8 questions with a future pharmacist
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| Submitted photo/ Kamrey McNutt |
After high school graduation, McNutt plans on attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City where she will major in pharmacy.
Q: How did you hear about the St. Louis of College Pharmacy program?A: I heard about the St. Louis College of Pharmacy/Explorers Program via my high school counselor, Mrs. Deane Thomas. She informed many students that this was a great program and insisted we apply for it if we intend to pursue pharmacy.
Q: What inspired the idea that you would like to be a pharmacist one day?
A: Honestly, just knowing that I can positively help those in need and be able to make a difference in the lives of others inspired my idea of becoming a pharmacist.
Q: What did you enjoy learning the most at pharmacy camp?
A: Learning how to read prescriptions is what I enjoyed the most at pharmacy camp. I found it very interesting, especially when the handwriting on the prescription is really bad.
Q: What was the experience like working at Walgreens? How did you feel it prepared you for your life as an adult?
A: Working at Walgreens was a very good experience for me. This was a stepping stone towards my future career as a pharmacist. Being able to learn hands-on, being able to fill prescriptions and being able to enter prescriptions into the computer system were the positives working at Walgreens. There weren't really any negatives. I can say standing on my feet for long periods of time and having to count out large amounts of pills wasn't that great.
Q: What was the most difficult situation you were faced with while working at Walgreens and how did you overcome the challenge?
A: The most difficult situation I was faced with while working at Walgreens was the responsibility of calling doctors and making sure that their patients were capable of getting refills. This was challenging because I was afraid of saying the wrong thing or not leaving all the information that they needed on their answering machines, or pronouncing the drug incorrectly when they ask for the drug name. However, I overcame this by taking a deep breath before each call, saying to myself that I can do this, and being confident in myself.
Q: Tell me about your eight-week internship at a law firm last summer.
A: My eight-week internship at Sonnenschien Nath & Rosenthal LLP was none the less an unforgettable experience. I am really grateful that I had the opportunity to work in a law firm at age 16. I learned that there is much more to the field of law than what television shows such as "Law & Order" portray. The importance of studying and the importance of thorough research are two very valuable lessons I learned while working at the law firm. However, I am convinced now that I do not want to become an attorney. I just couldn't imagine spending long days in an office where there is no noise, doing nothing but extensive research. Even though lawyers spend some time in a court room, they spend a lot of time in an office and there is just not enough public interaction for me.
Q: How do you believe that different camps and internship opportunities have helped shape your future career path and career choices?
A: Most important the different camps and internship opportunities have helped me make the vital decision of what career I want to pursue in life, along with helping me conclude what careers are really not for me. The camps and internships give me the opportunity to really see what I would be getting myself into. I am able to do things hands-on, learn a little more and see beyond the perspectives of television and other people. For example, interning at a law firm last summer helped me see that I truly don't want a career in law. While in contrast interning in a Walgreens pharmacy lead me to my decision that I want to become a pharmacist.
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: My mother is my role model simply because she works extra hard at everything she does. My mom has instilled in me the importance of working hard, putting forth a lot of effort and going hard for whatever it is I want. She is a strong woman who has given me confidence and who inspires me in every way possible.
