Interview with: Laurie Plewinski, University at Buffalo

1. As you reflect on your student pharmacist experience thus far, what are some of your favorite memories?
My favorite memories as a student pharmacist have always included seeing a fellow student pharmacist member achieve a goal. Whether it be witnessing an event they planned play out, or having their own policy discussed at the MRM Policy Proposal Forum. Seeing their eyes light up is by far one of the best things I have ever experienced!

Another one of the experiences that I absolutely love is attending the APhA–ASP Summer Leadership Institute in Washington, DC. Bringing hundreds of student pharmacist leaders from across the nation together in one room is the recipe for inspiration. Walking away from a weekend of sharing and taking away new ideas for a successful chapter is so revitalizing. This past year, a couple members from my chapter and I talked the entire way from Washington, DC, to Buffalo, NY, about these exciting new ideas and programs we were going to implement at our chapter. I know that this excitement wasn’t only ignited in my chapter members, and that those conversations were occurring in all APhA–ASP chapters. How cool is that? 

A crisis can be intense, distracting, and frustrating. A crisis is a quick, unexpected change that requires us to readjust our expectations. As human beings, we eventually adapt to change, but in the midst of it, we may find ourselves struggling. A crisis challenges us, but it doesn’t have to impact us negatively. We learn lessons that we may not have learned otherwise. By recognizing the power of perspective, utilizing intentional communication, and knowing that there is always a solution, we will empower each other and make the most of our time in a crisis. 

The power of perspective

You set the perspective for your people. You define reality. If you decide that you will let a crisis shut you down, then you give the crisis all the power. However, if you decide to use a crisis to challenge your team to get motivated, then you create a space for growth. When you see everything as an opportunity to learn, you change the way you view the world. That positivity will influence your team to look toward a better future. Plan themed video chat meetings and think beyond traditional transition documents; fun ideas help change the perspective of “having” to have a meeting to “getting” to have a meeting. It’s also giving your people something to look forward to, because crisis is a time where we, as leaders, can give our people glimmers of hope in the chaos. Understanding the power of perspective allows you to be more thoughtful, more compassionate, and more effective in the way that you solve problems during times of crisis.

As Grayson Layton (back row, center) can attest, new friends can lift your spirits.

Beginning your journey in pharmacy school brings about a multitude of changes that require you to shake up your world and step outside of your norm. While I am only a first-year student, I can honestly say the time I have spent in pharmacy school has been invaluable. I will not lie and say that it is easy.

But with the right mindset and a fiery passion, you can conquer most anything. There are many things you can do to survive and thrive during your first year in pharmacy school and beyond. 

As a child and now as a student pharmacist, Katarena Nalbandian’s inspiration has been her grandmother.

During several different periods in my life, one constant has been my grandmother. While Alzheimer’s may have changed her, nothing will ever alter the impact she has made on me and my future.

2006

My face lit up with joy as the smell of my favorite food, mante, filled the air. The aroma of the freshly baked dough, generously seasoned meat, and tomato stock permeated throughout my nene’s house. The oven timer went off; my sister and I dropped our toys and ran toward the dining room table. Unable to contain our temptation, we quickly said a prayer in order to begin the feast. 

2014

I slowly began to notice my nene’s inability to remember. From small things to more considerable losses, I longed for her to be herself again and denied what my family already knew: that my grandmother had Alzheimer’s. I began to research and felt stunned by the words on the page: “irreversible,” “no cure exists,” “brain cell death.” I cried, feeling helpless.