The first-year students at the PC School of Pharmacy showed the school’s commitment to caring for the community during Service Day on August 16. Before they took their first class, new students served nonprofits that help the needy, or helped the needy themselves, throughout Laurens County. Students volunteered at 13 locations in all.

“PC School of Pharmacy’s commitment to service is one of the many reasons that it was my top choice for pharmacy school,” Lori Smith, a P1 from Greenwood, SC, said. “Helping others is always gratifying, and I feel it is important to use our time and skills to help those in our community.”

Some students, like Deondre Parks, from Spartanburg, SC, volunteered at assisted living facilities in Laurens and Clinton. The students socialized with residents and provided manual labor for the assisted living staff.

“I enjoy that the School of Pharmacy focuses on service because it gives us a chance as a college to help the community and build relationships,” Parks said.

Some first-year students sorted clothes and food at thrift shops and food banks that serve those in need. Others braved the summer heat while doing outside work at Bethany Presbyterian Church.

Smith volunteered with the Palmetto Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Program, a nonprofit that helps those with disabilities by providing opportunities to ride on horseback. She helped with maintenance work and did landscape work at the farm where the program is located.

“It brought me great joy to help with projects at the barn and anything else that was needed at the time,” Smith said. “Being around other volunteers and workers as well as the animals makes for a great time.”

Service Day introduces students to the culture of service at PC School of Pharmacy. Check out the pharmacy student organizations that also offer students opportunities to help those in need.