Pharmacy student and Student Senate President discovers abundant opportunities at ONU
Arin Wade wakes up each day at ONU knowing the smorgasbord of experiences she faces will be at once challenging, interesting and rewarding.
“I firmly believe that experiencing as much as possible, especially as a student, sculpts you into a better person and professional,” the fourth year pharmacy major says, adding that she participates in Student Senate, American Pharmacists Association, Ohio Pharmacists Association, Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists plus seven other organizations.
Arin’s favorite right now is Student Senate because “this governing body is full of the most fantastic, talented team of leaders. I have had the honor to be a part of Senate since I was a freshman and now lead them as elected president of the student body.”
Life’s already dealt Arin some tough stuff, including the opioid addiction of a close family member, which happened when Arin was in middle school. Not surprisingly, given her commitment to learning and growing, this experience led Arin to pharmacy as a major.
“It was a challenging and unanticipated period for my family and me, and I recall wondering how a drug could leave such an impact on a person's body, mentality and life,” she notes.
That question led her straight to ONU.
“The Raabe College of Pharmacy is unmatched. Our alumni are strong and engaged, and our stature within the field is phenomenal. I have made so many connections from this program: friends, mentors and an ongoing pool of pharmacy Polar Bears. For me, it was no contest to choose ONU Pharmacy,” she says.
Arin believes getting real world experience during college is essential, as well.
“I have been blessed to intern in retail, hospital, administrative and nuclear pharmacy throughout my years in the pharmacy program thus far,” she says. “Along the way, I was able to encounter people who were helping me pave my own path within the field. It also reaffirmed that a PharmD can open so many doors and that I truly selected a career that is as dimensional as I am.”
As an experienced cellist, the future pharmacist also appreciates being able to “participate in the symphony orchestra and praise and worship band without having to sacrifice any of my relevant other organizations.”
Arin appreciates the memories and friends she is making and feels fortunate to be where she is. “I am proud of our community, high-achieving students and diversity in programs,” she says. “I am proud to be a Polar Bear.”