Up for the challenge

Last weekend, my family and I moved my sister and me into our dorm, marking the beginning of the SEP Program here at UNC. Although I’ve been to tons of summer programs before, I still have the same little nervous, but excited feeling right before Orientation begins.

Luckily, several of my classmates from NCCU are also participating in this program, so it was comforting to know that I’d have my own little family here to support me, and more importantly, stick out those future all-nighters with me!

Ms. Borden and Ms. Benton were very enthusiastic about the program during their introductions and words of welcome, so that made me feel that though this program would be a challenge, I’d have their encouragement the entire way.

It just so happened that Dorian Brown, the SEP alum who came back to share his experience, is interested in pharmacy, just as I am. After Orientation, we were split up into groups for the scavenger hunt. Coincidentally, my group consisted of three UNC students, so we moved around campus fairly quickly and actually won the hunt!

The next day, Sunday, felt like one of the longest ever! We had to take four pre-tests in the subjects of Physics, Biostatistics/Quantitative Skills, Physiology, and Organic Chemistry. Even though the professors insisted that we not stress out about the material, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat unprepared. However, the purpose of a pre-test is to mark how much prior learning you’ve had, that way, the teachers can modify the curriculum as needed. I felt like I performed to the best of my ability, but I know that there is much more I need to learn during the next eight weeks.

Today was our first day of classes. Talk about a LONG day! It totally beat out the day before! At my university, I am used to having fifty minute courses, but here at SEP, the courses range from two to three hours. So, on top of still recovering from a long semester at NCCU that just ended a little over a week ago, I had to jump back into “school mode” quickly! My professors were friendly and show a great passion for their work, which I feel will translate into their teaching styles. Lunch came and went, and after our last class of the day, I headed straight back to my dorm for a nap! The schedule is quite demanding and will take some adjusting, but I will be fine.

SEP seems rigorous, but so much more rewarding. From the first day, I can tell that I will be challenged throughout this summer, but I will return to NCCU with so much more knowledge than before. I wanted to attend the program because of my interest in Pharmacy. Sure, I know the job description of a pharmacist. I know what they study, the certain prerequisites I need to take in undergrad and my prospective pharmacy schools, but as Dorian said at Orientation, I need to find the passion behind it. I want to get a small taste of pharmacy school, as well as shadow a professional in the field to make sure that this is the exact career I want to pursue for the rest of my life. I am anxiously anticipating the coming weeks. Wish me luck!