174 Hikmat Kazeem
In Episode 3 of The Untold Stories of Pharmacy Students, we meet third-year student, Hikmat Kazeem, who's rewriting what success looks like in pharmacy education. Like many pharmacy students, Hikmat's path wasn't straightforward. After COVID-era predicted grades affected her medical school applications, she reluctantly considered pharmacy - despite a less-than-inspiring work experience placement that involved nothing but shelf cleaning. Today, she's BPSA's Western Area Coordinator and proving that sometimes the most challenging beginnings lead to the most inspiring journeys.
This episode dives deep into the realities of pharmacy student life. Hikmat openly shares her experience with first-year exam failure, describing the raw emotions of staying in bed for three days and questioning her place in pharmacy. But it's what she did next that makes her story powerful - transforming that setback into motivation to ace her remaining seven exams.
Beyond academics, Hikmat's story is a masterclass in building a balanced student life. As the only hijabi player on her university netball team, she's breaking barriers and showing how sports can be crucial for mental health during intense study periods. Her adventures extend globally - from a marketing internship in Hong Kong to upcoming medical volunteering in India - proving that pharmacy education can be a launch pad for diverse experiences.
What sets this episode apart is Hikmat's refreshing perspective on the future. While many students feel pressured to have their entire career mapped out, she advocates for living in the present and exploring widely - whether that's earning a British Sign Language qualification or seeking international opportunities.
Her message is clear: your pharmacy journey doesn't need to fit a traditional mould.
For students feeling overwhelmed by pharmacy school's demands or questioning their path after setbacks, this episode offers both practical advice and emotional reassurance. Hikmat's story reminds us that sometimes the best career strategy is simply being open to opportunities and focusing on personal growth.
Key Topics for Students:
The truth about failing exams and bouncing back
Why that "boring" placement isn't the whole story
Finding your stress relief (Hikmat's is netball!)
Exploring opportunities beyond pharmacy
Building confidence as a hijabi athlete
Taking international internships
Learning sign language
Powerful Takeaways:
Early Setbacks Don't Define You:
Failed first-year exam story
How to bounce back stronger
Using failure as motivation
Finding Balance:
Using sports for stress relief
Importance of non-pharmacy activities
Building support systems
Creating Your Path:
From medicine rejection to pharmacy passion
Exploring non-traditional opportunities
Living in the present moment
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PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:
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https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/
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CONNECT WITH HIKMAT:
Linkedin: @Hikmat Kazeem
Instagram: @HKazeem1x
Join the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA) TODAY. You won’t regret it!
OTHER LINKS:
The music from this series has been created by a pharmacy student! BPSA’s president, Emeka Onwudiwe, is a talented student and incredible entrepreneur. I am so proud to share his music on my podcast. Go and check the music production company and the word that they do: Inplus Music
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