I am Khoo Jia Xin from the BP118 cohort of the BPharm (Hons) programme who successfully graduated with my degree on 5 November 2022. Hailing from Penang, coming to IMU to pursue a degree in pharmacy has been by far the largest step I’ve taken out of my comfort zone, metaphorically and literally.
My first two years at IMU were eventful as I built new relationships and involved myself in various activities. Coming in as a fresh pharmacy student, it was eye-opening for me to see the myriad of opportunities available for me to actively participate in activities outside of the classroom. Soon after, I would not have thought that I would be spending more than a year of my studies solely through online classes and sessions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Somehow, the time spent online went by like a breeze.
However, I am grateful that my classmates and I were able to return to the university in our 4th year to conduct our research and to undergo our community and clinical attachment. These experiences have been valuable as they gave me more exposure to the work settings that I potentially see myself in.
Despite the restrictions on physical social interactions, I also managed to participate in pharmacy-related competitions organised by our very own IMU Pharmacy Student Association as well as competitions held by the Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association. Throughout my time at IMU, I am thankful to the dedicated lecturers and my supportive peers. I have also enjoyed forming connections with people whom I’ve met through my involvement in various extracurricular activities.
I am currently working as a Provisionally Registered Pharmacist (PRP) at Hospital Putrajaya. As a PRP, by rotation, I would get the chance to be exposed to the different pharmacy departments available in a hospital. Starting as a PRP has been challenging because it was a huge transition from being a student to entering working life. However, I count my blessings every day and think about how the challenges I faced are stepping stones to developing a better me, a better pharmacist.
I like living in the present and taking things one step at a time. When I was in my degree, the furthest plan I had for myself was starting my PRP training in the setting of my choice. Now that I have started, I hope that I will be able to complete my PRP journey smoothly.
For all the newcomers to this field, I hope you find your vocation to be a pharmacist in the setting you wish to be in. You may feel lost or uncertain, but you will be sure to find growth amidst the process of reaching your goals. I shall part with you a piece of advice close to my heart, given by a true friend in the midst of my struggles, “Don’t let others define what success means to you. Your progress still counts even if it is only visible to you.”
During her convocation on 5 November 2022, Jia Xin was awarded the Book Prize for Research which was sponsored by Kotra Pharma (M) Sdn Bhd.
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