Co-Chairs
Vanessa Cheng (Logistics & Marketing)
What was your favourite part of GPA?
I actually didn’t get a chance to go last year, but I went to First Dose (hopefully happening later on this year!) and it was awesome meeting people from my class there. I didn’t know very many people before I entered Pharmacy, so this was a great chance to get to know my peers. Everyone became a familiar face from then on!
What’s your advice to first years?
Don’t be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone! These are (potentially) the last 4 years of school you’ll ever experience, so don’t hold back. Every opportunity, whether that’s joining a club or trying for an executive role, is a chance to network and learn new things. As scary as it sounds, your peers will soon be your co-workers (or even your boss!).
Lilyan Jia (Events)
What was your favourite part of GPA?
I did not go last year 😂. However, after hearing my peers talk about the long-lasting memories and friendships they made at GPA, I definitely had regrets. It seemed like so much more than your typical orientation, and I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of GPA next year as an exec. I am hoping to vicariously live through the in-coming first-year participants and get that GPA experience I never had.
I think the best part of GPA would be getting to meet classmates, upper-years, and faculty members! It is a great way for students to get a sense of the supportive & tight-knit community we have here in pharmacy. With many pharmacy events cancelled until the foreseeable future (Gala, White Coat, PCP, etc), GPA will truly be one of the few times where majority of the class will be together in a social setting. I would not be surprised if any of the first-years meet some of their life-long friends at GPA. So yes, the real best part of GPA are the friends you’ll make along the way~.
What’s your advice to first years?
The workload can be overwhelming and it is totally okay to feel stressed out. My advice is to never hesitate reach out for support, whether it be from professors, upper-years or your friends. Also, take advantage of all the resources available to you from review sessions to practice lab exam stations to virtual office hours.
I also want to remind first-years that grades are not the end-all-be-all. Your grades do not determine how good of a pharmacist you will be in the future. As long as you have a passion for supporting the health and well-being of members of your community, you have what it takes!
Just remember to be mindful of your mental health, enjoy your hobbies and stay connected with friends and family.
Tara Luk (Human Resources & Sponsorship)
What was your favourite part of GPA?
Making new friends!
What’s your advice to first years?
Get involved and try things that you’re on the fence about. You have nothing to lose. 🙂
Events
Celia Ma
What was your favourite part of GPA?
Meeting people and destroying the challenges together!
What’s your advice to first years?
Don’t be afraid to talk to people and ask for advice – everyone’s nice and been where you are.
Alessia Risi
What was your favourite part of GPA?
Meeting my future classmates!
What’s your advice to first years?
Don’t forget to enjoy yourselves this year! It’s all about the work-life balance!
Serena Zhang
What was your favourite part of GPA?
I loved getting to know new people during GPA. It really helped with my transition into pharmacy and I met some of my closest friends in pharmacy during GPA.
What’s your advice to first years?
It’s a new beginning so don’t be afraid to try new things and talk to new people!
Sponsorship
Jennifer Liang
What was your favourite part of GPA?
Having fun participating in various activities and getting to know some amazing people along the way!
What’s your advice to first years?
Don’t be shy to reach out to the people around you for help like your classmates, upper-year students, and professors. Also, although studying is important, don’t forget to relax and have fun as well!
Manisha Sarkaria
What was your favourite part of GPA?
My favourite part of GPA was the amazing race and getting to work through each station with my group members. GPA allowed me to make strong friendships at the start of the school year and made me less nervous about starting pharmacy school. I didn’t know anyone going into pharmacy and GPA made it that much easier for me to meet my classmates and make friends.
What’s your advice to first years?
It will take some time to get used to the workload in first year but don’t be too hard on yourselves. Your group leader at GPA can be a valuable source of information so don’t be afraid to ask them or other upper years any questions.
Logistics
Owen Li
What was your favourite part of GPA?
Unfortunately I was unable to attend last year’s GPA but I’ve heard many great things about it and had major regrets. Don’t be me and miss out the opportunity to have a great time and meet your fellow classmates!
What’s your advice to first years?
Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things. Remember it’s not always about school work and enjoy the experience!
Matthew Mah
What was your favourite part of GPA?
Last year I was a group leader for GPA and had the pleasure of meeting some really amazing first years. We all had a lot of fun racing through all the challenges together while also getting to know each other in between. However, I have to say that my favourite part of GPA is the engaging platform it provides for everyone to get to know each other. I still see my group members studying or having lunch together at the 3rd floor tables. GPA is always a lot of fun, whether you are joining casually or competitively, and you get a head start to building your “pharmily”.
What’s your advice to first years?
Don’t be shy. If you want to maximize your experience and get the most out of the program, don’t be shy. Say hi to your classmates, ask questions during class, and join the many clubs within the program. You will find that everyone in the pharmacy program is really friendly and easy to get along with – you aren’t in undergrad anymore! The program can be challenging at times, but having a great group of friends definitely makes it so much easier.
Human Resources
Vienna Cheng
What was your favourite part of GPA?
Playing games around campus and meeting new friends!
What’s your advice to first years?
Ask the upper years many questions and don’t be afraid to talk to new people!
Ian Tang
What was your favourite part of GPA?
Meeting people and making new friends!!
What’s your advice to first years?
First year is definitely a wide learning curve from undergrad but don’t take it too hard on yourself. It will take time to get used to the workload and most importantly, figure out what’s best for yourself.
Marketing
Marcus Lo
What was your favourite part of GPA?
All the fun activities and making new and unforgettable memories with my new friends!
What’s your advice to first years?
The start of the year might seem different and more challenging than ever before, don’t be afraid to work with your peers to make everyone’s life easier! 🙂
Eunice Wu
What was your favourite part of GPA?
Meeting new people and having a nice start to the school year!
What’s your advice to first years?
Don’t stress too much about the first few exams, there’s definitely a learning curve to adapt to!