181 Harvey John
In this inspiring episode, Harvey John, a fourth-year pharmacy student at Swansea University, shares his remarkable journey from being told he'd never succeed academically due to his dyslexia diagnosis at age 9, to becoming an award-winning student leader and BPSA West Wales Coordinator. Harvey reveals how he transformed his perceived limitations into superpowers, founded his university's first pharmacy society, and developed a systematic approach to balancing demanding academics with leadership roles, family time, and personal interests. Through candid storytelling, he demonstrates that success isn't about being the smartest person in the room—it's about being strategic, resilient, and leveraging what makes you unique.
The 5 Game-Changing Strategies for Pharmacy Student Success
1. Transform Your Unique Challenges Into Superpowers Harvey turned his dyslexia from a perceived disability into his greatest academic strength by recognising that his visual learning style and outside-the-box thinking are perfect for pharmacy problem-solving. The very thing that makes you different could be exactly what makes you exceptional in your future pharmacy career.
2. Create Opportunities Rather Than Wait for Them When Harvey's new pharmacy school lacked a student society, he didn't complain—he founded one and won a leadership award for his efforts. Look for gaps in your university or local pharmacy community that you could fill, whether it's starting a study group, organising social events, or creating resources other students need. Taking initiative to solve problems will always set you apart from peers who simply join existing activities.
3. Master Visual Time Management Through Colour-Coded Scheduling Harvey uses a colour-coded Google Calendar system where different colors represent university work, professional development, revision, and personal time, allowing him to visualise his week and ensure balance. Use his "two hours on, one hour off" study method with creative breaks to prevent burnout while maintaining productivity.
4. Build Strategic Support Networks Both Inside and Outside Pharmacy Harvey maintains friendships outside pharmacy for perspective, considers BPSA his "extended family" for professional support, and keeps close family relationships for emotional grounding. Deliberately cultivate relationships with non-pharmacy friends who remind you there's life beyond your degree, while also actively participating in professional organizations to build your pharmacy network.
5. Discover and Leverage Your Pharmacy Passion as Daily Motivation Harvey's passion for paediatrics and neonatology drives him through difficult study sessions because he connects his daily coursework to his bigger purpose of helping children. Keep a "passion journal" to identify which pharmacy topics naturally energise you, then use that passion as motivation when studying becomes overwhelming. When you connect your mundane daily tasks to your larger purpose in pharmacy, even the most boring lectures become stepping stones toward your dream career.
💡 Sleep Better, Work Smarter
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PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:
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https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/
🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront Here
CONNECT WITH HARVEY:
Linkedin:Harvey John
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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