Hi, I’m going to take you through a personal real-life tale that intertwines the challenge of academic pursuit with the tapestry of personal development in a pharmacy school. It all started when I secured admission into Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, which many regard as the most prestigious and peaceful university in Nigeria. I remember the joy that swept over me; it was overwhelming because, against all odds, I got into the course I applied for.
You’re going to find out about how my experiences in the first year set the stage for the rest of my school life. Classes commenced swiftly in January 2017, and our first departmental lecture, PCP101 or Introduction to Pharmacy, was on the schedule each Friday. Alongside this were foundational courses like Math and Physics held at the Main Campus. Even a month-long ASUU strike couldn’t dampen the excitement I felt during my first year.
In my opinion, the real taste of what it meant to study pharmacy didn’t hit until the move to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) for our sophomore year. That’s when things started to ramp up. The complexity and volume of departmental courses piled on, and we found ourselves juggling these with cognate courses at the College of Health Sciences alongside other paramedical students. I won’t sugarcoat it; it was a struggle.
Choose something that resonates with you. For me, handling the advanced courses struck a chord of anxiety I had not anticipated. The second year, known for its rate-limiting stage reputation, did not disappoint in its rigor. Pharmaceutics, especially PCT201 and PCT205, posed as my Achilles’ heel, shrugging my affinity for the straightforwardness of non-calculus subjects. Despite not being a prodigy nor a slacker, just your average student, the shock of having to resit five courses hit me hard. But you know what? This was only the prelude to the resilience I was yet to muster for the coming years.
Struggles and Perseverance: Beating the Odds
In my story, transitioning to the second year at Usmanu Danfodiyo University’s Teaching Hospital marked a pivotal moment where the academic intensity really picked up. I was faced with a mix of departmental and cognate courses alongside other paramedical students, and frankly, this was no picnic. The second year is notorious among pharmacy students – a make-or-break period that can set the tone for the rest of your academic career. And yes, it was as tough as it sounds.
I remember grappling with courses like Pharmaceutics, where calculus reared its head, and frankly, calculus was not my cup of tea. It’s one thing to cope with demanding courses; it’s another to do it amidst recurring ASUU strikes that would disrupt our schedule for months on end. I wasn’t aiming for distinctions – just to pass and move forward. But, life had other plans. I was heartbroken when I found myself having to resit not one, not two, but five courses.
You can think of resilience as a muscle, and that year certainly put mine to the test. By sheer will and a fair share of sleepless nights spent studying, I managed to pass. Still, it became clear to me that this was just the beginning of a series of uphill battles.
With the third year came some reprieve, or at least so I thought. Alas, Dispensing, a Pharmaceutics course, soon became the object of my distress. The simple act of attending practical classes was enough to get my nerves jangling. Things seemed to be on an even keel until results day came. Resits, the bane of my existence, greeted me yet again.
I became all too familiar with the resit process, but failing Dispensing the second time was a particularly stinging blow. It wasn’t just about repeating a course; it was accepting that an entire year would be dedicated to overcoming this one hurdle. That year, 2019, became a test of my faith and tenacity. There were times when I questioned whether I had chosen the right path – the whispers of doubt can be quite persuasive at your lowest.
But then, from the deepest wells of despair, I found solace in an old verse, ‘Be patient over what befalls you.’ That became my mantra, bringing an overwhelming sense of calm and helping me regain my footing. I steeled myself for the task ahead, armed with patience and a newfound resolve.
Still, telling my parents about my situation was daunting. I feared that they would call me unserious, shame me, and perhaps leave me to fend for myself. I knew I could not bear being being abandoned by my family, and so, I kept the situation to myself until after a few months, when I broke the news to my mom and dad in a low tone after a family dinner. Surprisingly, their unwavering belief in my destiny and their support were the pillars I leaned on during this turbulent time. With the renewed confidence they instilled in me, I found courage to approach people within my network more freely to ask for help. I found not just comfort, but an outpouring of support from my family, Dr. IN, my mentors, senior colleagues, and friends. Their faith in me was instrumental in propelling me forward through the turmoil.
As I prepared for my comeback, the world went into lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic meant another unforeseen pause in my academic journey. But rather than brood, I chose to enliven my spirit by diving into computer lessons, cooking up new recipes, attending Islamiyya, and rediscovering my love for drawing. Another twist followed with a nine-month ASUU strike. Endless delays, right? But remember, delay is not always a sign of denial. It’s in the waiting that we find the strength to persevere.
Triumph and Reflection: A Pharmacist’s Tale
Now, let me take you to the final chapters of my pharmacy school journey. After overcoming hurdle after hurdle, I felt a blend of relief and triumph. My fourth year in pharmacy school was a celebration of resilience – I had no resits. I’d found my stride with a group of friends, the Mavericks, who turned the classroom into a place of joy and support.
As my story unfolded to the crescendo of the fifth and final year, the notion of ‘financial extortion’ became a reality; yet, it wasn’t enough to overshadow the sense of accomplishment that came with each completed course. There was this one last Pharmaceutics course, PCT505 (Industrial Pharmacy), that wanted to take a bow with me, but guess what? I turned the tables and succeeded.
Reflecting back, it’s crystal clear: Pharmaceutics was my Goliath, and the third year was my battlefield. The strikes and delays, which added years to my expected graduation timeline, now seem like footnotes in a saga of personal growth and victory. Everyone has their share of struggles, and when I see the mountains others have climbed, my heart swells with gratitude.
What seemed endless, filled with trials and uncertainty, culminated in an induction ceremony on a beautiful Friday that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. With the poise of a professional who’d weathered the storm, I stood proud among my peers as we were welcomed into the noble pharmacy profession. It was destiny; it was written – Maktub!
Pharmacy school taught me more than just the science of medicines; it taught me the virtues of patience, faith, and relentless determination. To anyone out there questioning their path or facing their own battles, remember that delays are not denials. Life is indeed a test, peppered with trials that shape us into who we’re meant to become.
Now a licensed pharmacist, I share my story, hoping it might light a candle of hope in someone’s journey. And so, I leave you with a thought that became my anchor – ‘Which of the favors of my Lord would I deny?’ To this, my heart responds, ‘None.’
Hi there
The concept of providing support to individuals with disabilities through platforms like Life Upside View is a commendable initiative that fosters inclusivity and empowerment. By offering resources, community engagement, and opportunities for personal growth, platforms like these not only enrich the lives of those directly affected but also contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society.
Thank you for this informative read
Hi Troy,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to read the article. I’m truly heartened to hear that you found the concept of Life Upside View commendable. It means a lot to me that the message of inclusivity and empowerment resonated with you.
It’s my sincere hope that platforms like Life Upside View can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and help create a more compassionate society. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me and to the entire community.
I hope you’ll continue to visit the website for more stories and resources. Please feel free to share it with anyone you think might find it valuable. Together, we can spread awareness and support for this important cause.
Thank you again for your thoughtful comment.
Hi Ernest,
Your story on facing the challenges of pharmacy school is incredibly inspiring. It reminds me of my own journey through a demanding academic program where resilience and the support of loved ones played a crucial role. Balancing coursework with unexpected hurdles truly tests one’s determination. Your ability to persevere despite these obstacles is a testament to your strength and commitment.
Thank you for sharing your experiences so candidly—it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and support networks. Keep inspiring others with your journey!
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your own experiences with us. It warms my heart to hear that the story I published resonated with your own academic journey. It’s a testament to the universal nature of challenges and the shared human spirit of resilience.
Your recognition of the importance of perseverance and support networks echoes the very themes that the story aims to highlight. We believe that these are crucial elements not just in academic pursuits but in all of life’s endeavors.
I’m so glad that this story could serve as a reminder and a source of inspiration for you. I’ll be sure to pass along your encouraging message to the author, as I know it will mean a great deal to them. Thank you again for your thoughtful comment and for being a part of this community.
I just read about your struggles to study pharmacy, and I found it both inspiring and relatable. It took me through the highs and lows of their journey, from grappling with dense subjects like pharmacokinetics to facing the relentless pressure of exams.
What really resonated with me was how vividly you described the mental and emotional rollercoaster, especially the moments of self-doubt and exhaustion. There were times when I thought about quitting, and this is why, I could see myself in your shoes, questioning if all the stress and sleepless nights were worth it.
But what struck me the most was your resilience. Despite failing and feeling isolated, you pushed through, largely thanks to the encouragement from people. Each small victory, like passing a tough test or understanding a difficult concept, felt like a win for all of us who’ve been there.
This article didn’t just gloss over the struggles—it showed the grit required to succeed. It’s a reminder that perseverance, even in the face of overwhelming odds, can lead to success. Reading this made me reflect on my own challenges and inspired me to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get.
Hi Ali,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and connecting so deeply with this story. It means the world to the author and me that their experiences resonated with you on such a personal level.
I’m truly touched that you found their journey both inspiring and relatable. It’s their hope that by sharing the raw and honest truth of their struggles, others might find solace and encouragement in knowing they’re not alone.
The path to success, in pharmacy or any field, is rarely a straight line. There will always be setbacks and moments of doubt. But as you so beautifully put it, it’s the resilience and unwavering support from those around us that ultimately propel us forward.
Your words remind me why I chose to publish this story in the first place – to offer a beacon of hope to others who may be navigating similar challenges. It warms our hearts to know that the author’s experiences have ignited a spark within you to persevere and keep pushing towards your own goals.
I’m truly grateful for your kind words and encouragement. Please know that your message has made a lasting impact on us, and we wish you all the best in your own endeavors.
Test comment
Hello, I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed reading your post. It is interesting how facing fears can lead to personal growth and self discovery.
Although I do not feel like I have any fears holding me back (at least not that I’m aware of), I can totally see how this approach can be beneficial.
Do you have any tips for someone who might not be fully aware of their fears but wants to explore this path of self discovery?
Thanks and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Chris
Hi Chris,
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful question! The Life Upside View team is thrilled you found the post relatable, even if you don’t currently feel held back by any specific fears. It’s wonderful that you’re open to exploring this path of self-discovery.
While you might not have any obvious fears right now, there may be subtle ones lurking beneath the surface. Here are a few tips to help you gently uncover them:
Reflect on your comfort zones: What are the things you avoid or situations that make you feel uneasy? Sometimes, our fears disguise themselves as discomfort or avoidance.Notice your reactions: Pay attention to your physical and emotional responses. Does your heart race, do you get butterflies in your stomach, or do you feel a sense of dread in certain situations? These could be clues to underlying fears.Dig deeper into your emotions: What are the emotions that frequently come up for you? Are there patterns of sadness, anger, or frustration that might be rooted in fear?Journal your thoughts: Writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery. Try freewriting about your dreams, goals, and the obstacles you perceive. Hidden fears may surface as you explore these topics.Talk to a trusted friend or mentor: Sometimes, an outside perspective can help us see things we miss. Share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust, and see if they have any insights to offer.
Remember, this is a journey of self-exploration. Be patient and kind to yourself. Don’t judge yourself for any fears you uncover; instead, see them as opportunities for growth and transformation.
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or want to share your discoveries along the way!
You can send an email anytime to truelifestories@lifeupsideview.com or ernest@lifeupsideview.com and we will be happy to answer you as fast and as well as possible.
Cheers!
Ernest for Life Upside View Team
Hello,
Yours is truly a beautiful, imaginative website. I now have three businesses but there was a time where I was at rock bottom and through some amazing individuals and through a great deal of prayer, I am now doing well and feeling good about myself.
But, the damage I had done to myself was severe enough that it did take years for me to get back on my feet. And believe me, a great deal of this time was not any fun at all.
Thank you for your wonderful site and what it means to people. I am hoping that people who visit your site will realize that there is hope even in the darkest of time.
Thank you,
Mike Powers
Cabin Living Today
Dear Mike Powers,
Thank you so much for your heartwarming message and for taking the time to share your own journey with us. Your words truly touched my heart.
I’m incredibly grateful that you find this website imaginative and meaningful. It means the world to me that it resonates with people like you who have faced adversity and emerged stronger on the other side.
Your story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Your resilience and determination in rebuilding your life and finding success are truly inspiring. It takes immense courage and strength to overcome challenges and setbacks, and you are a shining example of what is possible with perseverance and faith.
I’m so glad you’re doing well now and feeling good about yourself. It’s a proof and a clear echo of your unwavering spirit and the support you received from others along the way. Your journey is a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling, reminding them that they are not alone and that brighter days are ahead.
Thank you again for your kind words and for sharing your story. It’s an honor to have you as a visitor to this website. I sincerely hope that others who come here will find the same inspiration and encouragement that you have.
Warmest regards,
Ernest Nwachukwu
Hello!
This is a truly inspiring story. I love how it
Hi Hauwa,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you found the story inspiring. It’s a testament to the fact that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, we can overcome them with perseverance, faith, and the support of loved ones.