Virtual Learning…A New Kind of School

Written by Yacine Gharbi, Class of 2023

The 2020-2021 Academic School Year has been a year like no other for our University of Maryland Eastern Shore Student Pharmacists. When the COVID-19 Pandemic struck last spring, the Class of 2022 found themselves making a quick switch to online learning, while the Class of 2023 arrived online that summer. Amidst these unprecedented conditions, student pharmacists hoped to find some semblance of normalcy in their pharmacy school experience. One year later, the creativity, teamwork, and willingness to adapt exemplified by our students transformed these unusual circumstances into a productive and memorable journey for all.

One of the biggest concerns among our incoming class was missing out on the crucial social aspect of pharmacy school. “It was very challenging at first; I am a people-person and I love to interact with people. Virtually that wasn’t possible,” explained first-year student pharmacist Ramatoulaye Koita.

First-year Pharmacy Class President Ashley Che, understanding these concerns, set up a GroupMe chat for the entering class at the start of the semester. “It’s where we joke, share good news, share not so good news, share pictures and encourage each other,” Ashley said of the platform, “I’m so overjoyed that as a class, though we didn’t see much of each other, we were able to connect via group chat.”

As the semester progressed, such class comradery became a crucial tool in taking on an unfamiliar learning environment where Blackboard Collaborate, an online teaching platform, replaced the classroom. While many enjoyed following a more self-paced curriculum from the comfort of their homes, studying adequately away from school proved to be challenging. “It became a draining experience. I sometimes didn’t have as much interest in class,” first-year student Obinna Ejoh commented regarding these challenges.

Fellow SP-1 Sophia Amoah faced similar challenges while balancing this unfamiliar setting with her job as a pharmacy technician. When asked about how she confronted this issue, Sophia commented, “I connected with some of my classmates and met on Microsoft teams to go over concepts we found challenging and also met with professors during their office hours if we had any questions.” In addition, Sophia attributed her success this semester to finding a quiet study place, planning ahead, and treating herself after passing exams.

As we approach our return to in-person classes next semester, many of our students look back on their days online as a positive experience that left students well-prepared to return to campus. “The virtual experience was new, and we adjusted well, both faculty and students,” second-year student pharmacist Bertrand Akuche remarked.

“I met beautiful people from my class,” Ramatoulaye reflected, “we built study habits together because we were all trying to figure it out. We knew each other’s weaknesses and strengths. We empowered each other. We motivated each other.” When asked about the lesson she will take with her into the next semester, Ramatoulaye said. “One thing I have learned is that pharmacy school is very hard, but with the right people and advice, you will progress smoothly. I can’t wait to see what next year is holding for us!”