How Cockapella shaped one student pharmacist's experience
For John Kouame, balancing pharmacy school with a cappella singing was not always easy—but it was essential. The rising third-year student pharmacist from Fort Mill, S.C., says his time with Cockapella has made all the difference in his college experience.
Kouame is wrapping up his run as a bass singer and treasurer for Cockapella, the University of South Carolina's co-ed a cappella group. Looking back, he says holding onto outside interests made him a better student and a happier one.
"Hold on to it as long as possible," Kouame says. "If it's not hurting you, don't lose your hobby or what brings you joy."
Kouame grew up singing in high school musicals and playing baritone in the band. After a couple of auditions, he earned his spot with Cockapella and spent the next several years preparing for performances and competitions while collecting memories he says he will carry into his pharmacy career.
"The ability to make friends from the group is what I'll miss most," he says. "Every year you just become fast friends with the new members, and the majority of the time they end up being my best friends."
Pharmacy school is hard, but the connections and experiences you build outside the classroom are just as important as what's inside it.
Among his favorite experiences were annual fall retreats, competing at the Intercollegiate Championship of A Cappella and performing for residents at a local retirement home, a tradition the group holds close to their hearts.
As he steps away from Cockapella and heads into a demanding third year, focused on lectures, rotations, research and exploring a possible future in independent pharmacy, Kouame has a simple message for pharmacy students feeling buried in their studies.
"Pharmacy school is hard," he says, "but the connections and experiences you build outside the classroom are just as important as what's inside it. Those experiences matter just as much as what happens in the classroom."
To hear John and Cockapella's music, listen to the group at cockappella.com/music.
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Student Experience