By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Visits to Kizer Pharmacy and White-Ranson Funeral Home were the latest stops for Union City Schools’ Leadership Innovation Team.
Twelve students and two chaperones participated in a tour of local businesses that showcased their services and commitment to the community.
Among the UC students to benefit from the experience were Zaccur Coble, Annie Beth Cruce, Paisley Dew, Jorge Escobar, Brandt Huffstutter, Randy Huynh, Landon McAdams, Amanda McPearson, Adolfo Pastor-Hernandez, Rylan Robinson, Rylee Stone, and Talexis White.
UCHS Career Counselor Lisa Carson said the Union City contingent – which has visited a variety of businesses and companies – was intrigued by opportunities in their recent excursion. They listened intently to pharmacist Taylor Barnes at Kizer’s and W-R co-owner Cameron Sherwood and were then given the opportunity to ask questions of the licensed professionals.
As part of the in-depth description of pharmacy life, Barnes touched on HIPAA laws, job opportunities, compounding, and the importance of accountability and accuracy when preparing medications, in addition to over-the-counter drugs.
“It was a pleasure for our pharmacy to have the Union City student leadership group visit and interact with our team,” Barnes said. “I thoroughly enjoyed sharing our day-to-day with them, what my path looked like to becoming a pharmacist, and how the leadership and involvement opportunities that I engaged in as a student brought me to where I am today.
“It was exciting seeing 8th-grade and freshman students interested in learning where to begin in the healthcare field. It was equally exciting to hear from the seniors who are embarking on the path to figuring out their future. We hope they learned more about what it means to be a part of a career that does more than ‘count pills.’ We constantly engage with a wide array of people and backgrounds, problem-solve, communicate with a team, and lead by serving others.”
The group was treated to lunch at Scott’s Grill – provided by the Obion County Chamber of Commerce before touring White-Ranson.
There, Sherwood shared his job description/responsibilities and enlightened the students about the ins and outs of working with clients in challenging and emotional times.
The students also toured the chapel and other public areas of the funeral home.