I later discovered that the city was awash with pharmacy students. Some had recently failed the final exam, while others were waiting to rewrite failed subjects. Many had just given up. Next to accounting, studying pharmacy was considered one of the most challenging careers of the time. 

The turning point came when I attended my first lecture. I had no notebook or pen and not adequately prepared. The lecture room was full of students. The lecturer strode in, delivered the lecture, and upon conclusion, unceremoniously marched out; and so did many others.

I remained for a period deliberating upon the experience and concluded that I was now on my own. If I were to have a future, it had to start now. 

Upon returning home, I discovered my father had found an apprenticeship for me. While investigating a recent incident, he had met the management of a large pharmaceutical wholesaler. They obliged by organising an interview, and before long, I was an apprentice.

Even today, thinking back, I have no idea of how I arrived at this point. Much of what I have written might seem strange to someone that has followed my story. I do not doubt that I was a very different child at school and did not fit the traditional social mould. I had no fear or feeling; if I failed, I just carried on. I assumed no distress; no one understood me. Perhaps I was considered impenetrable and beyond understanding. 

Nothing changed; my apprenticeship was harsh at first. As expected, I started with menial tasks and progressed until I was doing almost all the dispensing. Compounding of medicines was more professional and very different back then. 

Finally, I completed my concluding year of full-time study and qualified as a pharmacist, a year before Mike.