► Early Years  

I had always enjoyed maths and sciences from an early age.  I always wanted to be a nurse or a doctor and work in the healthcare service.
I did well in all subjects especially chemistry, maths and art.  English was not my favourite subject and was usually just above average.

► Year 9 Choices  

For my year 9 choices I only had 3 subjects that I could choose as options.
Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, English Literature and English Language, French and PE were all compulsory.  
I could choose an option in Technology so I chose Food Technology along with History and Art as they had always interested me.

► Year 11 Choices  

I decided that I would do my ‘A’ Levels at a College instead of 6th form as I felt it was time to move on from school.
I chose to take science subjects as I was still interested in health care as a career.  By this time I was looking at Pharmacy and would need three science subjects to apply for the University Course.  I chose to do Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Science.

► Choosing University  

I applied for courses at local universities as I thought that I would be able to afford university better if I was living at home.  Also, I had a weekend job in a local pharmacy that was very supportive, and was promised summer work which I thought would help with my studies.
I applied for Pharmacy and also Pharmacology at Sunderland Uni, Pharmacology at Newcastle as well as Forensics at Teesside.
I had a look at the universities on open days and felt that Sunderland would suit me best.

► The Results  

When it came to getting my A Level results I was very nervous as I didn’t feel that I had done the best I could, and when I received my results – I was right!
I had not got the grades that I needed to get into Pharmacy.
I felt devastated.
But after speaking to some of my tutors at College they encouraged me to phone the University.  I was surprised to find that although my grades were not what they should have been they were happy to accept me on the course explaining that they had been very impressed with my personal statement on my UCAS application form.

► At University  

I soon settled into University and made good friends there.
I do regret not staying at university from the beginning but did sample living away from home in my last year!

My course was four years in total.  While studying I kept my weekend job in the community pharmacy for 2 years and then worked weekends in a Hospital Pharmacy Department for my last 2 years.  I also did various work placements in other hospitals over summer holidays. 

Working while studying at Uni helped me with my course as it gave me a greater understanding of pharmacy both in the community and in hospital pharmacy.
The course at Sunderland was great for those who wanted to work in community pharmacy.  However, it was not geared so much toward hospital pharmacy and so I found my experience of summer work in hospitals invaluable as well as giving me more confidence in the communication modules that we did.

► Pre Registration Year  

To qualify to practice as a pharmacist I had to do a pre-registration year which is essentially a training year that gives you on the job experience.  I completed my pre-reg at Sunderland Hospital and I would personally recommend you spend this year in a hospital as you gain a wider range of experience.

In your pre-reg year you have to do a portfolio and collect evidence to meet set standards.  At the end of this year you have to sit an exam.

► Work  

After completing my pre-reg year, Sunderland Hospital offered me a job as a Clinical Pharmacist which I accepted. 
Although I enjoyed working there very much and made lots of friends, I decided it was time to move on.  I said my goodbyes to both Sunderland Hospital and hospital pharmacy and spent some time working in community pharmacy.

I then saw an advert for a job in industry – new territory!
Although I did not think I had the right experience I applied anyway for a job as a ‘specials pharmacist’.  To my surprise I got the job and have now been working for Quantum Specials for just over a year.
I have already been promoted to Senior QA Pharmacist and have had the opportunity to work in Ireland for a number of weeks on the Companies behalf and I am also doing further study funded by the Company.

At 25 I feel privileged to have come so far and to be earning the kind of salary that I am.  However, you also have to accept great responsibility and be willing to study and work hard.