Whether it’s some ‘me time’ or ‘classmate time,’ Kristin Burge knows mental health should not be taken for granted.
By Kristin Cheyenne Burge
My experience as a student pharmacist in an accelerated 3-year pharmacy program has been anything but easy, but that’s not to say that I don’t love it. In fact, I try to cherish every moment of it because I know once I graduate, I will miss everyone that I grew close to through this experience.
In addition to diligently studying, attending class daily, taking part in APhA–ASP Chapter activities, tutoring, and visiting my nursing home patients each week, I also take part in serving my Appalachian community. Such a hectic schedule begs the question, “How do I manage my time and keep sane with all of it?” Let me tell you how.
My full plate
My service includes wellness days, health fairs, and poster sessions on vaccinations and overall health at community events. But the one that I feel has the biggest impact is the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic. RAM is a 3-day event where thousands of indigent patients travel from all parts of Appalachia and surrounding areas to receive free health care through many different providers. My duties at RAM include patient counseling and recording vital signs, as well as a host of many other things.
Along with my studies and tutoring, I am involved with several student organizations, such as serving as the Plant Chair for the Apothecary Medicinal Plants Society (AMPS) and as my APhA–ASP Chapter’s Operation Immunization Chair. In 2018, I helped organize and conduct an immunization event at a local festival, where I gathered a large number of my classmates and together with Clinch Valley Medical Center, we administered more than 500 flu shots to our local community. Poster sessions at local schools also allow me to answer questions that kids have about the profession and its impact.
On top of all these events and keeping up with my studies and other aspects of my life, I have to collect at least 150 community service hours to graduate. Thankfully, the hours I spend at these events can be included. How do I collect the rest? I do so by participating in different school organization events such as Feed My Sheep, where we provide food and other necessities to the local community. As Plant Chair of AMPS, I can earn a few community service hours each week during planting season by assisting in planting fresh organic vegetables and herbs, and teaching the community about natural remedies that can be found in the backyard.
Find time for ‘me time’
I never try to do more than what I can handle because I realized quickly during this program that mental health should never be taken for granted. There were times I felt like breaking down because of the load I had put on my shoulders and I needed to find some kind of outlet. I needed something that was not school-related, where I could let go of my stress and forget about the world for a little while.
For example, sometimes after a big exam, my classmates and I like to gather together and play a few games of my favorite sport, volleyball. After a couple hours of bumping, setting, and spiking, I feel refreshed and ready to face whatever is ahead of me. AMPS hosts a few hikes throughout the year, where you can appreciate the peaceful and beautiful Appalachian scenery and have a wonderful time with friends. I also enjoy gardening because it not only takes away a majority of my stress, it is also something I have always loved to do with my father back home. Reading is another getaway for me; I love getting lost in a fiction novel at the end of the day. I am currently out on my rotations, so I don’t have many opportunities to play volleyball, but I still read my novels and now I am learning to crochet.
My advice to those who are in school and stressing over their next exam is never forgo time for yourself, your family, and friends. Good grades are important and so is involvement in school activities, but never forget to take some “me time” now and again.
Kristin Cheyenne Burge is a third-year PharmD candidate at Appalachian College of Pharmacy.