¶ … interpersonal and communication skills are two of the essential characteristics of any compassionate pharmacist. A pharmacist is not a mere dispense of medication. He or she is a scientist by training, but part of his or her job is to enable the layperson to understand how to administer medication correctly, with the correct dosage, at the correct time. A vigilant pharmacist checks and double-checks the patient's prescribed list of drugs, for contraindications, reminds the patient which drugs are not to be taken with alcohol or before driving, and can calm down a worried mother or a confused elderly person, so the individual can listen clearly to advice.

I know the importance of communication all too well, because of my own past. I came to Iran after graduating as the valedictorian of my high school. However, because of the challenging courses in college I took my freshman year to prepare myself for my desired career in pharmacy, I struggled. I had yet to become fluent in English, much as I loved the subject matter. My grades initially suffered, but I persevered. As the eldest child in the family, I wished to show a shining example of success to my younger brothers and sisters.

After freshman year, through perseverance, passion, and dedication, I made the Dean's list. I now excel in my graduate level classes in my master's program in pharmacy, alongside my freshman year classmates. My courses are rigorous, but the challenge feels easy to me, because of my fluency. However, I have not forgotten the difficulties I experienced in adjusting to a new life. My own struggles have fostered patience and compassion within me. Just as I refused to be daunted when I first came to this country, I will bring the same zeal to teaching the sick how to treat themselves with the medicines they have been prescribed.