How has ASDA helped you build your leadership skills?
In undergrad, I started my journey in ASDA, serving two terms as secretary of our executive board for our small unofficial ASDA chapter. At the time, I was so involved in some other extracurriculars and was an RA, so I wasn't comfortable taking a more prominent role in ASDA yet. It's important not to be spread too thin in anything I commit to, and I still strive for that today. ASDA helped me build a foundational knowledge of organized dentistry in that season.
Representing dental students beyond the school's walls has always interested me, and I knew ASDA could provide that opportunity depending on the role I was in. In the winter of 2020, during the middle of the pandemic, I was elected to be President-Elect, where I had a year of learning, networking with partners, and preparing for my current term as President. It is difficult to say precisely when the lightbulb switched, and I knew I wanted to be very active in this organization, but it has been the best decision I have made in dental school.
Through ASDA, I have had very tangible opportunities to encourage and guide other leaders in our chapter to be successful in their roles. ASDA has put to work all the values I have as a person and leader and helped me learn what it is like leading a team of over 20 board members.
What do you think is the most vital quality in a leader?
Leaders should have the ability to genuinely encourage others to perform well in their roles. As President of my chapter realizing and providing opportunities for other very capable leaders on our board to be confident and feel supported when planning an event is vital for the success of our chapter. Leaders should let other leaders shine as well.
In our chapter, I guide other dental students through planning most of our events and let them put their creative spin on their events. True leaders get joy from seeing their team succeed and fostering other leaders to grow in their confidence and abilities to plan events or initiatives, and that's the kind of environment I strive to form at Ohio State.
Why should members get involved with ASDA leadership positions?
Dentistry is a team-based healthcare profession. Leading a team, planning an event, managing a social media account, and finding your voice will only help you in your professional career. Additionally, giving your time and energy in a leadership role is one of the best ways to give back and contribute to your community of dental students at your school. Leadership positions can be challenging and time-consuming; however, being a part of ASDAs leadership in your chapter contributes to something bigger than just yourself and gives you the ability to improve the quality of the dental school experience at your school. Every year we should strive for our chapters to be better than last year-- constantly analyzing and improving.
What future leadership roles in organized denstiry interest you and why?
I like encouraging other leaders and working with other leaders on a team, but I am also not afraid to make tough decisions when there is a debate or financial decisions. So, any executive-like position that focuses on the big picture of a dental organization, representing members, public speaking, and including parliamentary procedures would be ideal for me. This is one of the reasons why I love my current role at Ohio State so much.
From being a pre-dent student reading Contour in my freshman dorm, it is just a fantastic journey organized dentistry has taken me on. Dentistry is the best profession, and I am so thankful to be pursuing this profession alongside the ASDA community