Jack Hart
Major: Pharmacy
Hometown: Franklin, Indiana
What made you decide on Butler during your college search?
Butler was a perfect fit for everything I was looking for in a university. The small class sizes allow me to have a closer relationship with my professors, placing a higher value on the student as an individual. Being in Indianapolis, there are various job opportunities near the University, especially those involving pharmacy.
What made you interested in studying your major?
I decided to study Pharmacy because of its hands-on scientific application and it has a unique way to help people. Pharmacy provides a holistic application of biology and chemistry, which are some of my favorite subjects. This includes mixing chemicals to compound a medication or learning how a drug interacts with the body. Furthermore, I saw pharmacy as a way to help people feel better. I can teach patients how to use their medication or help them find a new medication for a specific condition.
What is your favorite part of being a student in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS)?
My favorite part of being a student in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is the close relationships I have with my professors. If I have any questions, all I have to do is send an email or visit their office. The open-door policy most professors have allows me to walk in and speak with them whenever necessary.
I have also enjoyed feeling a sense of community in my class. I have over 70 classmates, and it is not uncommon to get lunch with someone new, pair up with a stranger for a project, or have a fun conversation after class!
Is there a particular faculty or staff member who has inspired you?
Dr. Enz has been a mentor and inspiration in my education. She has a welcoming open-door policy, so I frequent her office whenever I have questions. Dr. Enz has an extensive background in many areas of pharmacy, so she often shares personal experiences and career advice. To encourage class participation, she may bake cookies as an incentive or even create a painting of whatever someone wants if they go above and beyond. Overall, Dr. Enz has been a model of the pharmacist I would like to be!
What are some examples of internships or experiential learning opportunities you’ve participated in?
Last fall, there was a Health Sciences career fair in Robertson Hall with about 10 companies setting up stands. I attained an internship with Meijer Pharmacy, working in a community setting. The day-to-day of this job includes filling medications, verifying prescription information, counseling patients, and much more. My favorite part of this position is seeing the medications we learn about in class being used in the real world.
In what ways do you think COPHS is preparing you for life after graduation?
With the diverse set of professors in the college, I have learned about different paths I can take post-graduation. Similarly, many professors have dual roles, working as a professor and another job in their expertise. This real-world insight shows me what life would be like in these career paths, rather than just learning about them in a lecture. Another requirement is that we update our resumés every year. I appreciate the emphasis on personal growth and out-of-class success.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of studying a major in COPHS?
My best advice to anyone thinking of studying a major in COPHS is to get involved with the campus. This can take many forms, such as joining a club with a special interest you have or going to review sessions. The more things you try, the more you feel a sense of belonging. The more academically challenging aspects of COPHS are more doable when you feel the community supporting you.