A sad, but true, fact of life is that learning the “hard way” is oftentimes the only way. People don’t tell you important details and it makes life a whole lot harder than it needs to be. As graduation 2019 is upon us, I am hoping to correct that by sharing a few things I wish people would have told me before I graduated.

Since 2016, the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy APhA–ASP Chapter has set up a photo booth in the atrium of our school on World Diabetes Day (November 14) along with fun props that go with the theme. Acknowledging how powerful social media is in our generation, we wanted to use it as a platform to reach an even bigger population. Many people around the world use social media every day, and its power cannot be denied. Therefore, we wanted to encourage people to dedicate one of their posts on November 14 to promote diabetes awareness.

Our APhA–ASP Chapter at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy is connected with an organization, Casa de Salud Peru, founded by a fellow pharmacist, Kerrylyn Rodriguez. Each summer, she takes a group of individuals, most but not all of whom are health professionals, to Iquitos, Peru, to provide basic health care services to the locals. The clinics provide consults with a Peruvian doctor, “pharmacy” services, reading glasses, fluoride treatment, dental care, and health screenings such as blood pressure and glucose.

When I committed to go on last summer’s trip, I figured that I was planning an experience that would push me outside my comfort zone and let me learn about another health system, but what I found was much more. I discovered a deeper connection to humanity, an immense level of gratitude for everyday life, and ultimately, this trip reignited my original inspiration to pursue a career in pharmacy.