Ali Coffey is a second-year PharmD candidate at the South College School of Pharmacy.
Starting pharmacy school can feel overwhelming. The long list of assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams is intimidating enough, but what student pharmacists rarely talk about is everything else that comes with it. You’re suddenly surrounded by people from all over the country, each with unique backgrounds and stories, all trying to find their place. Day one can be exciting but also a little terrifying.
The truth is, pharmacy school is about more than lectures and exams; it’s also about the people you meet along the way. Building a strong sense of community within your cohort can make all the difference. These are the classmates who will cheer you on after a tough exam, lend a hand when you’re stressed, and remind you to take a break and have some fun.
Pharmacy school isn’t meant to be all work and no play—balance is key to surviving and thriving through it all.
Friendships beyond the classroom
When I started my first year of pharmacy school, I had just moved from Michigan to Tennessee and didn’t know anyone. I wanted to find a fun way to bring people together, so I started a coed softball team that played in the local rec league. The team wasn’t exactly championship material, but we had an amazing time. We laughed, exercised, and got to know each other outside the classroom. What surprised me most was how our little team not only strengthened our class bond, but also helped us connect with the wider community through the other teams we met.
Even though our record was less than stellar, we didn’t hesitate to sign up again for our second year.
Since then, our class has continued to grow closer. We’ve organized a Secret Santa gift exchange, potlucks, trivia nights, hockey games, baseball outings, Topgolf nights, and so much more. Every event has brought us closer together, creating friendships that go far beyond academics. My biggest piece of advice for new (and even current) student pharmacists is this: start building your class community early. These are the people who will be with you through the highs and lows of the next few years and, if you’re lucky, for years to come.
Make connections now
Looking back, I can still remember how nervous I was at the beginning of my pharmacy school journey. But I promised myself then that I’d help build a sense of belonging for everyone in our class, and that decision has shaped my entire pharmacy school experience.
One of my professors always says, “The pharmacy community is small.” That couldn’t be more true. Use that to your advantage and start making connections now. Because the relationships you build today may just be the ones that carry you through your career tomorrow.