Building a culture of self-belief
Abdullah Al Anbari is a third-year PharmD candidate at Mercer University College of Pharmacy.
The journey of becoming a pharmacist is filled with countless exams, complex concepts, and high expectations from unprecedented events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Remarkably, the foundation of this journey begins with self-belief and self-confidence.
APhA–ASP’s National President Victoria Lyle’s presidential theme “Believe in Yourself” is an important and helpful reminder to all student pharmacists. If you believe, you really can achieve. Throughout my academic years, there have been numerous occasions in which I doubted my abilities. The overwhelming coursework and demanding clinical rotations often left me feeling overwhelmed and burned out. Despite this, I reminded myself that the belief in my potential was the driving force that would push me forward. I started by setting achievable goals, breaking down complex subjects into manageable parts, and seeking help when needed. Over time, I watched my confidence grow and my grades improved.
Believing in myself also helped me to take on leadership roles within APhA–ASP. This included organizing health fairs, leading study groups, and contributing to community-based projects such as a back-to-school community health clinic partnered with the Department of Public Health, focusing on vaccinations for 7th through 11th grade students. This project led to increased compliance with Georgia’s vaccination requirements for school enrollment, contributing to a significant community public health effort.
These experiences not only enriched my journey, but also boosted my self-esteem and drive to be a better student pharmacist. Success can be achieved with the contribution of various factors such as hard work, opportunities, and adaptation. However, there is one fundamental element to paving the way toward success that stands tall above the rest: belief in oneself.
Why believing in yourself matters in pharmacy
Being self-confident and believing in yourself are key steps to being successful in any profession, and pharmacy is no exception. The belief that you have the knowledge and abilities to make a difference in the lives of your patients and having confidence in your abilities allows you to approach challenges, overcome self-doubt, and perform at your best. Whether it’s during exams, presentations, or patient interactions, you are sure to succeed with self-confidence.
Student pharmacists embark on a challenging journey that demands dedication, intelligence, and an unwavering belief in oneself. In the world of health care, precision and empathy are necessary; self-confidence, resilience, and self-efficacy are not just desirable traits but essential virtues. Challenges are inevitable, and they can manifest through a variety of events: prescription errors, tough patient interactions, and complex medication regimens can weigh heavily on a student pharmacist’s shoulders. Believing in yourself empowers you to bounce back from setbacks and view them as opportunities for growth and improvement, ultimately making you a more effective and compassionate pharmacist.
Fostering a culture of self-belief
Student pharmacists have the power to shape their destiny and positively impact the lives of patients. You can cultivate a culture of self-belief within your student community. By fostering a culture of self-belief, you can build a community of confident pharmacists who will make a significant difference in health care.
So, believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and let your confidence light the way to a successful pharmacy career.