Embarking on a new journey: A warm welcome to the Pharmily
This Summer, the Freshmen Orientation Programmes (FOPs) are back again in full force! As we stepped out from the shadows of COVID-19, the FOPs have made significant progress to reinvigorate the orientation scene as we prepare to welcome the Class of 2027. Likewise, the orientation committees of NUS Pharmaceutical Society (NUSPS) have also been working hard to put together a selection of entertaining and memorable activities for them. The trilogy of orientation programmes comprises of Pharmacy Orientation Programme (POP), Pharmacy Rag (RxAG) and Pharmacy Flag (RxFlag). Join me as we delve into the world of freshmen orientation!
RxAG Jumpstart and Sessions
The orientation experience first began with Jumpstart (12-13 June), a 2-day camp organised by RxAG. It served to expose the freshmen to the elements of Rag namely: Floats, Costumes and Dance. The freshmen were able to construct handheld props, sew their own drawstring bags and try out new dance moves. Throughout the summer break, the different divisions of RxAG will continue to conduct sessions and build up towards the finale. Their commitment and efforts will finally culminate on Rag Day (12 August), where the team would showcase a stellar performance completed with breathtaking floats, glamorous costumes, and eye-catching choreography. This performance is not to be missed!
RxFlag and their Summer Beneficiary Activities
At the same time, RxFlag has been engaging with the staff and children of Life Community Services Society (LCSS). While aiming to bring joy and knowledge to the children, RxFlag also seeks to promote the spirit of volunteerism through their Summer Beneficiary Activities. Freshmen had the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities including Science Backyard, Sock Puppet Show and Scavenger Hunt. Furthermore, RxFlag had also kickstarted their online donation campaign on giving.sg where public and corporate donations will be distributed through Community Chest to the beneficiaries. This runs in conjunction with the annual Flag Day (29 July) where students head out to the streets and seek donations from the public.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit this page: https://www.giving.sg/campaigns/rag_and_flag_2023_nusps.
POP and Camp Amicizia
At the heart of the orientation experience would be the camp. POP held Camp Amicizia, a 4D2N camp from 20-23 June. The word Amicizia is Italian for “friendship”, and it serves to encapsulate the goal of the camp which is to enable the participants to make new friends and create fond memories. The theme of the camp follows the all too familiar plot of helping Mario save Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. This was achieved through the competition of 4 different clans: Heroes, Anti-Heroes, Koopas and Allies. This saw the different orientation groups battle it out in activities like The Ultimate Grand Prix, Inter-OG Games, Cheep Cheep Lagoon and Bid It To Win It. Unique to this camp, they had to work together to create their own Kart, symbolising their orientation group, using cardboard and other materials. Overall, the camp saw success in enabling the freshmen to grow closer with one another and develop the spirit of a Pharmily in them. As we move closer to the start of university, the POP team also conducted Rocket Fuel Workshop (27 June), a one-day academic programme to help freshmen bridge the gap in knowledge for both chemistry and biology.
Fortunately, even though many exciting events have passed, this journey is not yet over! Pharmacy Orientation Week (Camp Famiglia) is set to take place on 7-8 and 10 August. This academic camp would pivot on the 5 Houses of NUSPS (Fleming, Galen, Procter, Pasteur, and Scheele) as we continue to provide the support freshmen need to begin the academic year.
At this current juncture, I would also like to acknowledge and thank the hard work and dedication the orientation committee members have contributed since the start of this journey. Amid the laughter and conversations, they have become seniors that the freshmen can look up to. Lastly, while we strive to ensure that freshmen have the necessary tools and support to transition to university life, we hope to forge strong friendships and camaraderie that would last a lifetime. This is the spirit of orientation. This is the spirit of the Pharmily.
All the best to the incoming Class of 2027!
Article by Phua Jun Guan (Year 2 Pharmacy student, 62nd NUSPS Vice President (Special Projects))
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