Achs Ambassador Buffey McCorkle, Current AAS in CAM Student.

Buffey McCorkle, AAS in CAM

Buffey McCorkle, Current AAS in CAM Student, ACHS Ambassador

I began my journey with ACHS in December of 2015. I have been licensed as a nonsterile compounding technician since 2007. I discovered that my profession was not fulfilling my passion for helping people achieve their health and wellness goals. There was something missing, and I knew there had to be a better way.

I found that through ACHS. It is not about a temporary fix; it is a life altering change of the mind, body, and spirit to find balance in this journey we call Life. If you have also found this whole wellbeing calling, ACHS will open the doors to see it accomplished.

My training with ACHS has been demanding, exciting, and of great quality. Upon graduation, I have many opportunities that lie before me such as: educating, achieving my goal to obtain the only seat reserved for a pharmacy technician on the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, and starting my own business, which I believe I have already accurately named Aequipondium. Aequipondium is Latin for balance. It is a play on words since in holistic health or Western pharmaceuticals we reference the Latin names with herbs and pharmaceuticals.

What are three things you would tell prospective students?

If you are in doubt, start believing because you have arrived! Brace yourself to experience an education, staff, and peers you never thought possible. I was a prospective student who thought I was alone in the way I saw the world and the way healthcare was rushing into a crisis. I was searching for like-minds, and in my first week I knew I made the right decision. I was astonished by the number of peers and instructors who saw the same reality that I did. And it was a rush of excitement and relief that even I fail to put into words. But, be prepared to work hard. Set a fire of determination within yourself that can not be extinguished. I will share with you what I share with my children each day: no one gets to tell you that you can’t, you won’t, it’s a waste of time, or you won’t accomplish this. At the end of the day, the only person standing in your way is YOU. Never take no for an answer. Do the unexpected and what gives you purpose.

What are your three best tips for current ACHS students?

For my peers: Keep going!! We have all at one point or another had peaks and valleys. If you are struggling, reach out to all the resources around you: fellow peers, your instructor, your academic advisor. Your support system is not only the ones you see daily or live with. I believe sometimes your school resources are the last to be thought of. When really, they are your biggest cheering section. It may seem uncomfortable to share a personal situation, but I am confident you will be surprised at how skilled they are in their profession and they are on standby to help. And what has helped me the most is having an iron clad schedule and plan. Take the time to sit down and write down how you will study; unless it is an emergency, do not vary from it. Plus, don’t forget to take care of you! Reward yourself often, exercise, take walks, practice yoga, etc. … anything to reduce stress. I have found planning and stress reduction are two of the most crucial aspects of my studies. I look forward to seeing you ALL at the finish line. My most sincere wishes in your studies.