We want to give a huge congratulations to Lauren Aber, DMD 2019, on being selected as March's Member of the Month! Lauren has been working diligently as a member of the FUNdraising committee and has contributed greatly to their success this past year! Besides being a fantastic committee member, we wanted to learn a little more about Lauren so we asked her a few questions about herself. Here are the answers she gave us to our virtual interview: 


Where are you from? I grew up in Clinton Corners, New York. 

What made you want to get involved with ASDA? I wanted to get involved with ASDA when I arrived at Dental School to get to know other students and to get involved in activities at school, especially with fundraising. 



What do you enjoy most about your committee? Getting to know other students in the school and hear about their experiences along with being a part of the fundraising efforts to benefit many students in the school. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Rowing, spinning, skiing, baking and traveling.  

What is on your bucket list? To see to Alaska. 

​What is your most memorable ASDA moment? My most memorable moment thus far on the Fundraising committee was helping with and modeling attire for the online store. I am looking forward to being a part of many future events. 

Thank you again for everything you do for our Chapter of ASDA Lauren!! We look forward to all great things you will accomplish within our chapter!! 

     The goal of our committee is to provide students with additional opportunities for learning and networking in a casual setting. Our event topics include clinical based presentations, learning about different dental business models, and financial management. Another important aspect of Lunch and Learns is the possibility to network with potential employers. Last month, we invited Dental Dreams, a corporate practice, to discuss the differences in their business model from a private office setting. In addition, students were also able to hear work experiences from a dentist at their office. This event was followed by a social in the evening to allow upperclassmen to speak with the representative individually.
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     These events are useful, not only for those who are interested in joining these dental practices, but for those who wish to learn about different business models, and narrow down which type would be appropriate for them in the future. We have another Lunch and Learn with Gentle Dental that will take place at the end of April. I hope many of you will take this opportunity to come and learn about their business model while also enjoying a delicious lunch that is catered for you!

​This month is double special because BU ASDA is recognizing two of our students, Asia Yip and Ashish Agarwal. Our chapter was fortunate to have been represented by this dynamic duo in the Annual ASDA District 1 Student Debate at this year’s Yankee Dental Conference. As a team, Asia and Ashish proved to be confident, insightful and articulate. We conducted a virtual interview to learn more about them, and here are their answers:
 
 
Where are you from?
Asia: I'm from Westford, MA. A small town a little bit outside of Boston known for our ice cream. 
 
Ashish: I’m from Pune, India.
 
Have you ever been apart of a debate like this before? What did you enjoy most about it?
Asia: I've never been a part of a debate! I decided that 2016 was going to be a year where I pushed myself to do things outside of my comfort zone. I was so nervous before the debate - Would I say something wrong? What if I just froze? Yet, as I went through the opening statement, I felt this wave of calm settle over me because I realized I was doing it! Being brave, and debating some of the hottest topics of dentistry today. It definitely helped to have all of my peers from BU out in the audience; everyone had a giant goofy smile on that told me not to be scared. 
 
Ashish: Yes, I have participated in a few debates during the course of my education. What I enjoy most about debates is that they foster free and lively exchange of ideas.
 
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Asia: My favorite past time is eating. Trying out new places, attempting to recreate a cookbook recipe, or just catching up with friends over a tried-and-true meal. I would try and argue that I have more intellectual pursuits, but that would be a lie considering I am always game to grab a burger...anywhere. 
 
Ashish: Free time is a luxury in the Advanced Standing Program but I do look forward to an hour of work out to unwind and relax...and a much needed stress buster J
 
What is on your bucket list?
Asia: I would love to be given the chance to give a TED talk! I find all TED talks incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking. They urge people to think about the reasoning behind their beliefs and encourage all to not just think 'outside the box' but to get rid of the box entirely. I'm not sure what my TED talk will be yet, but I know it will be a passionate one.
 
Ashish: Hiking in the Himalayas. Deep sea diving. Learning how to fly a plane. But skydiving is possibly the next one to be checked off this year. 
 
What is your most memorable ASDA moment?
Asia: Right now, the debate is my most memorable ASDA moment. Not so much for the debate, but for the amazing sense of camaraderie among everyone. That supportive energy speaks wonders of BU ASDA and makes me so happy to consider myself a member of such an organization. There's no way I would have had the courage to brave the debate as first year without the encouragement of everyone. 
 
Ashish: So far it is having the opportunity to represent BU in the ASDA debate and it was a memorable one...
 
Any last thoughts or comments?
Asia: I've just started my BUGSDM career, but now with this debate under my belt I am excited to see what the next few years have in store for me. 
 
Ashish: Be the change!