“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,” said Pharmacy Technician student Alexandrea Hutchinison, quoting her favorite author, Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Hutchinson advice was offered to her 12 classmates who took part in the White Coat and Pinning Ceremony for Pharmacy Technician students at the San Diego Job Corps Center on June 8, 2012.  The event marked the completion of their classroom certification, to be followed by 160 hours of clinical work, to become California State Pharmacy Technicians.

Pharmacy Technician instructor Apollos Agbuya praised his students for being focused and highly motivated in completing the seven week course.  “This was a shorter course than the first Pharmacy Technician class that graduated in April,” Agbuya advised.  “They covered the same material, so they had to work especially hard individually, and as a group.  There are so many opportunities for them in the Health Care field,” he continued, “if they remain committed to their professional goals.”

Each of the Pharmacy Technicians spoke at the ceremony, thanking their classmates, families, friends, and Job Corps staff members for their support.  All expressed appreciation for Job Corps offering them the opportunity to pursue their goal of becoming Pharmacy Technicians.

The students offered praise and appreciation to Mr. Agbuya.  “It was an honor and privilege to have him as our instructor,” said one student, and all spoke of his encouraging them to succeed, his knowledge of the pharmacy profession, and the humor that he brought to the classroom, especially during difficult times. 

“Mr. Agbuya taught us the importance of paying attention to detail, prioritizing, and believing in ourselves,” Hutchinson stated.  “His dedication and loyalty to my class is truly genuine.  He also taught us that laughter is the indeed the most effective and most valuable medicine in life.”