During my first year of pharmacy school, I knew I wanted to find an organization that not only suited my interests, but also challenged me to become a better pharmacy student. I wanted to collaborate with others and possibly find leadership opportunities that could push me out of my comfort zone. Over the past two years, I have found everything I was looking for and more within ICHP. 

As a general member during my first year, I was a bit shy and was still figuring out how to be a student in pharmacy school. Between work and school, I asked myself, how am I supposed to get involved? I struggled to find a balance and lacked confidence. Looking back, I regret not joining the mentorship program, going to volunteer events, or asking questions to learn more during general body meetings and speaker events. As a result, and because of my experience during my first year, one of my goals prior to becoming a PS2 was to change all of that and become more involved. 

The more I grew accustomed to being a first-year pharmacy student, the more I figured out how I studied best for exams and become more comfortable asking peers for help individually and during group study sessions. My confidence slowly grew and I found ways to step out of my comfort zone. I gained more of that confidence while practicing patient counseling and learning from IPPE rotations. It gave me a taste as to how to become a leader within pharmacy. Even though I felt intimidated being put on the spot when preceptors would ask me questions, I am grateful for the opportunity to have constantly been in a learning environment and gain knowledge. After all, experiences such as these will only help me in the future for APPE rotations, and ultimately help me become a better pharmacist. Collaborating with other pharmacists and meeting other healthcare professionals has taught me how to network and the importance of teamwork. I have met some amazing pharmacists along the way who have provided me with great advice. These experiences have really opened my eyes as to what I am capable of and how I should not be afraid to be a leader. This led me to the decision to run for an ICHP E-board position.  

I became very involved in ICHP after having the pleasure of being elected secretary last year. Not only did I complete the tasks the position required of me such as sending out emails, taking meeting minutes, helping set up for events, and supporting other E-board members, but I also found myself becoming a mentor, making new friends, and participating in school events such as Halloween, Winter, and Easter Fests. I was also constantly aware of ICHP events that were coming up since I had all the information to send out in our weekly emails, and I was always encouraging others to get involved or learn more about the organization through our general body meetings. I became more educated on what other opportunities may lie ahead during our speaker events. We have held events that provided information about internships, fellowships, residencies, and mission trips. This has helped me gain insight as to what other areas to consider as a student and even upon graduation. I try to have an open mind and learn as much as I can now with all the resources our organization has provided.    

Being a part of ICHP has helped me find confidence within myself, become open to new opportunities, strive to achieve personal goals, and become educated by searching beyond what I already know. Having this professional community to lean on can open doors to many different opportunities, just as it has for me. I am proud of the work I was able to accomplish last year while serving as secretary. By being re-elected to serve a second term for this school year, I wish to strive to do more and improve ICHP on our campus. I hope to reach out to other students who can benefit from this organization in the same way I have. ICHP has not only supported my professional goals, but it has also helped me attain some of my personal goals.