April 8, 2022
At the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, mentorship is a key element to student success. The School’s alumni and students have the opportunity to connect directly through the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy’s Alumni Mentorship Program, led by The Office of Organizational Diversity and Inclusion.
In this spotlight, we chat with Jasmine Perry, a fourth-year pharmacy student and incoming Pharmacy Quality Alliance Executive Fellow (Class of ‘22), and her mentor, LaQuoia Johnson, Pharm.D., Consultant Pharmacist (CDC foundation), Adjunct Faculty (Davidson-Davie Community College & Guilford Technical Community College), and CEO of Growing Through It, LLC. (Class of ‘09).
Learn more about their experience in the mentorship program:
Question: When did you begin the mentorship program and why did you want to participate?
Answer Jasmine: During my third year of pharmacy school, the Office of Organizational Diversity and Inclusion released a list of UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (ESOP) alumni to students of minority backgrounds. From its inception, I’ve loved the idea of creating a comprehensive list of black UNC ESOP alumni. I jumped at the idea to be involved based on the opportunity to learn from pharmacists who have similar lived experiences. Beyond the inherent value of seeing myself represented in these alumni, I joined the mentorship program to grow in my professional knowledge and solidify my post-graduation plans.
Answer LaQuoia: I think I began in the mentoring program in 2019. I agreed to participate because this was a program that did not exist when I was attending pharmacy school. It has always been my passion to provide other people with opportunities I had or wished I had that would have made a significant impact on my life. I didn’t meet anyone in the profession that looked like me and was willing to advise me on my path and tell the real truth about the challenges I might face.
Q: How often do you all meet?
Jasmine: Dr. Johnson and I have remained in touch despite the global pandemic. Both of us have busy schedules, but Dr. Johnson virtually checks in on me at least once every one to two months.
LaQuoia: Initially we met roughly every two weeks for a few months. Now we check-in occasionally and Jasmine knows she can reach out to me anytime she needs assistance or just an ear.
Q: Can you think of a moment where your mentor walked you through a difficult situation, or gave you advice you’ll always carry with you?
Jasmine: Since meeting over one year ago, Dr. Johnson has always poured positivity into all our interactions. During our initial meeting, she shared a piece of advice that sticks with me during difficult times in pharmacy. Dr. Johnson encouraged me to have confidence in my abilities to avoid anxiety associated with post-graduation planning. This advice has helped me in times where I face imposter syndrome in unfamiliar environments.
Q: Did the mentorship advance your career in any way? If so, how?
Jasmine: Dr. Johnson’s advice has helped to advance my career. Early on in our relationship, she expressed her thoughts about the benefits of post graduate training. Based on our conversations, I pursued an opportunity and was offered a position.
Q: What did you gain from the mentorship?
LaQuoia: It is always fulfilling to share my experiences with those stepping into the pharmaceutical industry. I could hear myself sometimes in Jasmine’s words when she talked, and I was able to provide her with the advice I wish someone had given me early into my career. I entered this profession because I wanted to help people and that desire extends beyond patient care. I believe it is my duty to pave the way for the next generation of pharmacy professionals and it was my time spent with Jasmine and other students I had the opportunity to mentor and coach that let me know there is still much work to do.
Q:What would you say to other students about the importance of finding a mentor?
Jasmine: We’ve all heard that pharmacy is a small world. The more I matriculate through the curriculum as ESOP, the more I find this to be true. Opportunities to advance one’s career and grow professionally are key benefits of establishing relationships with trusted mentors. Mentors can connect students with pharmacists and expose students to various areas of practice to introduce limitless possibilities.
LaQuoia: It is very important to take advantage of mentorship programs because it gives you the opportunity to explore various career paths, hear real world scenarios, gain practical advice from practicing pharmacists, and also avoid some of the pitfalls that could pigeonhole you into certain roles within the profession.
Q: Anything you would add?
LaQuoia: Always seek opportunities to grow. Don’t seek a mentor or coach that makes you feel good; look for a mentor or coach that challenges you to grow. Always be a student and doors of opportunity will open.
This mentoring initiative was piloted with the Office of Organizational Diversity and Inclusion. Stay tuned for more on these opportunities.
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