February Members of the Month

​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!
 

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