Teaching Senators and Legislators

I was somewhat disappointed when I had not received the pharmaceutical research internship position in Massachusetts that I was excited about. I was however offered a different pharmacy management internship in Des Moines and accepted. Since the management position was not my first choice, I found myself not very excited about the summer.

I am a firm believer in the idea that if you think something hard enough that is what will play out. For example, if you truly believe you can achieve something you will make it happen. For this reason, I was upset that I was setting myself up for failure by retaining such negative thoughts about the internship that I accepted. As the starting date neared I wanted to change my negative thoughts and images into positive ones so that I could psych myself up and give myself a fighting chance of having a phenomenal experience through the internship. I started contact with my to be supervisor to learn more about what I was doing in which I began to gain interest and ideas of what I wanted to get out the next few weeks of work. I also learned about some great learning opportunities that I could take advantage of while interning for the company. By the time the day came for me to start, I had made almost a 180 degree turnaround in attitude. I was excited, had a wealth of ideas, set some goals, was eager to learn and realized the fun I might have.

That was a week ago. So far after the first week, I think I made a GREAT decision by choosing this internship. No day has been the same (I enjoy variety) and each one filled with a tremendous amount of learning and doing!

One of the more exciting afternoons included a meeting with some Iowa senators, legislators and pharmacy lobbyists. I accompanied the individuals through a pharmacy tour where they were introduced to the 'art' of pharmacy that is most likely much different then what they assume from their regular visits to their local pharmacies. We discussed how innovations, policies, and laws were influencing the profession of pharmacy in an effort to gain their support when debating bills on capital hill. It was great to explain my views on issues within the health profession in hopes that they may take into consideration the best interests of their future voting constituency. The whole event was conducted in order to teach our influential representatives about the changing world of pharmacy and the amounting concerns pharmacists face with the evolving health care system.

I never thought that the district management dealt with these issues but am pleased that they do because I was able to get a taste of practice. I am pleased with my first week and am looking forward the rest of the summer with enthusiasm and a desire to find out if this is a possible direction that I may consider for my career.

Why Does Change Scare So Many People?

Change is never easy. I admit that change is never easy for me or always my first choice; however I have come to learn that change happens in life. If you do not accept the constant change evolution brings or try to adapt to it you will only become a bitter and lonely person always looking to the past for happiness but never finding fulfillment. Some say change is not good because it messes up what is going well while others say change is great because it brings variety to life. No one can say for sure whether change will be good or bad (unless they have a crystal ball).

Change will happen no matter if people are angry, excited, inviting or against it. Change is the only thing that has allowed evolution to work. So the most important thing about change, is the reaction to it. People can either accept or reject the change. The reaction should be based on knowledge and feeling so that an intuitive yet educated decision can be made. Going by education alone is nonhuman while going by feeling alone is illogical.

I bring this topic up because there has been a lot of debate about minor changes to a committee I am on. Some people do not want to change because they see it as an encroachment on their tradition. These people have been doing things the same way for many years. Others see no problem with the change as it may be bring in new experiences. So who is right?

I think the only way people will know if the change will be good or bad is to try it out. If the change is no good then change back to what was being done. If the change is good then keep with it. People will never know unless they try it. It is like trying spinach for the first time. Some people love it and keep eating it and some people hate it and never eat it again. These may be some extreme examples but think about what would have happened if instead of formulating intuitive yet educated reactions, if people would have rejected change before even starting.

Giving equal rights to people of all races
Giving equal rights to all genders
Increasing the legal drinking age
Accepting that the world is round
Seeking cleaner sources of energy

People cannot be afraid of change, instead they must learn how to handle it/react to it properly. If everyone would have have been scared of the above changes or reacted negatively would the world be better off?

What is the worst thing that change can bring? If change happens and it is not as good, we can change again to make it better. If change happens and it goes well, then we are all better off.

How I Was Raised

I decided to visit home for the short time I had between visiting my new niece and going back to Des Moines to start my summer internship. While at home I realized how thankful I am for my parents and how I was brought up!

The way a kid is brought up determines the values, respect, attitudes, and characteristics that they possess throughout life. Too bad there is no owner's manual or no one perfect way on how to bring up kids. I attribute many of my strengths and understandings to the lessons I learned as my parents raised me. Some lifelong lessons, some funny skills. No matter what, I am happy I have had experience with a lot including (but not limited to)...

Speaking three languages
Hand-washing dishes till the age of 13 (only after a dishwasher was given to the family as a gift)
Checking my own oil, wiper fluid and tire pressure
Mowing the lawn (as my dad competed with the neighbor for the best lawn)
Shoveling the driveway/pavement each winter until 17 (we finally got a snowblower as a gift)
Cleaning gutters
Chopping down 30 foot trees
French Braiding Hair
Putting up, drilling, sanding, and painting drywall
Fending for myself
Washing and ironing my own clothes
Sewing and patching my own clothes
Cooking and baking (especially Polish food)
Saving and being financially responsible
Learning that "there is no such thing as a free lunch"
Appreciating all that I have and have been blessed with
Strong faith base
Offering assistance and all that I can to those in need
Driving (only used cars)
Blueberry picking for over 18 years
Remembering that family will always be there for me
Learning how to smoke sausage
Tiling and grouting
Riding the bus, "L", train, plane and other transportation alone without intimidation or fear
Trying new foods, experiences, etc. at least once before dismissing them
Peeing behind bushes near the highway
Taking pleasure in the small treasures in life
Pushing cars
Sending letters and thank you notes
Sharing a bedroom
Playing piano, clarinet, the recorder and the accordion
Buying and replacing windows that I broke
Washing out sewer drains
Enjoying cross country family road trips
AND SO MUCH MORE!

I asked so many questions as a child I am surprised my parents did not duck tape my mouth. The problem is... I still ask a lot of questions...what can I do, I am just curious?

My parents continue to influence my life all the time. For example, my mom explained how to start my own vegetable garden for a porch and as my parents were remodeling their bathroom over the week I learned what and "L" wrench was as well as how to reinstall new fictures. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Finals Finally Done

I am done with the semester!

I am glad to be done because this semester was brutal including my entire finals week. Finals week was long as I had a final Monday and Tuesday afternoon, two finals on Thursday starting at 7:30 am and one final on Friday starting at 7:30am.

My classes this semester, Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutics, Pharmaceutical Drug Actions, Non-Prescription Medications, Pharmacy Skills and Applications, and Corporate Governance, were all challenging in a different way. I appreciate that I learned a tremendous amount this semester through all the stress and hard work of the classes. I spent a lot of time studying, preparing and working on each class for exams, papers, group projects, presentations, practicals, quizzes, and group assignments. This semester also included over 45 hours of out of mandatory class practical work at clinics, vaccine days, and teaching english to refugees. I was kept busy working part time as a pharmacy intern at Walgreens, working as a TA for a pharmacy class, and blogging here! Along with all my activities, clubs, church work and meetings I had a jam packed schedule everyday and each weekend.

I am EXTREMELY HAPPY to be done with the semester and finally get some time back for myself.

HOWEVER, I am also sad that another year is done. I only have 2 more years until I am done, graduated and moving into a professional career. I know I am not completely ready to be done with school and practicing as a pharmacist. I am not ready to be done with college life yet. School goes by so fast, faster than I every thought or wanted. The older I get the faster the time goes by. I wish I could slow life down and spend a little more time enjoying it.

So as much as I am thrilled that the semester is done, I am upset that life is going by in a flash. My dream is to be able to control time so that I can slow down life as I want to. I will be taking advantage of this summer by slowing life down and enjoying every moment!

Guess Where I am?

Finally after waiting almost two months, I am visiting my niece in St. Louis! I wanted to see her since she was born but never had the right situation to travel from school to see her. With classes done for the semester and summer practically here, I made the trip through the storm yesterday.

All I can say is...it is ALL Worth it! She is the cutest baby! No matter if she is crying, laughing, eating or sleeping she is precious and irresistible in every way. The goos and the gaas are amazing. Everything about her is miraculous including how much she has grown in 2 months, how strong she is, and how one smile from her can make the world peaceful. Her smile, curly hair, tiny toes, miniature hands, mini fingers, and beautiful blue eyes all make her the most adorable baby. I have given her a bath, changed her diapers, fed her and am still not sick of it all.

Babies are wonders in themselves because they make you realize what life really means and what it is all about. Babies themselves are complex in their body, growth rates, and abilities to survive however they are the so simple. They only eat, sleep and go to the bathroom yet they are miracles. They make you understand what is important in life and how simple life really should be. Breathing, eating and loving are so simple yet are the most important parts of life. Babies make you realize the awe that life is and how precious every moment is. I am so happy to spend time with my niece and I love her so much for everything she is and everything she teaches me. Thank you Emily!

Too Bad Drugs Only Go So Far

Of course I had to get a cold the weekend before finals. Murphy's law...when you are the busiest or have the most to worry about you will inevitably get more to worry about or be put in a situation that makes life just a little bit harder at the time. It is not easy trying to focus on at this crucial time in the semester when my head is full of snot and I am burning up like a rotisserie chicken. I should not be complaining since many other people are dealing with much more difficult hardships in their life.

I have been trying numerous remedies and medicines to scare this cold away including nasal washes, loading up on vitamin C, cold compresses, honey infused drinks, lots of fluids (which makes it worse because then I have to go to the bathroom every 15min), Tylenol, ibuprofen, psuedoephedrine, sleep (which I am just not getting), and many more. I am feeling better as one symptom disappears and is replaced with another. However, I wish there was one magic remedy to make me feel 100% better in a matter of hours. As a studying pharmacist I should know better. Colds are just there and not much will help remedy them. They are self-limiting so time will help me feel better soon.

In the mean time I am also hoping to find that one magic remedy that will make me extra smart, have a great memory, and do well on my examines....I will let you know when I find that remedy!

In Memory...

Friday evening, Drake lost a fantastic teacher and the world lost a phenomenal teacher. The cancer that took him on the roller coaster ride of his life started 4 years ago and ended Friday, May 9, 2009. With only good thoughts, prayers and memories for his family, friends and him.

The wake was this afternoon and was completely full, with not a spot to move...just shows how loved and influential this man was for students, family and his profession. The funeral is tomorrow and I expect no less.

It was an honor to know you, learn from you and be apart of your enthusiastic life.

Dr. Lon Larson
May 9, 2009

To read a little bit about his life and achievements visit this web page that Drake University has written:

http://www.drake.edu/news/db/official/archive.php?article=4329

Don't Scare Everyone!

As a health professional in training, I have been hearing more about H1N1 treatments and trying to stay up to date on disease information. The reason that this flu seems worse is because it is new and because it can affect all populations (not just the young and old as the traditional flu attacks). The scare is something to recognize but not be frightened of. The swine flu is a version of the flu. Prevention is key and treatment as soon as symptoms arise is important.

So why are so many people freaking out?

The other day at work my manager almost refused to stay at work because our store had no face masks and had run out of hand sanitizer. She asked another employee to check the local stores for supplies so she could feel safer. The local Walmart and other stores were out of hand sanitizer and face masks as well. Our next requirement was to sanitize the counters every 30min and stay farther from patients than normal. She almost thought about requiring each employee to buy and bring in their own facemasks to work. While working we were not allowed to refer to the flu as the "swine flu" but as H1N1. The manager kept telling employees and patients that H1N1 was the correct name and by calling it the swine flu we were hurting our own economy as well as the science of disease.

That same day, the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, told her council members (me being one of them) that the college was a vital resource for the city of Des Moines and that we would need to act promptly if called upon by health officials. We were on the emergency call list. This response seemed a little less extreme than my manager's but still somewhat exaggerated considering at that point there had been no cases in Iowa yet.

I work at a pharmacy and understand that prevention, cleanliness and caution are all important to stop the spread of the flu. However, if health professionals are getting crazy about the disease then think how the patients will react? If people start walking into every clinic or store they would only get more frightened if everyone there was wearing a mask and spraying Lysol everywhere. By starting rumors that our economy will begin to fall because of the flus name is only going to end people into greater panic. Health authorities need to stay calm while being cautious in order to effectively manage such outbreaks. The public needs to stay educated, ready and realistic.

Looking for Golf Clubs!

I have never golfed or even held a golf club in my hand until this past semester. A Drake Alum left a large grant for Drake to cosponsor a "Golf for Business and Life" program. It allowed students to take golf lessons and hear corporate executives/planners discuss golf and business in everyday life. I took part in this class because I had never golfed and figured now would be a better time than never. I got 10 lessons of golf and they were all great fun!

I am by no means a pro. I would not even consider myself an amateur at this point. The first day of lessons was really embarrassing as I missed hitting the ball a few dozen times, hit the ball off in all directions, and barely got the ball to role anywhere. I was frustrated but kept going to the lessons because the instructor was so encouraging and I enjoyed the friends I got to golf with. As the lessons progressed my missed shots became fewer and my good shots became greater. The few good shots I hit each lesson kept me going back for more. I learned golf has nothing to do with strength, as most other sports do and as I am used to. It is all about coordination and mentality.

Now my lessons are done and I miss them already. I would love to continue playing some golf throughout the summer and into the future just to stay up on my game and relieve some stress. A round of golf is not too expensive at the cheaper golf courses, about the same amount as a movie nowadays. The only problem is I need some clubs to play with. I talked to my instructor and we decided some mens clubs would probably suit me best. I have been seeking some on Craigslist and garage sales. Used would be the best for me now since I am not super serious or really good.

I am not picky, so if you know anyone that has got some used clubs that they want to get rid of or sell at a cheap price....let me know!

There have got to be some lonely clubs out there.....I will find them and continue to better myself (embarrass myself) on the golf course!