You have probably heard of the “Dear Abby” advice column. Now meet the “Dear New Practitioner” section of Student Pharmacist. As we continue to “Embrace Your Calling” throughout the year, your APhA–ASP National Executive Committee and APhA staff want you to know that you are not alone. You have numerous questions swirling around your head, both on the professional and personal sides of your life. Today’s new practitioners know your concerns are real because they have been there and they want to provide support.

From the discussions I have had with student pharmacists, it seems that letters of recommendation are often overlooked, or are considered only at the later stages of the application process. There is recent literature related to residency applications in particular that highlights the importance of these documents. Many programs place a very high value on them. While you will not personally be in charge of this particular application piece, there is much you can do now to ensure those letters of recommendation are written favorably and complement your application.

When I was a child, my best friends wanted to be superheroes when they grew up. I wanted to be a superhero, too. But the superhero I wanted to be didn’t wear a cape nor have an alter ego, although he did often wear a mask. I wanted to be just like my dad.

You see, my dad is a surgeon, and ever since I was little, I knew that he was doing the one thing that all superheroes do: he helped people. I knew I would never be able to fly or clear buildings with a single bound, but, if I were like my dad, I could help others.