Ball of a time...

We had our annual Sigma Pharmacy Ball last Saturday, my first and last Pharmacy Ball since I will be graduating at the end of the year. The theme of the ball was mafia and we were encouraged to dress up for the event. I went shopping for a shirt for the night a few days before and got a tie the day after. Guess the colour? Pink...

It was good though. Many commented that I looked good in pink. It was a light shade so in many photos it seemed as though I was wearing white. Anyways, many dressed up to the theme although I felt that many didn't really understand mafia. Mafia originates from Sicily and most of their activities are well portrayed in the 1972 movie The Godfather (one of my all time favourites). Although mafia are an organisation of so-called gangsters, they are not the typical Triad, Yakuza or bad boy in the hood. Mafia is unique and doesn't apply to all gangsters. Thus, the most important thing would be the tie or bow tie as an integral part of the costume. Many still think it's "cool" not to wear a tie but honestly, a formal event should not permit those without ties. Call me old fashioned but it's just manners. Also, many guys loved the "rose in breast pocket" gig. The reason Don Corleone and others wore the rose/flower was because it was a corsage for his daughter's wedding! Don't think many realised that though. Doesn't matter, I was considering a rose as well.

Enough rambling. The night began well enough with the usual speeches. We had a small goodie bag (composing of some lollies, various creams and a condom among others) on each of our places on the table as well as some facial stuff. The highlight of the evening was a photo slideshow taken over the year as a tribute to all 4th years. The memorable moments included pubcrawls, barbies and the quiz night. The ending scene with a classmate whose drunken antics filmed in 1st year were compared to this year's was classic. We also had a "Pharmacy Song" done by three fellow 4th years (2 on vocals and one on guitar) that made fun of our 4 years in the program.

A very enjoyable night I must say. There were also award presentations for each year. I was awarded with the only 4th year award, the title of which was something like "Most likely to get kicked out and most likely not to be a Pharmacist". I asked one of the masterminds behind the award and was told it was because of my involvement in politics. Yeah, very funny guys. I must admit that the prize was fantastic though. So not complaining!

I must say I was rather surprised to be acknowledged for my work in the Students Association in our 4th year rep's report. I didn't directly contribute in my role towards Pharmacy so it was a nice gesture in recognition of my contribution to the student population as a whole.

The prize was a hamper filled with goodies. Among the items were a mug, vitamins, an electic toothbrush, 2 shirts (XL and XXL size), shaving cream, shampoo and conditioner, digital thermometer, bandage and a bottle of wine. At least some of the items are going to be useful!

I thoroughly enjoyed the night. It was nice to see everyone dressed up nicely and a great way to end university life. My company was fantastic as well. Too bad not everyone went for the ball. We're back in class on Tuesday for the first time since April and I can't wait to see everyone again.

It all falls into place...

My almost month-long absence from blogging has been due to my equally month-long clinical placement in a pharmacy to the South. Needless to say I have been tired when I get back from work and don't have the mood to blog as I prefer to spend my time enjoying myself over the weekends. The location of the placement was about a 50 minute train ride from where I stay and it takes me approximately 2 hours in total to travel to and fro. My pharmacy is a 10 minute walk to the beach and was a very nice area to work in. Despite that, I felt that I laboured through this location and did not enjoy it as much as my previous placement.

Why you may ask? I had good preceptors and good staff. However, the setting of the pharmacy was such that I felt very restricted in going about with my activities. I felt as though I did not have enough freedom for some reason. Perhaps it's because of the many processes that needed to be followed in this pharmacy.

I mentioned before that I have been applying for jobs and been invited to interviews. The first job I applied for was with an established and large pharmacy chain that had a strong base in South Australia and Victoria. Indeed, it was one of the most well-known pharmacy brands in Australia. Suffice to say that I really wanted the job. After going through an interview and a vocational assessment and waiting for almost 2 months, I knew that my chance for employment had more or less vanished. I was informed later after making a call that I was not successful in my application for a position. When I heard the news though, I wasn't disappointed at all.

It happens that my placement over the previous month was in one of the branches of this large pharmacy chain. As I mentioned before, I felt that I did not really enjoy myself in the environment. In addition, I realised that the company did not value its employees as much as I would have expected. Word around already is that the pay is low unless you are at the top (positions which would normally be held by those approaching retirement). It so happened as well that while working there, "water-cooler" conversations made me realise that I would definitely not enjoy working there. As you would have gathered, I am more of a leader than a follower and strongly believe that my capabilities should be rewarded if they prove to be above expectations. For this company (and many others) however, it would seem that capabilities and potential are not recognised as much as personal circumstance. It's a pity really.

I had to go through a total of 7 interviews before receiving an offer. I accepted the offer on the spot. Why you may ask? First of all, it wasn't because I felt that I should jump at the first opportunity. On the contrary, I initially had reservations about this particular pharmacy. Nevertheless, this pharmacy proved to be different. They gave a tremendous first impression of professionalism, something a majority of jobs I applied for lack. After further research into the pharmacy, I received rave reviews from those with experience in the pharmacy industry. Most important of all, they made me feel wanted. During my interview, the employer went at length to find out more about my personality and interests. The employer (who was a notable member in the pharmacy industry) then personally took me to visit his pharmacy. When the call came, the employer made me feel that he was excited to have me working side-by-side with him next year. This is in complete contrast to other companies that make you feel that you should be greatful to them for giving you a job. He made me feel that he was honoured to have me working with him. While I made a decision beforehand to accept the offer if I received it based on my preliminary research (which indicated that I would actually learn more and get to fully nurture my capabilities), his enthusiasm at offering me the job made accepting it all the more easier. I must say, this has been the most professional pharmacy I have dealt with in my job hunt and the only one to truly recognise my capabilities and potential. At the same time, it is the only one which has dispelled my doubts about whether I would enjoy working with them.

As the title says, all things fall into place. If I had received the first job offer and taken it, I would probably be regretting the decision or find myself being de-skilled over the years. It seems that God helped me by not letting me receive an offer until it came to this pharmacy. I could not be more thankful as once again He proves to me that he answers my prayers in the best way possible.

Well, now I'll need to start rejecting offers and declining interviews since I have accepted a job offer. I must say that for once, I can't wait to start work for next year in this exciting pharmacy!