Q&A With SSU Promo Team Member: Haneen
Ever wondered what it’s like to be in the Pharmacy Technician program at Sheridan? Dive into Haneen’s experience at Sheridan and have a peek into the life of a Pharmacy Technician student and SSU Promotions Team! Whether you’re thinking about the program, curious about working at the SSU, or want a real insight into student life, check out this special Q&A below.
“I was drawn to the idea of making a meaningful impact, even in small ways, and this program felt like a great starting point to create a career in supporting others.”
- Haneen Azhar
Q: Tell us about your experience in your program or college in general. What surprised you most? What was challenging?
A: My experience in both the Pharmacy Technician program and college life overall has been really great. I’ve made many new friends and learned so many new things along the way.
What surprised me most was how much growth I experienced, both academically and personally.
The most challenging part was the heavy workload of the program and the constant need to give 100%. At times, it definitely became overwhelming, but what kept me going was knowing that this journey had always been my dream, which motivated me to keep pushing forward.
Q: What's something you learned about yourself in this program?
A: One of the biggest things I learned about myself in this program is that I am more resilient and capable than I initially thought. The workload and responsibility of the Pharmacy Technician program pushed me out of my comfort zone. Still, it helped me discover that I can handle pressure and stay focused, especially when patient safety is involved.
I also learned that I thrive in hands-on environments and enjoy detailed, precise work. Overall, this program confirmed my passion for healthcare and showed me that I am able to push through challenges when working toward something I truly care about.
Q: What’s something you wish you knew before going into this program?
A: Something I wish I knew before starting this program is just how much focus and precision it requires, especially in labs where everything directly relates to patient safety. Even a small mistake can have serious consequences, which can be overwhelming at times. Learning to stay extremely focused and accurate can be frustrating, but it has also taught me the importance of responsibility, attention to detail, and taking pride in doing things correctly.
Q: What is your role within the SSU? What does a day in your role look like?
A: I work with the SSU Promotions Team, where we promote campus events and organize mini pop-ups for students to stop by, relax, and take a break between classes. I get to meet students from many different backgrounds and cultures, and I learn something new almost every day.
Some days are spent in the office brainstorming pop-up ideas and preparing materials, while others are more hands-on. My favourite part is doing poster board checks around campus — it keeps the campus organized and gets all my steps in for the day, so it’s definitely a win-win!
Q: What made you choose Sheridan and your program?
A: I chose Sheridan because of its strong reputation for hands-on learning, supportive faculty, and focus on preparing students for real-world careers. The campus environment felt welcoming and student-focused.
I chose the Pharmacy Technician Program because, growing up, I always dreamed of working in the healthcare sector and helping others. I was drawn to the idea of making a meaningful impact, even in small ways, and this program felt like a great starting point to build a career dedicated to supporting patients and contributing to healthcare.
Q: Favourite Course(s) & Why?
A: My favourite courses are definitely the compounding labs. At first, seeing that the labs were 3–4 hours long was intimidating, but from the very first class, I was fascinated by the process of compounding medications.
Learning how to work in a sterile environment, accurately weighing ingredients, and understanding how every step directly impacts patient safety made the labs extremely engaging.
Another course I really enjoy is the dispensing labs. Although it was challenging when I first started, it has become one of my favourites. I love how detail-oriented and precise the work is—carefully selecting medications, handling them correctly, and ensuring everything is accurate for the patient. Being trusted with that level of responsibility is both exciting and rewarding.
Q: What’s the most exciting part of your program so far?
A: The most exciting part of my program so far has been applying what I learn in class to real, hands-on situations. Whether it’s compounding medications in the lab or working through dispensing scenarios, it’s exciting to see how everything connects to real patient care. Knowing that these skills will directly translate into a healthcare setting makes the learning experience feel meaningful and motivates me to keep pushing forward.
Q: What’s a hidden gem (an item, app, tool, book, etc.) that wasn’t on your syllabus that you found to be essential to your success?
A: A hidden gem I discovered that wasn’t on the syllabus is the Pill Eye app. It’s basically a lifesaver for counting tablets. Instead of manually counting hundreds of pills—which feels like it takes a million years—this app can count them in seconds. It’s made my life so much easier and saved me a ton of time, especially during labwork and practice exercises. Definitely a must-have for anyone in the program!
Q: What is something that surprised you about working at the SSU?
A: Something that really surprised me about working at the SSU is how outgoing I actually am. I’ve always been told I’m more of an introvert, but working with my team has helped me come out of my shell. I’ve realized I genuinely enjoy meeting new people, making friends, and connecting with students from all different backgrounds — it’s been a really fun and unexpected part of the experience.
Q: What’s a project or assignment you’re really proud of working on?
A: A project I’m really proud of is the compounding work I’ve done, especially making liquid-filled capsules. The process felt like putting together a very precise recipe — measuring the liquid carefully, filling each capsule one by one, sealing them properly, and double-checking everything for accuracy and safety. Knowing that such a small tablet requires so much precision, and that something so tiny could directly help a patient.
What made it so rewarding was seeing how my careful work directly contributes to patient care. Every step, no matter how small, mattered—measuring accurately, filling the capsules, and ensuring safety. Knowing that something I created, even something as tiny as a tablet, could make a real difference in someone’s health made all the effort feel worthwhile
Q: What skill(s) did you gain from your program that helped you succeed in your position at the SSU?
A: One of the key skills I gained from the Pharmacy Technician program that helped me succeed at the SSU is attention to detail. In my program, every step requires accuracy and precision, and that focus has carried over to my work at the SSU.
I’m more organized, careful, and mindful in everything I do, whether it’s brainstorming pop-ups, setting up pop-ups, or handling materials for students. Being able to stay detail-oriented and methodical has made my work smoother and more efficient.
Want to learn more about our SSU Team?
Check out these blogs and learn more about what it is like to work at the SSU, how other students balance work and studies and maybe even get inspired to find a job at the SSU!
