POC/POW Recap!
As the new academic year dawns, our campus welcomed a vibrant group of freshmen to embark on their pharm journey. To kick start this adventure, the annual Pharmacy Orientation Programme (POP) comprising Pharmacy Orientation Camp and Pharmacy Orientation Week.
Together, held over 7 days, the two camps brought together hundreds of eager first-year students for days filled with fun, laughter, and a whole lot of team spirit. The energy was infectious, and the excitement was palpable as the freshmen dove into a series of team-bonding games and challenges designed to break the ice and build the foundation for lifelong friendships.
Orientating – The Fun Way!
POC kicked off with a shocking discovery - OGMs were tasked to decipher the mysterious assassination of Victor Harrow by unlocking clues as they completed missions. Starting them off were ice breakers along with a plethora of new inter OG games as well as some returning fan favourites. The atmosphere was light-hearted, and within minutes, complete strangers had become teammates, working together to outsmart the competition.
On the second day, OGMs were brought around campus grounds and introduced to important venues, all the while completing stations in the Amazing Race segment of the camp. From navigating through escape room puzzles to being chased down by an angry eagle! The sight of students cheering each other on, celebrating victories big and small, and even consoling each other in moments of defeat, was a testament to the bonds that were forming.
Mass games galore!
POC was the first ever POC with not one, not two, but THREE mass games, held over the final 2 days of POC. It was incredible to see the determination in their eyes as they gave their all, and the relief and joy when they secured points, often with the help of a reassuring hand from a newfound friend. Not the mention, the inclusion of water in one of the mass games simply added much more fun to their experience, especially in the sweltering heat.
The mass games weren’t just about individual achievements; it was about creating a sense of community. The challenges emphasized the importance of teamwork, resilience, and having each other’s backs. By the end of the three events, these once-distant faces had become familiar, and the sense of camaraderie was undeniable.
A finale to Remember
As the sun set on the final day of the camp, the students gathered around in LT32 for a night of OG performances and snack auctioning!
The LT, normally quiet and mundane, turned into a chamber of laughter, song and cheer.
That’s not all!
Admittedly, the subsequent POW was comparatively drier due to the many important talks freshmen had to endure through. BUT! That has not stopped the organising committee from creating yet another gripping storyline, jam-packed with exciting fun and games! OGMs had the chance to enjoy yet another 2 days of inter-OG and mass games, coupled with the cherry on top - a hilarious skit by NUSPS house heads - congrats to those who stayed to the end to witness the spectacle.
It’s your turn.
The POP was a success because of the creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication of the FOP committee, and it’s exciting to think about what this batch of Y1s will bring to the table when your time comes. So, to all the freshmen who attended – welcome to the Pharmily. Take the friendships you’ve made, the lessons you’ve learned, and the memories you’ve created, and carry them with you. And when the time comes, be ready to make your mark on this incredible tradition.
Quotes from the FOP committee:
“During the planning process, it wasn’t always smooth sailing with ideas constantly being scrutinised and amended. Yet it was still fun planning late into the night, coming up with stupid ideas with Progs Comm and cracking jokes over Discord meetings.”
“Planning activities for POW was no easy feat as each activity had to be carefully tailored to the target audience, but despite these numerous taskings and multiple deadlines, being able to do it with the other house heads and OGLs (even including people whom i have not interacted much with in Y1) was nothing short of fulfilling!”
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