Six years. Six whole years.
A day of smiles, laughter and celebration, which does not begin to sum up the cocktail of emotions felt through the toils and struggles of the grueling task that is Pharmacy school. But it is on this da that the outpouring of emotions is expressed the most. The anticipation in the build-up to the very special day? More like a cup final- because, let’s be honest, a graduation is a world cup. The task to get there is extremely daunting.

A journey which began in 2017, and has finally been brought to a successful end. Not without the tears, the sleepless nights, the disappointments and heartaches, the leaps of faith and the victory in progress, the lingering and pondering questions in the mind…Can we really make it? Will we really make it?

But they did- in quite unprecedented fashion. Rx ’23, congratulations, are certainly in order.The days of lab reports, lab quizzes, presentations and experiential training are long over- it’s time to boss it out in the real world, not before a hearty farewell, personified as a graduation.

Selecting the perfect dress to wear, the perfect suit, the right shoes, the wigs, the haircuts, the perfume… all in anticipation for a very special day. The time for the make-up artiste to show up has to be regurgitated- because disappointment is not allowed a seat on this special day. Everything has to be perfect for the photoshoot, a chance to picture those beautiful and handsome frames that have been battered and bruised for the last six years.

Six years? It was a battle- a war, even. World War Two lasted six years. The graduates would tell you that six years in Pharmacy school was the equivalent. Like the soldiers from the war, their journeys would be at the back of their minds as they travailed to the venue which would climax their lives in university: The Great Hall.

Weather check? The graduates were no Elijah, but the prayers they would have said in order to have the best weather on their special day would be nothing short of voluminous. Indeed, their prayers were answered- a bright day for bright minds with a bright future, culminating with bright smiles for the cameras.

Now the time for due diligence: the anxious wait as addresses is made, and speeches, as well as motivational quotes to rile up emotions and keep our graduates honest. The bearers of these words, standing at the lecterns addressing the graduates, had been in the same position years prior, and were the emblem of wisdom and experience transcending down to the next go-getters in life. Humility, service, hard work… amongst the myriad of attributes our graduates were ascribed to follow, just like a pharmacist counselling a patient- in this instance, not to get better health wise, but to get better life wise.

A day of celebration and accomplishment, of reflection and gratitude, over the entire course of their study, they faced several challenges, triumphs and all the nooks and crannies in-between. They learned valuable lessons, not only the academic lessons from slides and lectures, but also life lessons, forged everlasting friendships, and shared experiences.

As an anonymous person said, ‘Graduation is not the finish line; but a stepping stone to the next phase of life, and the sunrise to new opportunities and experiences’. The graduates watch on with beaming smiles as the main event, the moment they have been eagerly waiting for since they stepped onto the premises of Pharmacy school was upon them.

Dawning their beautiful graduation gowns and sashes, the gallant victors of the perilous task of surmounting the challenge of Pharmacy, lined-up, one-by-one, responding to their monikers and stepping onto the stage, receiving the full proof evidence of their rewards for hard work and diligence. Family would certainly be watching on, cheering their wards on from the side-lines, or jeers and catcalls from course mates.

The emotion that instantly washes across every single person? Relief and victory. The ‘we’ve made it thus far’ feeling. The excitement and the nostalgia soon follow. The ‘Dr.’ has now been properly been etched. The white flag has been raised; the battle has been won!

The memories flood back, some shed tears as they walk briskly towards their seats. The first hurdle has been surmounted, but so many more are yet to be overcome. Now they are designated amicus humani generis. Now it is time to be a friend of the human race.

Congratulations, Rx’23!