the immense blessings bestowed upon us which brought us to that day.  I wish that I could write a blog about every single day at pharmacy school because it keeps getting better and brighter. 

Written by Anna Lavochin, P1 Student

 

Study. No really, STUDY!!!

I’m sure everyone reading this is asking the same question, “How hard is it?”, I know I was. Honestly, it is hard, but if it wasn’t you probably wouldn’t be entertaining the thought of going to pharmacy school. Anything in life worth having is also worth working for. Admit it you want that Pharm. D. and you want to be able to really make a difference in the world, we all do.

So, can you do it?

I asked myself this question every day for the first 3 weeks, then I studied, and I studied right. There are certain things that work for certain people and I encourage you as an incoming student to explore your study options and find out what works; what makes it click to you. Some of you probably have never even had to study, and learning good study habits will be a challenge for you, just don’t give up.

For me, I have a close study group that I click with. We shout out answers, draw on all the lovely white boards we can find, and quiz each other continuously. We meet often and help each other stay motivated. Of course, there is time during these group study sessions for laughter and fun, and when you start including the material in the jokes; you know you’re a real pharmacy school student.

Find what works for you whether it’s studying alone or in groups; flashcards or outlines; put in the time, put in the effort.

So, yes, you can do it.

Written by Rebecca Conley, P1 Student

Thanksgiving Break

It is the end of November and that can only mean one thing….Thanksgiving break is here! Most of the first semester of my first year in pharmacy school is over, and only two more weeks to go.  Although a lot of hard work is behind me, there are still final projects due and final exams to take throughout these next two weeks.

Besides the time I plan for studious activities, I will be spending some time getting some chores done around the house before I travel for the holidays.  I will be traveling to Greenville to join my family, most of whom are from Florida.  I am very fortunate, because I rarely ever get to see them.  Thanksgiving is full of traditions in our house.  We will be enjoying corn hole, Frisbee, and watching some football.  After enjoying a face full and a half of thanksgiving food, I plan on being in a food coma for the rest of the night.  After enjoying a couple of days full of family and great food, I will be heading back to Clinton to get back to my studies.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Thank you for viewing my post!

 

Written by Ryan Ridgeway, P1 Student

Orientation Week

 

My name is Kayla Bradley and I am a P1 student. Prospective students are always worried about making new friends or adjusting to a new city. I can honestly say that orientation week helped prepare me and took some of the nerves away from starting a professional program. Various activities were planned throughout the week and involved interaction with other classmates and professors. One day consisted of a scavenger hunt on the main campus. Another day, the entire class traveled to Spartanburg and visited QS1 Pharmacy & HME Software and Smith Drugs. Personally, I really enjoyed the scavenger hunt. I completed this task with my study group and this was a great bonding experience. We learned a little bit about each other and why we chose pharmacy as a career path.

Along with meeting and interacting with my study group, I also got the chance to meet with my advisor and advising group. Orientation allowed me to meet new friends and interact with my professors and other staff members before the official start of classes. I was able to learn more about the resources available to me as a PC student. I was very anxious to start my first day as a professional student after all of the orientation activities!

Written by Kayla, P1 Student

Relaxing in Clinton

I was always told by my uncle to take time out to relax.  After a test I make that my #1 priority.  The town of Clinton has numerous opportunities to wind down after a test.  You may go bowling or to the gym.  If you are a history buff then you may go to the Musgrove Mill State Park which is the location of the Revolutionary War Battle of Musgrove Mill. Sometimes, I need a change of scenery and drive to Spartanburg (~30mins away) or Greenville (~45mins away).  However, this time I decided to stay in Clinton.  I walked from PCSP to downtown Clinton.  I went to Yo’Cup the local yogurt and coffee house.  I walked in and received a warm welcome.  Within seconds, I acquired a cozy hometown feeling.   I walked around and admired the different flavors of yogurt. Some of the flavors that caught my attention were peanut butter, cookies and cream, dreamy chocolate, pumpkin pie, watermelon, and blueberry tart.  I decided to pick something that reminded me of my hometown (Lexington, N.C.). I picked the Pumpkin Pie Yogurt. One word “YUMM”.  I highly recommend going to downtown Clinton and if you are in the mood for something sweet go to Yo’Cup.

Thank-you for viewing my blog post and always make time for dessert. 

Written by Tramaine, P3 student

 

PCSP- The Best School for Me!

 

Hi, my name is Sienna Miller and I am a second year pharmacy student.  It seems like just yesterday my white coat ceremony took place and now I am in my second year of pharmacy school!  As I walked across the stage to receive my white coat and sign the Honor Pledge Oath, I knew that attending Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy was the right decision for me.  As a pharmacy student prospect, you are nervous before, during, and after interviews.  However, coming to PC was a unique experience.  Here at PC, the faculty, students, and staff were all welcoming and show true interest in wanting us to learn and to become the best pharmacist possible. We have a variety of faculty members that bring various high standards for each student, which will enhance your desire to be a pharmacist.  Every day that I come to school, all of my professors are at the school and some even stay after hours just to help us out.  It is rare to find many universities where you have that kind of commitment from your professors. It is a great attribute for the students.

I am not glorifying PC because I attend school here.  As a student pharmacy prospect, you should apply to many schools and try to get as many interviews as possible to increase your chances of attending pharmacy school.  I did apply to many schools and also had some interviews; however after visiting PC I knew that this was my home because I was welcomed with open arms.  Today as a second year pharmacy student I am still welcomed with open arms and I will continue to work to the best of my ability to uphold the standards that our professors expect from us.  So I hope to see you enrolling here very soon. If you see me passing in the hall, stop and say hello.  I will try my best to help you feel at ease and reassure you that coming to PC is a great decision.

Written by Sienna, P2 Student.