Tell us about your PATY experience?
PATY has been a wonderful experience so far. Everyone that has been involved has been really supportive. I have already gained so much knowledge and insight into pharmacy.
What was the workshop day like?
The workshop was an experience in itself. I was the youngest person there and I was overwhelmed with the wealth of knowledge amongst all the finalists. It was great to get that insight into pharmacy, particularly pharmacy in ACT. It was great to talk with some of the pharmacy assistants who have been working in pharmacy for ten or twenty years, and hear how the industry has changed and developed. Pharmacy is constantly changing and evolving.
Would you encourage others to participate in PATY in the future? Why?
Generally PATY really expands your knowledge of pharmacy. I didn’t know what to expect when I was first nominated, so I wanted to keep an open mind. It’s also very special to be recognised and I was very honoured of course. What I have learnt so far has been invaluable, and everyone was incredibly supportive. It’s really nice to just share stories with each other and learn from everyone’s experiences in pharmacy.
How did you get started in pharmacy?
I’ve been in pharmacy for four years now. I started in a casual position while I was in high school. After year 12, I started working full time and I’ve really learnt so much in that time. I look forward to my future in pharmacy.
You’ve been in pharmacy for a while, how has your interest evolved over that time?
My interests are still quite general, but there are a lot of avenues I’d like to explore. I often help out my manager from time to time. I think my product knowledge is really good, and it’s something I’m very proud of. I was very shy and I was always so worried I wouldn’t have an answer for customers, but now I’m very confident in myself. I help with training some of our new casuals and I try to set a really good example for them.
Do you have a favourite area in pharmacy?
I’m really interested in vitamins and more natural health solutions. Our retail manager is a dietitian, so I’m always picking her brain about vitamins and natural supplements, so it’s definitely something I’m really keen to explore more.
What qualifications have you gained and how important is training to you?
I’m currently doing my Diploma of beauty therapy which I will complete next year. I would of course love to continue my knowledge, education and training in pharmacy after I finish my Diploma.
I would also love to learn another language. I have a particular interest in sign language. We have a customer who comes in regularly and she is deaf, so it would be amazing to be able to talk with her in sign language.
Can you share a favourite story from your time in pharmacy?
Our regular customers make everything worthwhile. We had a couple who were new to our pharmacy and they had such a great experience, they have been coming back to us ever since! They always come in and give us chocolates or around Christmas they always bring us lovely baked treats. I just really love the loyalty we experience in pharmacy.
Our customers really put their trust in us, and we really try to maintain a good relationship with every customer that walks through the door.
What do you do in your spare time?
When I’m not working or studying, I am baking. There are always some kind of cupcakes, or cake in our tea room. Baking is great stress relief for me, it’s a nice way to wind down!
What inspires you?
Our staff really inspire me. We’re like a family here and everyone is really supportive. They inspire me to continue to learn, and be a better me.