Where did you go to pharmacy school?
I went to school in Canada at the University of Alberta. There was a pre-pharmacy program at the school I was attending so I did not have to attend an undergraduate university.

What made you want to become a pharmacist?
I was attracted to the knowledge about the medical profession. It is also easy for family members. There is also the stability as well as the flexibility of the job. You can work part time or full time.

Why did you decide to go into retail pharmacy?
It wasn' t by choice. If I could, I would like to work in a hospital. I ' m not from the United States so I can ' t work at the hospital. I would definitely like to try, though

What do you like the most about working in a pharmacy?
In some professions, when a person leaves their job there is still some unfinished business to attend to. That ' s not the case with pharmacy. You don ' t take your work home. You have a clear mind when you go home.

What do you dislike? 
It ' s changing. In the early stages, the work was very routine. It was repetitive. Now, the days are sometimes very hectic. There are times when I get irritated. There are a lot of customers to serve and not a lot of time.

What would you say is the most challenging part about your job?
The most challenging part of my job is working closely with people in a limited amount of space. In this setting there are different people with different personalities. If there is a personality conflict between customers or even between co-workers you don ' t have your own space. It ' s very difficult.

Can you say a few things on what it takes to be a pharmacist?
A pharmacist should be someone who is interested in the general health of the people such as nutrition and diet, not only drugs. Disease — I have a big interest in all of that. You have to constantly be updated in this field. In a retail setting, you need to be comfortable being assertive. If you ' re shy, the customers may push you around. That takes time; it can be learned. A pharmacist should also be consistent.

Consistent?  
Since the work is repetitive, you have to keep up with the demands even if you want to take a break. You ' re on a rigid schedule, so be on time. You should also be able to deal with people, otherwise it ' ll be very difficult. If you get tired of talking to people, that ' s not good.

What is your most vivid memory you have of your time as a retail pharmacist?
You have a lot of funny customers. I don ' t know if I should tell you. You meet all kinds of people you don ' t expect to meet. What they think, the things they say.

Do you have any words of wisdom for pre-pharmacy students?
Wow. When I was 15 or 16 I used to have a book of wisdom. Be able to work with everybody — patients and co-workers. You have to deal with various states of mental awareness. You have to be able to forget it right away. There are so many incidences in one day. You have to be able to bounce back from unpleasant moments. Breaks, times of relaxation and to talk to colleagues — these are rare.