by Amy Parker, 2015
Pharm.D. candidate, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy
MPA Student Pharmacist Executive Council members from Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Pictured, from left to right: Connie Root, Ben Korman, Allison Schepers, Victor Nguyen, Jake Chaffee, Elizabeth Laswell, Amy Parker and Nicole Pearl.
I was fortunate enough to meet my State Senator while
trying to recruit legislators to come over and see the skills and expo tent on
the Capitol lawn. Senator John Moolenaar (R-Midland) was more than happy to
stop for a moment and speak with me. He seemed genuinely happy to meet me and
told me that if I had any concerns or if I needed anything to feel free to
contact his office. While speaking with him, I had somewhat of an epiphany;
this was my State Senator taking time out of his day to speak with me, and I
truly felt that the issues and concerns that I have, when voiced to him, would
be well received and responded to. This exchange is just one example of many
like it that take place during Pharmacy Day at the Capitol. Legislators seek
out students, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from their districts during
this event. They want to be involved and want us to feel that we can be
involved as well.
As student pharmacists, we represent the future of the
profession so the things that we believe in, and ultimately advocate for, will
help shape what the profession looks like going forward. By taking the time and
speaking with those who represent our voice, we give ourselves the best
opportunity to have an impact on changes that we want to see in our profession.
I truly believe that if you don’t like something you should change it, so if we
don’t like something or want to expand our profession, we need to take steps to
transform it into the ideal result. How will we ever do this if we don’t
advocate for this change to the people who can help us carry it out? We need to
have a voice, have an opinion and not be afraid to share our concerns with
those who are really listening!
The gesture is just one way of showing our care to our community, especially the less privileged who are usually dependent on anotherbest place for antibiotics
ReplyDeleteThank you Richard!
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