MCPHS University –Boston APhA­–ASP Chapter members lead a handwashing demonstration for kindergarten and first graders at a local grammar school.

After speaking with college students about flu vaccine benefits, a student said to me, “Isn’t the flu shot only 60% effective this year, so there’s no point in getting one?” I replied, “Well, not getting vaccinated provides 0% protection against the flu, but getting one offers at least a 60% chance.” He paused, “So I can get my flu shot here?” Those words were rewarding to hear.

Who really benefits in this scenario? It may sound like I do, but it is the patient—getting immunized protects himself and those around him. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality-sponsored Health Care Cost & Utilization Project, an average of 4- to 5-day hospitalizations could have been prevented by simply getting the flu shot. 

So why doesn’t everyone get one? Lack of understanding of vaccine benefits and misinformation of its harmful effects appear to be the main reasons many do not get immunized.

In the summer of 2014, I embarked on the opportunity of a lifetime. I was selected to take part in the APhA–ASP/ International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) Student Exchange Program (SEP). Prior to joining my university’s IPSF chapter, I was unaware that I would have the opportunity to travel to a foreign county while learning more about becoming a great pharmacist. My SEP experience allowed me to practice pharmacy in a different setting.


I was selected to go to Heidelberg, Germany, a gorgeous city located along the River Neckar. While in Germany, I enhanced my pharmacy knowledge by working in a community pharmacy for 4 weeks. I resided in a dorm at the University of Heidelberg and was connected with an exchange officer from the university, who was responsible for assisting me throughout my journey. Little did I know that my exchange officer, Katharina Wien, would eventually become one of my closest friends.

I peered through the glass doors as I anxiously waited for them to open. Once they did, bold colors and personalities welcomed me into the Sam’s Club corporate world. I walked straight to the fourth floor and looked for my team in the maze of cubicles. I had no idea what to expect as a summer intern at Sam’s Club Health and Wellness in Bentonville, AR. 


I never thought about learning the business side of health care or spending a summer in northwest Arkansas during my pharmacy school experience, but my time here was incredibly eye-opening. I grew more as a student pharmacist than I ever could have imagined in the classroom.