When many people think of a pharmacist, they imagine the person who stands behind the counter of your local drug store and fills out your prescription. Now, high school students will be able to experience firsthand how pharmacy and various others health and research careers really operate.
The College of Pharmacy will hold a three-day camp June 24 through 27 for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing pharmacy professionally. More than 30 current UH pharmacy students will volunteer their time to act as camp counselors for the students.
“I think it speaks volumes to the nature of our students,” camp coordinator and pharmacy adviser Nekesa Sapp said. “Not only are they high-achieving, very motivated students, but their eagerness to promote the profession of pharmacy shows they are leaders as well.”
After attending the camp last year and being able to meet professors and successful individuals in the field, pre-pharmacy freshman Lauren Le is acting as a camp counselor this year.
“I wanted to be part of UH Pharmacy Camp this summer because it has given me such wonderful experiences and opportunities,” Le said. “I want to be able to contribute to this wonderful program.”
The opportunity to be able to participate in this camp helps give students various insights into the field of pharmacy and gives them a better understanding of what pharmacists really do.
“Having the chance to speak with actual pharmacists regarding their experience [was] much more effective in gathering information about this career,” Le said. “I hope [students] walk away with a better understanding of a pharmacist job, which is much more than what most people see at their grocery stores and neighborhood pharmacies.”