I Remember

article by Paul Lipe

I remember the different reactions that I had each year when it was time to go back to school. Some of the feelings were happy ones in anticipation of what lay ahead. Other sentiments were not pleasant in anticipation of what lay ahead! I suppose that most students share in my experience. With the beginning of the school year let me make a few suggestions relative to how students may have the best success.

If any of you benefit from what follows, you can thank me for having such a gifted granddaughter as Sarah, who is a fourth year student at Texas Tech’s School of Pharmacy. Each year the school has all first year students come to the campus for orientation. For this meeting, a fourth year student is chosen by the faculty to address the assembled newcomers. The Dean, in introducing this year’s student speaker said, “As we were making our selection, we came back over and over to the same name, Sarah (Lipe) Moon!”

First, as you begin your pursuit of a pharmacy degree, do so with a sense of confidence. If you were unable to handle this course of study, you would not be here today. You are well prepared and have the ability to handle all of the instruction. You have earned this spot in your class.

However be aware, that as you began your studies, the challenge is not to be taken lightly. Stay and step in each of your classes, and don’t fall behind. Begin each course with a spurt of energy and enthusiasm. Enjoy each of your classes as they prepare you for your life’s calling.

Make friends with your classmates and mutually encourage one another. You may well find a lifelong friend in your class. Some have even found a spouse!

Above all else, make God your partner, and do your work by His grace and for His glory.