White Coat Ceremony

Today was the official White Coat Ceremony at Ohio Northern University (ONU) for the third year pharmacy majors.  This ceremony is where the P3 class comes together to commit to the profession of pharmacy.  We receive our white coats and take a pledge of professionalism during this time. 

The day begins with a breakfast with the students and their mentors. I did not have a mentor in mind for the ceremony, so ONU matched me with an alumni for the day.  Breakfast was a great time to talk to your mentor and hear them talk about their journey in the profession.  After breakfast, it was time for the ceremony.  During the ceremony, speeches were made and each student was called to the stage.  Once on stage, your mentor placed the white coat on you.  After the ceremony, it was time to spend the day celebrating with family and friends.

In addition, reaching this point in my education is a milestone.  The white coat symbolizes the professional phase of my education beginning at ONU.  I am almost halfway done with my doctorate degree and on my way to becoming a pharmacist.  Overall, I am looking forward to practicing in a growing profession and seeing where the future takes me.

Cup Controversy

Unless you have been living under a rock lately, you have seen and read about the news regarding Starbucks.  I am constantly seeing my Twitter and Facebook pages filled with posts and comments regarding the change of the holiday cups.  This year, Starbucks decided to use a red cup with only its logo on the side.  There are no snowflakes or snowmen, it’s simple.  Some individuals are saying the change in cup design is attacking the religion of Christianity.  In my opinion, that is just crazy.

Personally, I don’t see a problem with the red cups.  They are red, which fits into the Christmas season.  In addition, you just throw the cup away after you finish the coffee.  The previous cups weren’t really collectible and not much use once the day was over.  I find it amazing people are boycotting the company because of this little change.  It doesn’t change the taste of the coffee and it still has the holiday feeling.

Overall, the change in the design of the cup at Starbucks will not change my routine.  When I am at home, I typically stop by Starbucks on my way to work.  The employees are always friendly, and I love having my daily dose of coffee.  In addition, I am ready for the cup controversy to end.  It is a minor change to the holiday cups.

Ready to Relax

Well, I have hit the point in the semester where my list always gets longer but never seems to shorten.  Group projects, papers and exams are in full swing.  I don’t think I have one easy week the rest of the semester.  With two major exams this week and a project coming due, life is very stressful.  I am constantly looking at my calendar to see how much longer until Thanksgiving break.

Break can’t come soon enough.  Yes, I will be working at Giant Eagle during the week.  It’ll be good to work for a few days so I can catch up with my co-workers.  In addition, I am ready to spend some time in my own house surrounded by family and friends.  I want to be able to sleep in my own bed and pet my two kitties.  Also, I look forward to Black Friday shopping.  I have gone shopping on Black Friday for many years with my dad and will continue the tradition again this year.  I’m not sure what we are looking for quite yet, but I enjoy the crazy and hectic experience.

Overall, I think most college students are ready for a break no matter their major.  We need that time with our family before dreaded finals begin.  Even though this semester is not going quite how I planned, I have some great friends and family who have helped me through the rough patches.  I just have to remember to take one day at a time.  Thanksgiving break will be here very soon.