Five tips for success in pharmacy school

October 14, 2020 • Uncategorized

Transitioning from an undergraduate program to professional school can be intimidating for first-year students.

Sanjida Hoque, a fourth-year pharmacy student at Sanjida HoqueThe University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, recently shared her wisdom and advice as the student guest speaker for the Class of 2024 White Coat Ceremony.

Sanjida shared these five tips to achieve success in pharmacy school:

1. Prioritize self-care

Be mindful of your emotions and physical health. Pharmacists recommend lifestyle changes to patients to help them lead healthier, happier, and longer lives, so why not start the process from within? Remaining active in things that create joy can help you cope with the stress pharmacy school might bring. It will also make the pharmacy experience more enjoyable and keep you feeling rejuvenated!

2. Establish a support system

Stay in touch with family and friends because they can provide the fuel you need to push through pharmacy school. Interacting with people who aren’t in pharmacy school can be refreshing! Classmates can be great support systems as well because you will be sharing a similar experience with them over the next four years, and they will likely be going through the same feelings and events as you.

3. Utilize the resources around you

The HSC College of Pharmacy offers many academic resources and has people who will reach out about specific help they offer. Along with academic help, numerous services and points of contact are available on this campus to facilitate your goals and ideas in order to transform them into reality. Just take the initiative to reach out for help to ensure you have every opportunity to succeed.

4. Get involved

Student organizations are a great way to get involved and stay updated on the rapid changes in the pharmacy industry. Joining organizations or clubs can also help you discover the different areas of pharmacy you could pursue. Activities and volunteering events associated with student organizations can bring you a network of supportive people who are ready to help you reach your goals!

5. Believe in your potential

Challenges and obstacles will be present throughout your life, but how you react to adversity is what defines your character. Turn disappointment into determination and make the necessary changes needed to achieve the goals you have in mind. Support your potential by celebrating your successes, progresses, and milestones. Celebrating after milestones or any kind of good news is perfectly acceptable and helps you grasp the idea that you are one step closer to your goals.

About Sanjida Hoque

Sanjida is a fourth-year pharmacy student who is completing clinical rotations for the final year of the Pharm D program. She completed her pre-pharmacy coursework and Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies at The University of Texas at Dallas.

While practicing as a community pharmacist intern for Walmart pharmacies in the North Texas region, she has also participated and engaged in numerous school events during her pharmacy school journey.

Sanjida has held a variety of leadership roles in student organizations, including Student Ambassador for the HSC College of Pharmacy, Secretary for the Rho Chi Honor Society, Immunization Chair for the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, and Curriculum Liaison for the HSC College of Pharmacy’s Class of 2021.

In addition to being listed as a Dean’s List recipient for several semesters, she has also been recognized by the Texas Pharmacy Association and Dallas Area Pharmacy Association for her contributions to the HSC College of Pharmacy and the pharmacy profession.

Learn more about the HSC College of Pharmacy academic programs.