Rachel Peña is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Orlando Campus.
When I was starting pharmacy school, I never imagined the huge impact it would have on my personal growth and professional trajectory. Prior to my journey, I was someone who would rarely go past the confines of my comfort zone. Public speaking and leadership roles seemed like distant aspirations and a nearly impossible feat. However, as I immersed myself in my studies, built connections with my peers, and joined campus organizations, I discovered many avenues for growth that allowed me to amplify my strengths and potential.
A transformation
The professional transformation began when I explored the range of student organizations and initiatives that aligned with my interests and aspirations. From assuming the role of president in our pediatric pharmacy organization, to serving as a clinic liaison for a student-run interprofessional clinic, all 10 of my positions throughout these past few years have presented unique challenges and invaluable lessons. In leading diverse initiatives such as Operation Infection Prevention and serving as communications vice president for our APhA–ASP Chapter, I’ve been able to advocate for a specialty I am interested in and have promoted our chapter achievements.
Even more significantly, these experiences catalyzed a profound personal transformation. As president of a pediatric pharmacy organization, I confronted my fear of public speaking head-on while honing my skills in team delegation and management. Each leadership role presented its own set of challenges, but with each challenge came an opportunity for growth. Growth happens far outside the comfort zone, and I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Through perseverance and determination, I discovered reserves of confidence and resilience I never knew existed. I became excited to see myself having more of a voice and take on opportunities that I would have missed out on just for being shy.
I’m a work in progress
As I reflect on my journey, I am struck by the magnitude of growth I have experienced within such a relatively short span of time. I know for a fact that my past self would look at my present self and be very proud of how far I’ve come. The once-daunting prospect of public speaking is still a work in progress, but now much easier thanks to the confidence I have gained these past few years. I’ve also made progress on my hesitance and second-guessing, which has given me more clarity, assertiveness, and trust in my decision-making.
I can say I have without a doubt embraced my goal of stepping outside my comfort zone, taking on challenges as opportunities for growth, and having the courage to pursue my passions. As I embark on the next phase of my journey, I do so with a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me and so much enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead.
I am a work in progress, a testament to the potential for growth and evolution that resides within each of us. And for that, I am forever grateful.