# data[].attributes.body
1. Your name, matric number, date

Joseph Yeak Wei Juin

A192235

24/6/2025

2. What have you done?

I went to a nearby Toastmasters Club that I found online, and in short, I had the opportunity to give an impromptu speech! The impromptu speech was called "Table Topics", where we were given 2 minutes to talk about a topic that is given on the spot. I then received feedback from the other experienced speakers. I also witnessed a lot of great speeches by the other speakers, it was indeed an inspiring experience.

3. Points to remember from week 1!

I received feedback on my spontaneous speech, on the good side, I was told that I have a clear voice, but I needed to improve on

1. Body language

2. Eye contact

3. Pacing

4. Vocal variety

I was also advised not to hold my hands in front of me, as that shows that I was not confident (which I was), and I was told that I looked nervous (which I was too!)

4. Your feelings & thoughts

Before attending the session I felt nervous because I did not know what to expect, and I don't have any friends who had this experience before. But after the session I felt a sense of achievement that I had stepped out of my comfort zone. Although it was daunting, I still pushed through it and made it through.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

Before the meeting started, I did not know about how the meeting would go, so I asked the person next to me, and she gladly shared and explain all the role players in the meeting & the structure of it, so that I wouldn't be as lost during the meeting.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Embrace, adapt.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

I plan to do another table topics, and try improving my body language so that I open up my hands more, and I try to reduce filler words such as Um, Ah, Er and so on.

# data[].attributes.headline
Elective Posting Week 1: Guitar Learning Journey

# data[].attributes.subject
Elective Posting Week 1: Guitar Learning Journey

# data[].attributes.body
1. Your name, matric number, date

Rajeswarry a/p Veeranaidu, A192246, 10/8/2025

2. What have you done?

During my first week, my tutor taught me how to tune my guitar and introduced me to simple chords such as C, C7, D, E, Em, G, A, and Am. He also guided me on strumming patterns, both with and without accent, and how to read chord sheets.

To help me learn tabs better, my tutor encouraged me to pick a song, and I chose Cigarette Daydreams by Cage The Elephant. He then taught me the chords for that song and asked me to practice at home. I practiced twice daily for six days, two hours per session, staying consistent with my routine.

I have included a video of my practice with my tutor and another video of me playing the song after my own practice. Although it is still a work in progress, I can already notice improvements in my playing within just one week.

My tutor also introduced me to the metronome, an app that provides a steady beat to help musicians keep time. It makes a click/beep/tick sound at a set speed called BPM (beats per minute). For example:

60 BPM = 1 click per second (slow, like a clock)

120 BPM = 2 clicks per second (moderate, like most pop songs

180 BPM = very fast

3. Points to remember from Week 1!

Remember not to press too hard on the strings, as it strains my fingertips and makes it harder to play for longer periods.

Place fingers right before the fret metal for cleaner sound.

Switching between chords is challenging, but with practice, it will improve.

Always use the metronome, as it helps maintain rhythm (no speeding up or slowing down) and trains my timing and groove.

Consistency and patience are more important than speed as small daily improvements build long-term skills.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I quite enjoy the challenge of learning something new. At first, it was overwhelming because there are many chords to memorize, and I realized it will take time to play songs the way I want, especially fingerstyle. However, I am learning to celebrate small progress instead of rushing. If it takes me 2 hours just to switch between two chords smoothly, then so be it, I am willing to invest the effort.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

The main difficulty I face is switching chords smoothly while also focusing on strumming. I coped by breaking the task into smaller parts: first practicing strumming, then chord switching, and finally combining the two.

Another challenge is finger soreness from long practice sessions. To cope, I take short breaks, allow recovery overnight, and continue the next day. I remind myself that the soreness is part of developing finger strength and calluses, which will eventually make playing easier.

6. Two words to describe elective posting progress so far

Fun and intriguing

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

Learn more challenging chords

Start learning Evergreen by Richy Mitch and The Coal Miners

Improve chord transitions using metronome practice at different BPM speeds

# data[].attributes.headline
From Clinic to Counter: A Med Student’s Perspective on Preventive Care in Pharmacy

# data[].attributes.subject
From Clinic to Counter: A Med Student’s Perspective on Preventive Care in Pharmacy

# data[].attributes.body
1. Your name, matric number, date
Deeana A/P Subramaniam

A195212

9/8/2025

2. What have you done
In Week 1 of my Elective Posting (EP) in Pharmacy, I have gradually adapted to the community pharmacy setting. I engaged with customers, assisted in minor health assessments such as blood pressure and blood glucose measurement, and initiated discussions on 3C (Compliance, Complication, and Control) management for chronic diseases. I also observed and learned from my preceptors and the pharmacy staff, taking note of their customer interaction styles. Additionally, I made efforts to educate customers on healthy lifestyles, the importance of regular monitoring, and adherence to medications.

3. Points to remember from Week 1

Communication is key — The way I explain a health reading, recommend a supplement, or calm an anxious customer directly impacts trust and understanding.

Observation sharpens skills — Small gestures, like a reassuring smile or gentle tone, greatly influence customer comfort.

Be proactive, not passive — Asking questions, showing interest, and being engaged in every task makes the experience more enriching.

4. Your feelings and thoughts
At first, I was nervous about adapting to real-world pharmacy practice, especially customer interaction. With time and guidance, I became more at ease and now enjoy the work. I leave the pharmacy feeling content, humbled, and inspired. Being trusted in someone’s health journey, even in a small way, has made me reflect on the importance of being a pharmacist who listens, educates, and empowers the community.

5. Any difficulties and concerns? How did you cope?
A major challenge was persuading customers to consider health supplements when they were influenced by misinformation from social media. Many were skeptical or reluctant to trust professional advice. I coped by learning more evidence-based information, seeking advice from pharmacists, and practicing gentle education instead of hard-selling. Personalizing recommendations (e.g., explaining how fish oil benefits specific conditions) helped customers understand the value.

6. Two words to describe the elective posting so far
Enriching and Humbling

7. Your plan for next week
For Week 2, I aim to take on more responsibilities under supervision, especially in counselling and managing minor ailments. I will continue learning about supplements and chronic disease care while improving my communication to make information simpler and relatable. I also plan to observe behind-the-counter processes, such as stock management and prescription verification, to gain a more holistic view of community pharmacy operations.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Your name, matric no, date

P'ng Rui Yuan, A192245, 10/8/2025

2. What have you done?

During my first week of elective posting in the pharmacy, I was involved in a variety of tasks that allowed me to gain insight into both the professional and operational aspects of pharmaceutical work. One of my key responsibilities was stock checking, which involved verifying that the quantities in the system matched the physical stock, inspecting product conditions, and checking expiry dates. This process is essential to ensure expired or damaged items are not sold, thereby protecting customers’ health and maintaining the pharmacy’s professional standards.

While conducting stock checks, I familiarized myself with the arrangement of over-the-counter (OTC) products, supplements, and controlled medicines (poisons). This knowledge will enable me to assist customers more efficiently in locating products and to contribute to systematic restocking in the future. I also learned about proper labelling and shelving practices, which help maintain organization and ensure easy accessibility for both staff and customers.

In addition, I was assigned to the cashier counter, where I ensured smooth cash transactions by accurately entering purchased items into the system, preventing billing errors, and balancing the cash register at the end of the day. This included reconciling different payment methods such as cash, debit/credit cards, and QR code transactions.

My role extended beyond medicine-related tasks to include basic housekeeping duties, such as sweeping and mopping the floor, sanitizing the counters, and refilling the aromatizer. These activities are important in maintaining a clean, pleasant, and professional retail environment for customers.

3. Points to remember from Week 1

From my first week, I learned that working in a retail pharmacy requires more than just knowledge of medicines. It involves inventory management, awareness of fast-moving products for timely restocking, and consistent monitoring of expiry dates. I also realized the importance of cashier duties in ensuring accurate and transparent financial records, as well as the responsibility of maintaining cleanliness in the workplace to create a welcoming environment for customers.

4. Feelings & thoughts

This week’s experience has been eye-opening, as I discovered the differences between working in the medical field and in a pharmacy setting. In clinical medicine, managing a patient involves taking detailed histories, formulating treatment plans, and ensuring follow-up care to monitor progress. In contrast, pharmacists focus on ensuring safe and effective dispensing of medication, educating customers about side effects, and often providing treatment advice for minor ailments based on presenting symptoms—usually without the need for follow-up visits.

While my medical background gives me a strong foundation, I felt a slight sense of conflict because the approach in pharmacy is more direct and transactional compared to the holistic follow-up in medicine. However, I also appreciate that pharmacy work has a lighter and less hectic workload compared to that of doctors, which allows pharmacists to focus on medication safety and customer service without the same level of time pressure seen in clinical practice.

5. Difficulties/concerns and how I coped

One of the challenges I faced was my limited knowledge of certain OTC products and supplements, especially when customers asked about items outside my current expertise. This sometimes made it difficult to respond promptly. To overcome this, I made an effort to observe my colleagues, take note of frequently asked products, and study their uses, side effects, and potential interactions. Whenever I was uncertain, I consulted the pharmacist or more experienced staff, who were always willing to guide me. I am grateful for their support and encouragement.

6. Two words to describe the week

Amazed, Fresh

7. Plan for next week (Week 2)

In the coming week, I plan to strengthen my knowledge of OTC medicines by studying their indications, side effects, and possible drug interactions to serve customers more accurately and efficiently. I also aim to assist in health monitoring services, such as measuring blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. By doing so, I can apply my medical knowledge to give customers appropriate lifestyle advice on preventive care, including balanced diets and suitable certified supplements, to support their overall health.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Your name, matric number, date

Sofea Irdina Binti Saifuddin

A187779

10th August 2025

2. What have you done?

During my first week of pharmacy attachment, I began by observing and monitoring the overall workflow of the pharmacy. I paid close attention to how tasks were organized and how the pharmacist and the staffs do their work. I also watched how the pharmacist and other staff interacted with customers — from answering their inquiries to providing medication guidance with care and professionalism.

I was given the opportunity to learn how to operate the cashier machine, handling transactions efficiently and ensuring accuracy in every sale, including how to record the receipts for closing. Beyond that, I also learned how to manage newly arrived stocks, from checking their condition and verifying their details to arranging them neatly on the shelves for easy access. Lastly, I took part in the packaging of medications, making sure each package was prepared and labelled correctly and write the drug instructions.

Apart from that, I also learnt on how to calculate the correct dosage especially for children. Considering factors such as age, weight, and concentration of the medication to ensure safe and effective treatment for younger patient.

It was a hands-on learning experience that gave me insight into both the technical and customer-service aspects of working in a pharmacy.

3. Points to remember from week 1!

Don't be afraid to ask for guidance from the pharmacist or other staff before prescribing the medication.

Always check the expiry date and the stock batch number for every newly arrived stocks.

Always follow the pharmacy's system in arranging the stocks on the display shelves.

Double check the medication name, dosage and instructions of use when labelling for customers.

Follow the correct dosage calculation especially for children to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Some medication only can be sold with prescriptions by the doctor.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

At the beginning of my attachment, I felt nervous about stepping into an unfamiliar environment and learning new things. Despite the initial anxiety, I was also genuinely excited to gain a new experience and expand my knowledge. On the first few days, I felt overwhelmed by the wide variety of medications and brands, each with different uses and packaging. However, as the days went by, my confidence grew. The staff played a big role in this, as they were patient, kind, and always willing to explain the functions of different medications, as well as guide me through the pharmacy systems and workflow. Their support not only helped me adjust quickly but also made the experience enjoyable, motivating me to learn more each day.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

During my attachment, I faced challenges due to my unfamiliarity with the setting. There was a wide variety of medications, and I found it quite overwhelming that the same type of medicine could have multiple brands, each with different packaging and labeling. In addition, the arrangement of medications in the pharmacy was new to me, so it took me longer than expected to locate certain items requested by customers. To overcome this, I made an effort to study the medications during quieter periods of the day. I focused on familiarizing myself with the most commonly used medicines and their corresponding brand names. I also paid attention to their storage locations, gradually remembering the pharmacy layout. Over time, this helped me become more efficient in finding medications, improving both my speed and confidence when assisting customers.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Insightful and fun

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

For Week 2, I plan to focus on the Poison B and Poison C medications. On how to record the sales on these medications. Besides that, I also want to improve myself in attending customers and dispense the medications confidently.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Your name, matric number, date

~Vienietha A/P S.Ganesan

~A195497

~10/8/2025

2. What have you done?

~During my 1st week in learning Violin, it was all new for me as I had zero experience or knowledge in playing violin and reading a musical sheet. So, my violin teacher gave me a general briefing regarding the proper violin holding technique, how to use a shoulder rest, how frequently should I apply rosin to the bow, how to hold a bow in a proper way and how to tune a violin.

Then, she provided me with violin lesson books which are beginners editions to be used throughout the Elective Posting period. The books consist of musical sheet notes for various songs to improve a beginner student’s learning process. My teacher taught me how to read the notes, and I played a few easier songs for the first week. For this week, I learned about Open strings on violin which doesn’t require use of left hand fingers for now.

3. Points to remember from week 1!

~I must tune the violin well before playing it to achieve a proper sound. Then, I must make sure my little finger is in a curved position and not straight so that I can hold the bow well. Also my teacher told me that fingernails must be short, so that the violin bow doesn’t slip off my hand. Then, she reminded me that I have to be relaxed when playing violin and not stiff, so that my violin bow will be straight and not bend.

So, I had to practice a few songs before next week and that’s the homework for me. Another thing my teacher advised me is to not buy musical instruments online since instruments had to be tested for their quality before buying, so higher chances to be cheated online due to cheaper prices.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

~I’m feeling very happy that finally I could learn about a musical instrument which I loved the most ever since my childhood! Even though I felt a little nervous at the beginning, I know that as I progress I can improve myself on learning Violin. Practicing more on it definitely made me excited to learn more tough songs. Nothing great ever came that easy I guess!

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

~Firstly, it was really difficult for me to memorise the notes, to read a musical sheet and play violin according to the notes simultaneously. Then, it was tough for me to hold a bow properly, as my teacher told me my little finger must be in a curved shape, to play the violin easily. So I decided to practice on my own to memorise the notes and also achieve a straight bow as well as correct my other mistakes. I knew that I’m completely new to musical instruments, so I decided to learn from the mistakes that I made and not to feel bad about them.

Furthermore, I bought a violin prior to the class, but sadly it was not a good choice for beginner classes since it had a bad quality as I bought it online as I didn’t know earlier that good violins will be expensive because of its good quality, and not cheaper like what I owned. Due to difficulties with tuning up the violin and its bad quality, I decided to buy a new violin with good quality.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

~Fun and excited

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

~Practice new and tough songs, improve the way I hold the violin and its bow, and try my level best to play the violin by looking at the musical sheet and not at the violin strings!

~That’s it for 1st Week!

# data[].attributes.body
1. Name, matrix number, date

Ameertavarshini A/P V Balachandran, A195553, 8/8/2025

2. What have you done?
During my first week in Big Pharmacy, I was assigned to over-the-counter (OTC) medications. I was introduced to various OTC products and learned how to dispense medications based on customers’ symptoms and needs. I was introduced to ‘WWHAMA’ which is an acronym for who, what, how long, action taken, medication and medical history and allergies. This serves as a guideline for asking key questions before dispensing medication to customers to ensure safe and appropriate selection of products. I also learned how to label medications like paracetamol and cough syrup in a proper way under supervision. Additionally, I was trained to manage payment transactions as a cashier and learned how to calculate medication dosages, particularly paracetamol for different age groups. I was also given an assignment related to OTC workflow to be submitted by the end of the week. As an assignment, I was asked to create an A4-sized poster about cough and cold which consists of the overview of disease, common symptoms, treatment and lifestyle advice.

3. Points to remember from Week 1

·       Identify customer symptoms and recommend suitable OTC medications.

·       Learn proper labelling for OTC medication which includes patient’s name, name of medicine, dosage form, direction for use, expiry date, date of supply, controlled medicine, and special precautions like “may cause drowsiness” and so on.

·       Learn proper dosage calculation, especially for paracetamol.

·       Communicate clearly and responsibly when dealing with customers.

4. Your feelings & thoughts
I felt both excited and slightly nervous entering the pharmacy’s working environment for the first time. Interacting directly with customers and recommending medications carried a sense of responsibility that I had not experienced before. At the beginning, I was quite unsure if I would be able to recall the necessary knowledge or respond confidently to customers' concerns.

However, as the days progressed, I started to feel more comfortable especially when I could apply what I’ve learned in my medical studies to real-life situations. It was fulfilling to see customers appreciate the help and advice I offered. This reinforced my belief that pharmacists play a significant role in healthcare.

I also developed respect for pharmacy staff, seeing how much knowledge and multitasking their work involve from understanding medications, to advising customers, and managing operational tasks. This experience has made me more open-minded and curious about the wider healthcare system beyond the hospital setting.

Overall, I felt motivated to learn moreand grateful for the opportunity to be in such a hands-on environment. It has also strengthened my communication skills and decision-making, especially in a healthcare-related retail setting.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

One of the main challenges I faced was in dispensing medications confidently. Since customers often present with various symptoms and preferences, it was sometimes difficult to determine the most appropriate OTC medication — especially when multiple brands or formulations were available. I was also concerned about ensuring safe recommendations, particularly when customers had underlying medical conditions or were already on other medications. Another difficulty was remembering the specific indications, dosage forms, and active ingredients of the many OTC products available. It was easy to get confused between similar-looking products, and I had to be very cautious to avoid giving incorrect advice or instructions. To cope, I relied heavily on the guidance of my supervisor and colleagues, who were always willing to double-check before dispensing. I also made it a habit to read product labels and leaflets, take notes, and review them after work to reinforce my understanding. Over time, with more exposure and repetition, I became more confident and efficient in handling medication-related tasks.

6. Two words to describe elective posting progress so far:
Engaging and Practical

7. Your plan for next week
Next week, I will be assigned to the Poison section, where I hope to learn more about controlled drugs, prescription handling, and pharmacy laws related to scheduled medications.

# data[].attributes.headline
Prescribed for Growth: A Pharmacy Journey

# data[].attributes.subject
Prescribed for Growth: A Pharmacy Journey

# data[].attributes.body
1. Name, Matric Number, Date:

Siindhu A/P Subramaniam, A195433, 31 July 2025

2. What have you done?

During my first week of elective posting at a retail pharmacy, I was introduced to a wide range of responsibilities that gave me a better understanding of pharmacy operations. I learned how to handle cashier duties, including scanning items, applying discounts, calculating totals, and managing daily cash-outs at the end of the shift. I was also taught how to key in and update stock entries — both incoming and outgoing — into the system, which is essential for inventory control.

In addition to that, I was introduced to the classification of medications, especially the Group B and C poisons. My supervisor explained that these are controlled medications which require strict record-keeping in a poison book. This record is routinely inspected by the relevant health authorities to ensure compliance with legal regulations. I was shown how to properly document the date, time, name of medication, amount dispensed, and the responsible pharmacist’s details.

I also participated in basic health screening services provided at the pharmacy, including measuring patients’ blood pressure using a digital sphygmomanometer, checking random blood sugar using a glucometer, and cholesterol levels using a point-of-care testing device. I was taught the proper technique for positioning the patient, interpreting the results, and advising them to seek medical attention if readings were abnormal.

Another area I was involved in was assisting customers. This was quite challenging yet fulfilling, as I had to help them find over-the-counter medications, supplements, and personal care products. At times, customers would ask about a certain medicine or describe their symptoms, and I had to refer to my colleagues when I wasn’t sure. I’m slowly learning how to handle such interactions with more confidence.

3. Points to remember from Week 1:

• Group B and C poisons must be logged into the poison book every time they are dispensed. Inaccurate or missing entries can lead to legal issues during audits.

• These poisons are regulated under the Poison Act, and only specific quantities can be dispensed, often requiring a pharmacist’s verification.

• Always double-check the stock batch number and expiry date before entering stock data.

• Cash out must be calculated accurately at the end of each shift — mistakes should be reported immediately.

• When performing BP, sugar, or cholesterol checks, always sanitize equipment before and after use, and explain the procedure to the customer.

• Understand that some supplements or OTC medicines can interact with prescription medications, so customer safety always comes first.

• Be polite and patient with customers, especially when they seem frustrated or confused. Good communication is key in pharmacy service.

• It’s important to start learning medication names, especially the common OTC drugs, antibiotics, and supplements.

4. Your feelings & thoughts:

This first week has been eye-opening and enriching. While I was nervous at first — especially worried about making mistakes or giving the wrong information — I now feel more confident with each passing day. The staff have been incredibly helpful and welcoming, and that has really boosted my motivation. I enjoy the fast-paced environment and how every task contributes directly to customer care and pharmacy management. It has also made me realize the level of responsibility pharmacists carry and how critical accuracy is in this line of work.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

One of my main struggles was remembering how to key in the correct product code and batch details into the system. There’s also a wide range of medications and supplements that I’m not familiar with, which made it hard when customers asked questions. To overcome this, I’ve started taking pictures of the medication boxes (with permission), reading up on their indications at home, and asking my supervisor for clarification when needed. I also wrote a small notebook with common medicine names and their uses for quick reference during work hours.

6. Two words to describe elective posting progress so far:

Challenging & Insightful

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2):

For Week 2, I plan to focus more on improving my medication knowledge by identifying at least 10 new medications or supplements daily and learning their indications, common side effects, and dosage forms. I also aim to gain more confidence in doing full cashier work independently. Additionally, I would like to assist more during BP, sugar, and cholesterol screenings and learn how to document and communicate the results better. I’ll continue taking notes and asking questions to strengthen my understanding of pharmacy practice.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Name, Matric Number, Date

Siti Nur Elida Binti Mohd Affendi

A194339

13th July 2025

2. What have you done?

For the first week of my elective posting at a community pharmacy, I was introduced to the basic yet essential tasks that help the pharmacy operate smoothly. One of the main things I did was learning how to identify and label medications correctly. I was guided by the pharmacist and the pharmacy assistant on how to read the instructions, match the medication with the label, and ensure everything is done accurately before packing. After that, I was involved in placing the medications into their respective packaging based on the pre-written instructions. This task required a lot of care and focus because even a small mistake could affect patient safety.

Apart from that, I also learned how to arrange and organize pharmacy stock neatly on the display shelves. It wasn’t just about putting things in place — I realized that the items must be arranged according to categories or how frequently they are used, to make it easier for both staff and customers to find them. I also did tagging for the items, which means attaching the correct price labels to various pharmacy products. Although it sounds simple, I learned that it is important to always check the expiry dates and make sure the tag matches the item. I honestly didn’t expect to be so involved in these tasks from the very beginning, but it was a really good hands-on experience that taught me the importance of accuracy and discipline in pharmacy work.

3. Points to remember from Week 1!

Always double-check the medication name and dosage before labeling.

Make sure the right medication is placed into the correct packaging with the right instruction.

Always check expiry dates before tagging or arranging stock.

Follow the correct system when arranging items on the rack.

Use the correct price tag for each item during tagging.

Ask for guidance when unsure.

Stay calm and focused even during simple tasks because small mistakes can lead to big consequences.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

Honestly, I was quite nervous during my first few days in the pharmacy. Since this was my first time being in this kind of setting, everything felt so new and unfamiliar. I was scared I might write the wrong medication name or place the wrong label on the wrong medicine and I know how dangerous that could be for patients. Even simple things like tagging prices or arranging stocks made me feel anxious at first, because I didn’t want to mess anything up. I kept worrying, “What if I accidentally make a mistake and cause problems for the staff?”

But after a while, I started to calm down. The pharmacist and staff were very kind and patient with me, which helped me gain confidence slowly. I began to understand the flow of work and realized that it's okay to ask questions when I'm unsure. I also appreciated how neat and structured the pharmacy environment was, it actually helped me feel more relaxed over time. Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying the tasks, even the small ones like labeling and organizing, because I saw how they contribute to the bigger picture of patient care. This experience made me realise that even behind the scenes work is valuable, and I’m grateful for the chance to learn it properly.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

During the first week, I faced quite a few challenges since everything was new to me. I had never worked in a pharmacy setting before, so I was honestly very nervous. I was scared of making mistakes, especially when it came to labeling medications. I kept worrying that I might write the wrong name, dose, or place the label on the wrong packaging. I also struggled to remember the names of medications because there were so many unfamiliar ones, and it was difficult to keep up. Even tasks like arranging stock or tagging prices made me overthink, because I didn’t want to mess things up and trouble the staff.

To cope, I reminded myself that it's okay to not know everything on the first day. I started writing down the names of medications I didn’t recognize and took note of where items were placed. I asked questions when I wasn’t sure, especially when the pharmacy wasn’t busy, and the staff were kind enough to guide me step by step. Bit by bit, I started to feel more confident and familiar with the routine. The experience taught me to be patient with myself and to focus on learning, not perfection.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Organized & Insightful

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

For the second week of my elective posting, I plan to learn how to handle over the counter (OTC) inquiries from customers, especially when helping them choose suitable products based on their symptoms. I also hope to learn how to measure blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels using the available tools. One of my main goals is to assist at the counter under supervision, especially to improve my confidence when interacting with customers. I also want to learn how to manage the sales process including how to control the computer system for payments, use the specific product codes to open the system, and search for the correct medication name to check prices. I believe all of this will help me understand how a pharmacy operates efficiently, both clinically and in customer service.

# data[].attributes.body
DIVAKARAN A/L VIJYAN (A195190)

10TH JULY 2025

2. What have you done?

For my piano class, I’m learning piano both theoretically (musical theory) and practically (playing piano).

For the theory part, I have an exercise book to learn my theory. I have to do the exercises before class, so during the class my teacher will mark my exercise book. If I have any difficulties in doing my theory exercises, I’ll clarify with my teacher. There is also a manuscript book for me to draw notes.

For practical lessons, I use another book (Piano Lesson Made Easy) which consists of finger training and musical notes of songs and rhymes. My teacher will ask me to play first and later guide me if I have trouble playing the piano.

3. Points to remember from week 1!

Maintain a good posture and positioning fingers on the piano.

Always look at the music note while playing the piano. This may sound easy, but it's actually difficult to do while playing

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I feel like I’m in kindergarten again. I'm having this thought as my teacher will be sitting beside me while I practice playing piano and point out if I make a mistake. Similarly, marking my exercise books makes me have the same feeling. It's been a long time since I handed in my exercise books, the last was when I was in my secondary school. Apart from this nostalgic feeling, I do feel elated that somehow I managed to start one of the skill that I wanted to develop.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

Playing piano using both hands simultaneously is challenging. This is because each finger plays a specific key, and sometimes thumbs need to share or cross keys, which is tricky. The only way to overcome this problem is to practice constantly.

Secondly, playing piano while looking at notes. This is more to coordination, look at the notes, identify them immediately and press the key on the piano. To cope with this issue, practicing is the only way. The more I practice, the more familiar for me to identify the music key and will be easier for me to play the piano.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Positive momentum

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

My plan for Week 2 is to complete my theory exercise book since I have to sit for my exam conducted by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). The reason I'm rushing is because the result will only be announced after 1 month after sitting for the exam. But, I will have a discussion with my teacher regarding the exam to get her advice.

In addition, I aim to improve my playing skills and be more confident on the piano compared to Week 1.

That's all for Week 1, thank you for reading.