Dylan Kosaski: "With each conversation, I learned more about the challenges and hopes [the students] had for their chapters."
By Dylan Kosaski
When I left for MRM2017 in Region 4 on a Friday morning with 19 other student pharmacists from the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, I could never have predicted the whirlwind of events that led up to this moment. During our 4-hour trek down to Indianapolis, a fellow chapter member asked me if I was going to be running for a regional officer position. I responded with a swift “No,” as multiple reasons of doubt rushed into my mind:
• “Would I have enough time?”
• “Would I even be able to attend MRM2018 with my wedding 365 days from the day?”
• “Am I qualified?”
• “Would there be people there to support me?”
• “Do I even have enough time to start and finish the application?”
• “Do I know enough about APhA to pass the required exam?”
These were all thoughts that crossed my mind when I was asked this question. It wasn't until I sat down in the MRM opening session and listened to the presentation on priorities that these feelings of doubt started to fade away. I quickly became internally conflicted as the deadline for regional officer positions came nearer (8:00 am Saturday morning).
Embrace My Calling time
At 8:30 pm Friday evening, there was an informational meeting for those running for regional officer positions. The student social also began at 8:30 pm that night. My feelings of doubt and uncertainty had the best of me as I walked over to the student social and neglected the informational meeting. As I entered the social and started reconnecting with many friends I hadn't seen or spoken with since MRM2016 or the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Francisco, I became more conflicted than ever before.
I found it difficult to share in discussions at the social. I was having an internal debate with myself. I knew that I needed some guidance, some reassurance even. The social was nearing an end and I knew that if I didn't act before the close of the event, these feelings of uncertainty and doubt would quickly be replaced with regret. That’s when it happened. I jumped. I was able to connect with the current regional and national officers to obtain all the information, reassurance, and guidance that I needed to take the next step and Embrace My Calling.
Election prep
As the social came to a close, I returned to my hotel room along with other students from Ferris State to develop my platform and speech. Throughout the next day I was inspired by each student pharmacist I talked with at the Meet the Candidates session. With each conversation, I learned more about the challenges and hopes they had for their chapters.
The culmination of the weekend events came during the Sunday Closing Forum. I approached the podium to deliver my speech to the largest audience I had ever faced. Yes, the thought of that terrified me, but I knew that everything would be okay! As I delivered the final line of my speech, my heart rate was racing. However, my heart was quickly outpaced when it came time to announce the 2017–18 regional officers. As they called my name as the new Regional Member-at-large, I was in awe. I was excited, nervous, overwhelmed, humbled, and ready to get started.
Welcome the challenge
Over this past year, this role has provided me various unique opportunities to develop myself as a leader and to advance the work of APhA. For example, I was able to work with APhA staff and other students to design the Student Pharmacist website. While this is not something I anticipated doing in this role, it was a phenomenal experience. I feel honored to have played a part in the discussions that led to the improvement of this publication, seen by student pharmacists all around the country.
As MRMs are set to begin this coming weekend, I would highly encourage anyone who has considered running for a regional or national position with APhA–ASP to trust in yourself and take the leap. Don’t let the doubtful thoughts cloud your mind or nervousness about giving a speech prevent you from one of the greatest opportunities available to student pharmacists.
Welcome the challenge, love the profession, and Embrace Your Calling.