Jessica Henson is a second-year PharmD candidate at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Jacksonville.
As a student pharmacist, it is important to become involved within organizations at your school or college of pharmacy to grow in leadership abilities and enhance character. I have always enjoyed keeping a busy schedule and demonstrating mentorship to others.
Currently, I am involved in many organizations and hold leadership positions in three of them. This helps enrich my communication, confidence, and decision-making skills, among others.
Connecting with future students
I became involved as a student ambassador at the end of my first year in pharmacy school. This position entails helping with tours, interviews, and other college of pharmacy events throughout the year. It’s been a great opportunity for me to connect with future students and share my experiences with them. I represent my college and help promote the university in the best way possible. I enjoy being a resource that my peers and professors can come to with questions about the program.
Chaplain of my fraternity
I am a member of Kappa Epsilon fraternity on my campus and have served as the chaplain since August. This position involves the ritual and procedures behind the ceremonies and initiation of the fraternity. I have the responsibility of opening and closing monthly general body meetings as well as awarding members for demonstrating positive characteristics each month. This helps to promote morale and interaction between the students, which is important for making connections and networking in the small world of pharmacy.
Giving back to the pediatric community
Another organization that I am involved with is Pediagators. I serve as the vice president of service to organize and promote volunteer events to give back to the pediatric community. This year, I helped to arrange the Jasmyn pantry drive with another organization on campus. We were able to fundraise more than $100 of nonperishable food to donate to an association that supports LGBTQ+ teens and young adults. It was empowering and pleasant to be involved in a community service project that helped others.
Promoting substance use awareness through APhA–ASP
I also hold a leadership position within APhA–ASP as a co-chair of Operation Substance Use Disorders, which has given me opportunities to plan events that promote awareness about SUDs to students and the public. Recently, my cochair and I organized a Narcan training through Drug Free Duval. The event was successful and educated more than 50 student pharmacists on opioids and the proper technique of Narcan administration.
Develop as a leader
Engaging in leadership throughout pharmacy school is an important way to gain the necessary skills for my future as a pharmacist. Being involved in these activities has allowed me to become a better leader and strengthen my communication and problem-solving skills. I enjoy the experiences I have gained from my leadership opportunities and encourage everyone to become involved to learn more about themselves and what attributes they can grow as they develop as a leader.