something to think about..

The shock and awe has NOT worn off from last week.

But I wanted to talk about something else today. I get emails from the American Pharmacist's Association daily, and today they took a stance on executions.

They are strongly discouraging all pharmacists from providing the medication that is used for the execution of patients on death row. This is one topic I hadn't thought about when it came to my role as a pharmacist, providing the medication that will end someone's life.  I feel that this is no different than prescribing medication for assisted suicide, and that is happening more and more these days. I mean they are two totally different scenarios but obviously have the same result. I'm not sure of my stance on this issue, I understand the need for punishment for people who have done wrong, but isn't life in jail almost the same thing? But I've never lost someone because of an inmate on death row. Would I feel different? It would test every inch of my morals that's for sure.

 I think this is a good topic to bring up to all medical professionals during their training, we all may face this choice someday. Like I said, I have never thought about my role in something like this, but there is a lot of future ahead of me.

Holy Crap.

I did it. I'm going to be a Pharmacist. Holy crap. This seems so unreal.

It hasn't set in yet and I'm not sure if it ever will.
 I'm almost speechless.
I really don't know what to write because all I want to write is I'm going to be a pharmacist 3000 times and thats probably unacceptable. So since I've never published it before, I wanted to publish the essay that I wrote for my application. Because it explains my excitement about this oh so well! I'll never forgot writing down my goals freshman year signing that piece of paper Ashlyn Riedesel, Pharm D. And its coming true, my dreams are coming true. Wow

I'm going to be a Pharmacist.

My application essay:

Through my life experiences and working in pharmacies in both North Dakota and Minnesota, I know pharmacy is my calling. I love the fast-paced environment that requires constant problem solving, stellar communication skills, and most importantly the opportunity to help and serve others. When I put together all the different ingredients of my life, I see a perfectly compounded prescription of a pharmacist. The ingredients of my compound have come from different phases in my life; however, they each play an equal role in creating the precise prescription.   

            The first ingredient is the choosing of my minor. When I began my schooling at NDSU, I decided it would be a great idea to minor in business administration. As a North Dakotan, I visit my local pharmacy and observe the pharmacist serving dual roles. He/She is able to own and manage several pharmacies while still serving patients at all locations. I want to be prepared for the business aspect that accompanies a North Dakota Pharmacist’s role. With NDSU’s tremendous business school, I knew that this was the best plan for me in order to gain an advantage in my future career. I have also chosen to study abroad this summer within the school of business to broaden my horizons and knowledge. I feel that this experience will help me to understand the language barrier that I may encounter with patients as I move through my career.

            The second ingredient of my pharmacist compound is my reason for choosing this career. I have been blessed to have numerous pharmacy role models throughout my life. My grandfather, uncle and cousin are all NDSU pharmacy graduates. I grew up observing their passion for their patients, customers, and their career that left me wanting to discover it for myself. It also lead me to pursue NDSU, as it would be an honor for me to attend the same university that they have chosen.

            There is one other reason why I want to become a pharmacist; I want to save my brother’s life. My brother was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was 7 years old and I was 4. I was too young to know what it all meant, but I was devoted to being his caretaker. As the years went on I was still peering over his shoulder with every shot and finger prick. I tagged along to doctor visits as well as dietetics meetings to help count his carbohydrates at every meal. I was right by his side for all of the high and low blood sugars, the literal highs and lows of type one. Although I have tried to make everything better and bearable, there is one thing I cannot do for him. I can’t cure him of this disease. My hope is that in the course of my pharmacy career that I will be able to dispense the medication that will put him on the path towards a recovery or even cure him from this damaging disease.  

            The third ingredient is my passion. Working in the pharmacy is my favorite thing to do. I go into work wide-eyed and eager each and every day because I know that I will make a difference in someone’s life, and that is pretty incredible. The pharmacy is such a stimulating atmosphere with twists and turns around every corner, challenging me in ways I never expected to be challenged in. This has only deepened my love for this profession, keeping my mind occupied long after the workday has commenced. If I run into any thought-provoking questions throughout the day I either ask my pharmacist or research the topic moment my workday finishes. I never want to stop learning, and I know pharmacy will allow me to do just that.

            The fourth ingredient that needs to be added to the compound is volunteering. I found my desire to work with and help people through volunteering in my hometown. Through the years I have worked with all ages, from the very young to the elderly. Teaching the youngest of ballerinas dance lessons has taught me patience and given me tremendous courage. From the delivery and service to the elderly through Meals on Wheels and the Sports Boosters I have gained compassion and continuously gained respect for others. I believe these character qualities transfer equally to the pharmacy. A pharmacist must be all of these things in order to serve their patients to the highest level.

            There we have it, mix equal parts of the ingredients together until smooth. Store the compound in a cool dry place after mixing. Instructions to the patient are to apply once daily until a pharmacist is created. Becoming a pharmacist requires long hours, a grueling course load, and continuous dedication. I am up for the challenge and I know it will be worth the hard work and effort in the end.

Dear Freshman Me

Ive seen a lot of letters to me lately and I wanted to write one to my freshman self. My first days of college were pretty scary and I would have loved to give myself some advice.



Dear Freshman Ashlyn,

I know you're scared, and you really don't want to be here right now, but college will be the best years of your life. I promise.

I know you're worried about making friends, since you're actually kind of shy. You'll meet your best friend, just three days in. Yes I know you're doubting me, but it will really happen. She will pick you up during your worst days and make you laugh so hard you'll cry. She will let you sleep in her bed every weekend of school just so you can avoid a certain someone. You'll also meet your best guy friends that stick up for you and are always willing to help you out. You'll find lifelong friends that live right down the hall. Dorm life, although it REALLY sucks is where all your friendships will grow and multiply. So meet as many people as you can in your dorm and your friends' dorms.

School will be tough. There is no doubt about that, I'm sure you already have an idea. But don't be afraid to take a study break and hang out with friends. Please don't skip birthday dinners and movie nights just to study, you can't make those memories up. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I know you hate to give in and love to do things for yourself, but you don't know everything. The sooner you go and get hep the sooner you will understand. Your future self will be less critical if you can get A's in all those early classes. Sorry, but I'm still a little bitter.

Don't forget about your friends from home. I know you're ready to make new friends, but like the song, make new friends and keep the old. Sometimes the only people who understand the shock and awe of the latest Facebook post will be your high school bestie. Keep her close, keep all your friends from home close, you're in this big new world together and no one will no you better than them.

Be spontaneous. We've gotten better and better at trying new and crazy things, but I'm going to tell you now to be spontaneous. It's so much more fun that way :)

You're doing well, and I'm proud of you for making the decision to become a pharmacist. Your love for this profession will only continue to increase.

And believe it or not you will actually get a JOB.

Go get'em girl!

The letter.

The hyperventilating has begun.

The letter has been sent out. I repeat, the letter has been sent out.

Within the next 24-48 hours my life will change. Hopefully for the better and not the worst. I mean there's really nothing I can do at this point, whats done is done. I just really want to know! Im so ready for my future and to take the next step.

Here's to hoping I have good news to report on Thursday or Friday.  :)

Geeking Out

Being apart of the pharmacy atmosphere makes me a total geek for all things pharmacy. Just by browsing Pinterest, I found so many cheesy pill shaped things that I would love to have and use.

Capsule Magnets would be perfect to put all my pharmacy related achievements on the fridge!

A USB for all my class projects? Even better! 

Everyone in class would be jealous if they saw my pill shaped highlighters!

I would probably get to class on time if I had this pill alarm clock!!

My fellow pharmacy technicians would get a kick out of getting these pill shaped nail polishes!

And finally.. Pill shaped earrings. I bet my customers would ask if they were real! So Fun!

Our PSA

I wanted to post our PSA that we created for English, because there are a few people out there that see this page.

We had such a great time filming it! It was funny to see all the looks we were getting while filming in the mall. Our blooper reel could have been hours and hours because we were laughing through the entire process! I loved being able to make this video with Lauren and Hannah and our friends!

We all feel that this is a very important message that everyone needs to see, young and old alike!

Enjoy!

I Survived!

I did it! I survived the interview process! Whoop whoop!

The day started way to early, and the night before I was a mess. I did not want to go to sleep at all, and then couldn't sleep, it was a struggle. So, just as I was about to head out the door we had a wardrobe malfunction. I was just about to walk out the door and riiiiip. My pants, they ripped. I had no idea what to do and I was already running late, my roommates were up with me and decided it wasn't noticeable so I just went on my merry way to the interview! I got to do my individual interview first, thank goodness! I was so glad that I could get them out of the way. While I can't say much about the interview process, it was a great experience and I'm so glad I got to do it. The day went buy so quickly I could hardly believe it!

So now we are back to the waiting game, but not much longer! Im so ready to get that final letter. It has been such a long process, but I'm so grateful for the experience.

Tick Tock Goes the Clock

We are so close to interview day, so dang close. Its really hard to believe.

I'm not really sure what I'm feeling right now, both nervous and excited, but mostly nervous. I haven't had much time to practice since this week has been so busy, although thats probably a good thing that way I can keep my mind off of things. But I plan to do a little bit tomorrow night. They've told us we can't really practice for this, we just have to go in and be ourselves. Here's to hoping it goes well, I'll meet you all on the other side. Eek!

Flu Vaccines? Already?

The FDA has endorsed the World Health Organizations picks for the 2015-2016 flu vaccines. It seems weird that they would pick these strains already as the virus still has a lot of time to regenerate and change. 

But nonetheless it is important that they pick the strains early enough so that they have time to develop the vaccines. They have decided to choose 2 new strains to join the one from last year for this next season. There will be an H3N2, H1N1, and type B virus available for the next season. A member of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee said that the committee watches the viruses that affect Asia and the Southern Hemispheres as most of the viruses seem to drift westward as well as northward, and then they base the selections off of that. 

Contraception for All?

I read an article today about making oral contraceptives (Birth Control) available over the counter without a prescription.

I can see both the positives and negatives in this topic.

On the plus side, it would allow for more women to have access to these medications especially low income families who feel they can't afford a doctor's visit. I believe that everyone no matter their economic status should have the access to effective birth control. The article stated that 21% of low-income women would be very likely to use birth control if they could get it OTC. The other positive side to this is the prevention of unplanned pregnancy. Unfortunately abortions are still legal in this country, having birth control available over the counter would help prevent this in the future.


On the other side i can definitely see birth control getting into the wrong hands. Teenagers are the most likely to abuse this system. I feel that if they do move birth control OTC and ID should be required and only approved for those 18 and older. Hormones are running wild at this age and I can see young teens who have no idea what they're getting themselves into going out to buy birth control. That decision should be between the parents and the child at that young age, not the teens themselves.