Humanism 2009 - Western University of Health Sciences

EDITORS’ MESSAGE
A few months ago, my 17-year-old sister commented,
“Whenever I talk to you on the phone, you sound so
empty nowadays.” I was neither able to forget her words
nor the sad tone of her voice, and attributed the
“emptiness” to the abandonment of my drawing and
dancing since starting medical school. I was therefore
incredibly excited to nurture my artistic side as well as
those of my peers by becoming involved with the
Humanism magazine. Realizing the importance of
celebrating what makes us “human,” I have since
realized that the arts were never meant to be a luxury in
my life, but a necessity.
Jennifer Fu, DO ’12
“Change-Making it Happen” is our all-encompassing
theme this year, emphasizing not only what is happening,
but the actions and active decisions we make to notice
the changes around us. One may view change as
unavoidable, occurring whether we do something about
it or not. Another may view change as something that
one must take a proactive role in to see results — to
make it happen. This year’s Humanism in the Health
Sciences journal allows the reader to view the many
different perspectives of change through our students,
faculty and staff.
Angelene Ng, PharmD ’12
I have always felt honored to be a member of the
WesternU community, but only now do I see just how
special a place it is. I thought “Change: Making it
Happen,” was an ambitious theme for a magazine that
depended on submissions from full-time students, staff
and faculty, but it has been a delight for me to have the
opportunity to read and edit these articles. I was able to
experience everything from the impact a stranger can
make to soaring over the Himalayan Mountains with the
detail and raw emotion of these stories. I truly thank
everyone who wrote articles for the Humanism
magazine; they made me feel the joy of sharing these
experiences through written word.
Jennifer Tran Lu, DO ’12
2
As time passes, we find that we get through challenging
situations with the support of our family, friends, and at
times, people who we barely know. I myself find that
with the support of my fellow classmates and friends, I
am more confident and proud of what I achieved because
of who I have become — a member of the Pharmacy
Class of 2012. As a class, we have achieved much more
than what we expected from ourselves and what others
expected from us. However, we did not complete these
accomplishments by ourselves, but with the help of ALL
the faculty and the staff at WesternU — because without
them, we would not be who we are today. They are the
ones who are encouraging change and making it happen
for the greater good of humanity. So, I would like to
acknowledge and thank all the staff and faculty members
for helping and welcoming us into WesternU’s family.
Sandy Saekoh, PharmD ’12
What makes water one of the most powerful substances
in the world? Its ability to change, “flowing around the
obstacles it encounters. Therein lies the strength of
water: It cannot be touched by a hammer or ripped to
shreds by a knife. The strongest sword in the world
cannot scar its surface.” (Paulo Coelho) As part of the
Humanism in the Health Sciences journal, the theme for
this year is centered on making change happen,
constantly working toward a more humanistic society. In
our everyday lives, we face many obstacles, and each day
we are challenged to act in a compassionate manner; but
it is these daily challenges wherein we are given the
chance to make changes and act to bring about a society
that cares, values, and shares with one another. This
year’s journal exemplifies the students, staff, and faculty
in our school who make these daily changes toward a
more humanistic society.
Ani Sarkissian, MSHS ’10
Opposite page: Faculty advisors Drs. Martin and Boynton along with Jax at
Cal Poly Pomona dragonfruit planting.
| HUMANISM IN THE HEALTH SCIENCES 2009 • VOL. 12