Last Day as a Pharmacy Student's Preceptor

Dear Diary,

Came back from an introductory talk on a particular postgraduate course. The turnout at this particular talk session was surprisingly small but it was informative nonetheless. Apparently, the school will be triple-accredited in the near future as a testimony of its standards. For a moment, I was wondering if I could graduate from this course if I take it. Hmmm… then again, how can I doubt my ability? Haha… I should have more confidence in myself! Maybe should even strive for a distinction in that degree? Haha… just joking. =P However, I realise that it will be great if I can get a companion to take this course with me. I could really do with some moral support along the way when the going gets tough. We will see. =) See if I can cope with my new job first in slightly over a month’s time.

I wonder if I have been subconsciously marketing myself too well all this while… I meant… I am actually very ordinary. Unique in God’s eyes I am sure, but not like some brilliant guy. Frankly, I don’t know how I became a class rep as a pharmacy student. Then became the youngest (in terms of job experience) senior pharmacist ever in history and even in the foreseeable future. It is really glory to God alone. I just happen to be at the right place at the right time, doing the right stuff. Even I am puzzled how my plans could fall apart only for some unexpected better outcomes to emerge. My student told me today that many students currently in pharmacy school know me! Not by sight, just by name. And they think I am capable. Woah… that’s good! How do they know though? Keke…

Then there were emails in rival pharmacies “announcing the resignation of a ‘high-ranking’ pharmacist in my company”. Since when I am “high-ranking”? Haha… Then some said I am set to join a rival pharmacy and bring up their business… Geeshhh… How interesting to hear how things are propagated and exaggerated. If only I was that powerful and capable! Hee… The locum who took over the duty from me this evening told me that the whole world knew I resigned. It just showed how incredible the word of mouth is.

Twenty centuries ago, Christ the Messiah died and rose again. His apostles and disciples spread the Gospel by word of mouth and as Saint Paul puts it in the letter to the Thessalonians, “Stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, either by word of mouth or letter.” (2 Thess. 2:15) Thank God that unlike the propagations of rumours and information in our daily lives, we can be assured that God preserves the teachings of Christ Jesus unchanged through the ages. For Christ said, “He who hears you (the apostles), hears me.” (Lk 10:16) It still baffles me how Christianity has become “relative” when it should be “absolute”. I don’t know what sort of a Protestant I am now, but I believe in an existence of an absolute body of apostolic truths which is transmitted down the centuries for the Church and ultimately the salvation of mankind.

Anyway, worked at Toa Payoh branch today. It is the last day of preceptorship for my student. She made for me this giant card with even a picture of Charlie Brown… haha… cool! Although a couple of careless cancellations (strike-offs) kinda marred the card a little (hee… you know how slack my student is now huh, haha…), I think she wrote a very beautiful thank-you letter in that card! Six weeks have come and gone… I am so glad that she found joy, hope and direction in this internship. Thank God that despite the difficult beginning, this last student I am taking as a preceptor left the attachment smiling. I have made it! ;-) Gave her a treat at Pasta Mania for lunch.

As I look forward to my new job, I am starting to feel what many had felt. Months back, many pharmacists told me that they enjoyed their work when they were serving out their “notice period” after their resignations. Now I feel so too! I smile more and my heart is cheery when I interact with patients. Cracking occasional jokes and brightening up their lives... Maybe it is because all the pressure to perform is gone with that resignation. I no longer expect any reward except the joy from serving others. The world can really beautiful if we just take one step out of our self-imposed expectations. Things may not be as complicated or demanding as we make out to be. My two years’ of working life have taught me so much. That’s about all that separates me from the students in the university. I still feel very young, okay? Haha… =P

God Bless,

Andrew