TeeAl Barksdale ’12, ’16 chose to attend Shenandoah University because she loved the idea of small class sizes so she could establish strong relationships with her professors and feel comfortable asking questions and learning with her peers. As a student, Barksdale tried to take advantage of all the opportunities and resources that were available to her during her undergraduate career. She became involved with the Hornet Ambassador’s program, Colleges Against Cancer, Student Government Association and Residence Life as a resident assistant.
Once Barksdale graduated from Shenandoah with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 2012, she enrolled in the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy and earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2016. Her undergraduate education and involvement made the transition into the pharmacy program a little easier because she was already equipped with the basic knowledge and time management skills she needed to have a successful P1 year.
Career Services was one of the best resources for Barksdale during her application and interview process to get into the pharmacy program. They helped her create her resume, build confidence within herself as an applicant through mock interviews and checked in with her every step of the exciting, yet nerve-wrecking process. “From my initial pharmacy school application to being accepted as a pharmacy intern at CVS, Career Services helped me build my resume, enhance my communication skills, and brighten my future with more opportunities by helping me create an individualized plan for my success,” said Barksdale.
One of her most memorable experiences at Shenandoah was sharing the news that she was accepted into the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy and being completely surprised by her residents and friends with a celebratory party for her acceptance. She will never forget how much community and support she received at the university.
Barksdale works as community pharmacist at a CVS located in a Colorado Target. She believes the most rewarding part of her career is “when a customer is able to reach their health goals with the encouragement or increased knowledge that I was able to help instill in them through counseling or helping them with a product.”
The bachelor and doctoral degree Barksdale received from Shenandoah helped to prepare her for clinical rotations and ultimately for her dream job.
Barksdale’s advice to students is: “Everything your professors are teaching you is to help you in the future. Things will get challenging and feel overwhelming but it’s truly going to help you be the best you can in the future.”