Trina Ito newly certified as pharmacy technician

Friday, May 18, 2012

I think if was just fate, said Gregoria Trina Ito, who passed her exam last Wednesday to become a U.S. Certified Pharmacy Technician. Three years ago, my work for Immigration was ending and my sister suggested I apply at Brabu Pharmacy. I didn't know what to expect. During my interview, my boss said that as a new business he didn't know if it would succeed, or how many hours he could offer me, but I took the job anyway.

Brabu Pharmacy and Wellness Center opened in June 2009, with only two employees. April Aldan, having cashiering experience in a pharmacy, immediately began training to become a pharmacy technician, an aspiration she had for some time. Having worked for just one month, her family made plans to move to the mainland. She decided to move with them and finish her studies in California.

It was fate again, said Ito, I was just hired as a cashier two weeks before when April told me she was leaving. I only had a couple of days to catch on. It was all new, but I got a lot of encouragement and I really liked what I was learning.

Ted Parker, co-owner and manager of Brabu Pharmacy, pressed Ito to start training as a pharmacy technician. I firmly believe in encouraging my staff to keep learning and expanding their responsibilities. Striving to meet new challenges improves a person's self-confidence and leads to other rewards, financially and personally. Trina was obviously a hard worker and caught on quickly. I knew that she would make a great technician once she set her mind to it. We just needed to help remove some of the hurdles to her meeting that goal, like paying for classes, providing a salary while she trained, and funding her travel to Guam for the certification exam.

Jean Rabauliman, now one of nine employees working at Brabu Pharmacy, became certified as a pharmacy technician in 2008, while working for Parker at another business. Rabauliman helped register Ito for online training, provided her with personal insight about the process, and acted as her mentor through her training. Trina was a fast learner, I was confident that she would pass her certification exam, though I remember how nerve wracking it was, taking a test that lasted several hours. We're all very proud of her success.

Parker emphasized that Brabu will continue to hire and train locally. A new employee, Kina Sablan, is now also being encouraged to seek her certification, with Ito acting as her mentor.

The limit to how many people we can provide with hands-on-training is only limited by sufficient funding. It is so important that businesses hire locally and spend time training personnel to fill those positions that have long been understaffed on island, especially in health care, Parker said.

In order, to meet funding requirements Brabu Pharmacy has partnered with Brabu Komunidat, a newly formed 501(c)3 non-profit. Brabu Komunidat is dedicated to promoting total wellness within the island community, especially for those underserved, by enhancing individual health and a positive sense of self, through programs that provide opportunities for personal growth, improved health and livelihoods, and living conditions. Those interested in learning more about Brabu Komunidat, wishing to contribute funds toward further learning opportunities, or just curious about pharmacy work are invited to stop by Brabu Pharmacy any time Monday through Friday 9am to 1pm, or call 233-(AMOT) 2668. (Brabu)

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Trina Ito newly certified as pharmacy technician