In September, the APhA–ASP House of Delegates passed Resolution 2020.1, which encourages schools and colleges of pharmacy to provide mental health resources for students, including readily accessible counseling services. The following student pharmacist’s story offers one personal glimpse into the 
importance of this issue.

I had been suicidal for a year, depressed for just as long, and anxiety-ridden since I was 8—and after two close calls with attempting suicide, I needed an inpatient stay. 

The suicidal thoughts ran rampant in my head. It was difficult to stop a thought, but I tried, and I also tried to reason with it until all I could do on a given day was that. It was draining. It took me a long time to seek help, partly because I wanted to handle it on my own, and partly because I thought I could not be fixed. Plus, I had a wonderful family and a job that paid well. I felt undeserving of help. Thankfully, my university’s Counseling and Psychological Services and Psychiatry Clinic offer free to low-cost visits. I was ambivalent about calling them, but these services saved my life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It all started with a Facebook post. On July 24, I read a message written by Janan Amin, a third-year PharmD candidate at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, who was reaching out to find APhA–ASP Chapter members who might be interested in collaborating on planning events for American Pharmacists Month in October. At first, I wasn’t sure I should respond, but our only options this year were virtual events—what was there to lose? I thought: “Why not?”

I didn’t think much would come of it, but with just a few comments, the ball had started rolling. 

Farm to table is a fine-dining movement that promotes fresh, locally grown food without the use of a middleman, so the food on your plate is coming straight from the source. When I think of this fresh concept, I’m reminded of my transition from a student to a practitioner in the clinical workforce. Like me, many students don’t take the time to reflect on what happens after making it to the finish line. Instead, we focus on getting across that stage and hearing our names called out, naively assuming that the rest will work itself out. 

Little did I know that the transition into the workforce was going to be a journey all its own. 

Interview? Presentation? Virtual rotation? Can I wear pajamas? The remote lifestyle has changed many people’s wardrobes. I no longer have to wake up early to iron out wrinkles, and it is acceptable to wear the same outfit twice. But my professional dress hasn’t changed at all. Dressing professionally gives credibility and confidence.

Normal routines changed in 2020, and now that the calendar has turned to 2021, it’s time to make sure your virtual dress is up to par when you enable that camera.