Friday, March 27, 2015

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.

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