Celebrating pathways: Bry’s journey to pharmacy through community

After getting a part-time job at her local chemist to support her studies, Bry Forrest realised she was drawn to the connection pharmacists had with their customers. 

“I liked working there more than I liked studying paramedicine, and I decided to make a bit of a career change,” she said. 

Although her ATAR score met the pharmacy requirements, Bry didn’t take some of the pre-requisite classes in high school, which left her looking into non-traditional avenues for pursuing pharmacy. 

I didn’t do any chemistry during school, which immediately disqualified me. I thought, ‘I need to figure out how to get in,’ and the only university that offered a pathway program was RMIT.

Bry chose to undertake an Associate Degree in Applied Science at RMIT, which has a guaranteed pathway into the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). 

“I completed one year, and my grades were high enough to transfer directly into first year [of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)]."

Despite her success, Bry acknowledges there is societal pressure to pursue traditional university pathways but is grateful for her unique journey. 

I’m glad I didn’t give up by thinking, ‘Oh, I didn’t do chemistry so I can’t do pharmacy.’ Having work experience has been really vital and allowed me to fly through some of my assessments – particularly for dispensing.

Another guiding force for Bry's life and education is her deep connection to her Aboriginal heritage. She is a Kanolu woman, whose great-grandmother, Trixie Percy, was stolen from Darumbal country (west of Rockhampton) and placed in an orphanage. 

"Community [pharmacy] is very intrinsic to the way Aboriginal people function. Pharmacy allowed me to connect with community so much more [than paramedicine] because you can build on those relationships."

“I know a lot of young Aboriginal people these days may not have a strong connection to culture. That can be from the flow-on effects of colonisation and the massive amounts of displacement across the nation. I haven’t directly been displaced, as I have grown up in Naarm, but over time that is what happened to my family.” 

While at RMIT, Bry connected with other First Nations students through RMIT’s Ngarara Willim Centre. 

Ngarara Willim has just been fantastic, especially with the activities they run on their city campus. The mob that I have met through the city campus I’m still friends with today.

When asked what Bry would say to First Nations kids looking to study pharmacy, her advice is straightforward – just dive in. 

“I love talking about pharmacy and my passion for it, but it’s up to the person. If they want to do it, and they have a love for it, then do it.” 

“Get a job at a community pharmacy and figure out what you like about it.” 

This advice also extends to students thinking of applying for scholarships. 

“Some scholarships I didn’t think I’d ever get and I did. Just apply for them and see what happens and that gives you more confidence for the next application.” 

During Bry’s time at RMIT, she has gained experience by taking on leadership roles with the RMIT Association of Pharmacy Students (RAPS) and was awarded the George Alexander Foundation scholarship for her community involvement.  

For now, Bry is focused on passing her assessments and completing her degree at the end of 2025. After seven years in community pharmacy, she’s eager to explore develop her vocation within the walls of a hospital. 

“My main thing is I just want to work with people – that’s my passion and wherever I end up, I know I’ll be able to do just that," she says.