Authored by Class of 2024 PharmD student Julia Fabricio of Epsilon Chapter at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Oftentimes in life, we all undergo challenging transition periods that force us to let go of our sense of familiarity. I am now a fourth year PharmD student, but started a doctoral-level program amidst a global pandemic. This not only brought on challenges of a new transition, but difficulties beyond thescope of education. During this time, I experienced achievements and rejections, good and bad grades, felt lost and found, and knew that no matter the circumstance, remaining resilient was key to my success.

Failure is a frightening word in the PharmD curriculum, but one that should be normalized and expected for every student. We cannot succeed at everything – we will not get every job, every leadership position, or ace every exam. As learners, this is a safe space to make mistakes and grow.

However, many students freeze upon hitting their first “locked door” and do not know how to continue after failure. I like to call the PharmD degree a rollercoaster ride as the real deal is that pharmacy school is hard! It is challenging, tough, takes hard work and dedicated time, but is incredibly rewarding. Many of us try to hide our setbacks, but the reality is that we are all human and every student before us has also failed and yet succeeded. As a student who has failed many times during this journey, here are some things I learned:

The Big 5:

1. Environmental awareness

Differentiate between actual and hypothetical worries. Put things into perspective! Is this an actual problem or something that could happen? Focus on the things you can control, as pharmacy school is your own personal journey. You cannot control what others think of you, but you can focus on your strengths and how to use them to your advantage.

2. Be brave

Take risks and don’t be afraid! What is the worst that can happen? They say no and you do not get that opportunity? Just because you did not succeed at something the first time doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again. Be brave and give it another chance, as you might surprise yourself. Something can come along that is better than what you originally expected.

3. Normalize failure and struggle

Failure is not a bad word. It is not something to avoid at all costs. Learning does not happen without failure and failure is essential to a meaningful education. This is a safe space to make mistakes, own them, and be action-oriented in making changes for next time.

4. Progress over perfection

Sometimes your best is good enough and sometimes good is good enough! Many PharmD students are type-A, but realize that no one expects you to be perfect and you should not expect that from yourself.

5. You belong here!

Impostor syndrome is very real but remind yourself that you were chosen to behere. You are here for a reason and are good enough! Give yourself some grace during times of discouragement and continue reminding yourself that you belong.

You are passionate, which is the definition of success!

Ultimately, I encourage learners to find the strength to bounce back; and you will because you are passionate, which is the definition of success! Those that are successful know that often this is a process of trial and error. The key is to be resilient and get back up one more time than you got knocked down.