Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Jackson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
First, I would not be where I am now if it was not for me dedicating my life to Jesus Christ and the helper he sent me.
This story is detailed but the target audience I hope to reach are those in Medical/Pharmacy/Dental/Law School as the “initial/first relationships” amongst this population does not last.
I have to start this story off by highlighting a woman that supported me from day 1. After graduating Pharmacy Technician School in 2013, I found it hard to find a job. But guess what, a lady I was dating at the time suggested I go to a Walgreens in Nashville and see if they were hiring. Guess what, I did, and boom, Marcus had a job. As I was working as a pharmacy technician, I found myself needing more responsibility and applied as a pharmacy technician at Vanderbilt Hospital. And Guess who was at the interview with me waiting in the basement, the same lady.
As I worked part time at Walgreens and Full Time at Vanderbilt Medical Center, I quickly realized that the tasks I was most fascinated with regarding pharmacology and appreciation of mechanisms fell in the scope of a Pharmacist. Furthermore, I made up my mind I wanted to be a Pharmacist. As I began to refocus on completing college and apply to pharmacy schools, I always had constant support and encouragement from the same lady. That support came in shared rides through winter storms just for the opportunity to make a dream a reality.
Furthermore, after applying to numerous schools, every school wait listed me or declined my application. I knew I was smart but I also trusted God to direct my path. And that trust was tested! Furthermore, the same day that I received my last denial on a pharmacy school application in July, yet, I was still happy and focused. By trusting God despite no hope in site, I was led to go through previous emails and here is were I found a unopened email from a school in California. But guess what, I applied that same day, later interviewed, and was accepted!
Less than a month, I moved to California with no knowledge of the area. Just faith that God would direct my path, and he did just that! As I pivoted through my first year of pharmacy school, I soon realized I needed my support with me, my lady. So she became my wife within 3 months of engagement. The only black male in the pharmacy class that dared to get married in the midst of a high pressure program. Lets brag about my wife – She knew we would be in a state all by herself, yet trusted my direction. She was a full time NP student, pregnant the entire time of our California venture, took care of the babies alone on weekdays while I was in school, and would work on the weekend as a Psych RN to pay all our bills. All this in 4 years! No California Beach days, just extreme focus, consistency, and hard work!
Furthermore, we are married 7 years now with 3 kids. We are making a conscious effort to get out of our survival mentality and enjoy one another. To take time and date one another and learn about each other as we never did during professional schooling. Today, I am the proud owner of Pharmalife Community Pharmacy in Murfreesboro TN.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Pharmacy school is both academically and emotionally demanding. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the heavy course load with clinical rotations and personal responsibilities. I had to sacrifice sleep and social activities to stay on top of exams, lab work, and projects. I had to adapt to learning the geography of a land I have never visited. I had to adapt to learning how to study, how to take a professors exam, and how to obtain pinpoint focus despite what is happening around me. Another struggle has been Financial stressors given the responsibility of having a wife and kids and not being able to provide . Nevertheless, despite what appears as obstacles, these events have created a very special healthcare professional. One that is able to focus and accurate clinical knowledge despite being in life or death situations, one that knows how to survive, and one that knows how to lead. How? Simply because the challenges that I thought were meant to break me were actually blessings in disguise meant to shape me!
We’ve been impressed with Pharmalife Community Pharmacy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Pharmalife Community Pharmacy is a Full Service Christian Based Pharmacy. We can fill and dispense prescription medications, FREE medication delivery including refrigerated prescription medications such as insulin, professional consultations, immunizations, medication therapy management, Covid/Flu testing, and more. At our pharmacy, you have a personal Pharmacist you can text 24 hours a day about medications, health conditions, or life in general. If you need something, we are here.
What separates Pharmalife Community Pharmacy from other pharmacies is that we do not treat our customers as transactions. We have a heart for people and love people. Want to see our customers come off medications. Want to celebrate with you when health goals are reached. We are that type of pharmacy!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about Nashville is the strong sense of community and the diversity of opportunities the city offers. It’s a place that blends culture, music, healthcare, and education, which makes it exciting both professionally and personally. The people are welcoming, and there’s always something to do, from live music to local events, which gives the city a vibrant energy.
What I like least would probably be the traffic and rapid growth. As the city continues to expand, it can be challenging to navigate congestion and longer commutes. That being said, it’s also a sign of how attractive Nashville is as a place to live and work, so I see it as both a challenge and a reflection of the city’s success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pharmalifecp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharmalifecp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pharmalifecp
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pharmalifecp
