First Year Worst Year Part 3
Updated: May 19
Finally made it to the end! I just wanted to end this series with a little bit of information on places I've grown in and what I'm looking forward to over the next year.
Professional Growth: Research and Collaboration
I mentioned earlier in part 1 that I loved going to conferences and meeting new people.
Collaborating with both internal and external colleagues was a significant aspect of my professional development this year. This year, I focused on completing ongoing research projects and publishing the manuscripts, successfully publishing 4 out of 5 manuscripts. I got to work on a research with new colleagues from Texas to publish a paper on Racial Harm in healthcare. Attending conferences to present my research and learn more about academic pharmacy was also an enriching experience. I had done it as a student but its different as a full on pharmacist and faculty member. You learn so much to bring back to the classroom and to your practice. It reminds me that learning is an ongoing journey, there's always room for growth, and there are very creative solutions to problems we all face. But the greatest thing I learned this year was that you can do a little too much traveling, March and April were exhausting months.
Looking Ahead: Goals for the Next Year
As I look forward to the next year, my primary goal is to be more confident in my teaching skills and improve my classroom presence. I plan to be more thorough in my research on the topics I teach, particularly in the therapeutics modules. Providing students with a valuable learning experience without second-guessing my methods is a priority. Additionally, I aim to get more actively involved on campus as a faculty member and connect with colleagues from other colleges. I know we are such a small community and it takes interdisciplinary work to make the college run successfully.
Final Thoughts
This first year as a faculty member has been a whirlwind of highs and lows, challenges and successes. It's been a journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery and I’m glad that I took the leap of faith to shift careers. I hope you also remember that it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately. You have your whole life to work, your purpose is simply being where you are making an impact with the time and space you have. Celebrate your achievements. Even if not formally recognized celebrate progress and improvement that you experience. Seek support when needed, your new colleagues and coworkers are well aware that you are new and no one expects you to know everything. Finally trust in your abilities, you wouldn't have gotten hired, awarded or accepted if they didn't think you could do the job or weren't worthy. The path to success is paved with persistence, resilience, and a passion for learning.
Thank you for joining me on this reflective journey. Here's to another year of growth, learning, and making a difference in the world of pharmacy!
Keep Seeking
Click this link here for Part 1
Click this link here for Part 2
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