Patrice Farquharson for AAPA Student Academy Video Testimonials

Speakers: Patrice Farquharson

Patrice Farquharson: Hi, I'm Patrice Farquharson AAPA Student Academy mid-atlantic regional Director. If you are in my region, I am your contact on the student board and will act as a liaison between AAPA and your PA program. I will increase student awareness of leadership opportunities, student member benefits and advocacy efforts by coordinating with student academy reps or SARS for short. Now, student leadership involvement is something very important to me. As a current student and diversity chair at Drexel University, concerns voiced by classmates and my own experience motivated me to seek a leadership role so that I could garner more support for myself and other students in need. The hope is in this role, other students like myself can see what's possible in applying for leadership opportunities as well as the work and support that's needed in order to make impactful change and enhance the student experience, not just at my school but many schools across the country.

Patrice Farquharson: Your involvement as a student is directly linked to our continued success as a profession. Here's why: all the knowledge and experience you gain by getting involved will only serve as positive attributes to your career as a future PA practitioner. Simple ways to get involved include applying for leadership roles within AAPA student Academy State society and your PA program. But if you're not interested in a leadership role right now, that's OK. You can participate in the AAPA or state society Hill Days, attend AAPA town halls and other community wide conversations, attend state or national PA conferences, lead or participate in project access, which is an amazing initiative held in local middle and or high schools in your area. Or if you have an idea of ways that you want to get involved and need some support, reach out to the student board. We'd love to hear from you and help in any way we can.

Patrice Farquharson: Dear Pre-PA students, be strategic and don't give up if you are a first generation college student, like me, the PA application process sounds super daunting and like you're about to hike Mount Everest. But don't let that discourage you. First take a good look at the schools you're thinking of applying to; do they possess a standard that is grounded in your success in the program? The PANCE and readiness in the profession as a practicing PA? Get in touch with some current students. Learn what's the culture like in the program. And are all students feeling seen, heard and supported? Second, try to get involved in AAPA in some way, whether that is attending the national conference, getting involved in constituent organizations like the student academy, attending state conference, et cetera. This way you learn more about the profession before getting into PA school. As a Pre-PA I attended the Leadership and Advocacy Summit and hands down, that was the best introduction to the PA profession I could have had prior to entering into PA school. Lastly, as a Pre-PA I know applying can be very frustrating at times, but you got this, have faith in yourself and your abilities as a student.

Patrice Farquharson: Fellow PA students, stay the course. PA school is not easy, but it's doable. You have been created for a time such as this, so rise to the occasion and know you got this. If you or your classmates need resources, know that myself and the rest of the student board are here to support you. As I always say, if I don't know the answer, I know someone who does.

Patrice Farquharson: Joining AAPA is an excellent way of getting an inside look into the PA profession. There are lots of resources and discounts for student members including conference and other events such as the leadership and advocacy summit attending conference during Didactic Year was an amazing experience that offered networking opportunities and lots of learning experiences.