Binghamton University Pharmacy student committed to community, education and learning

Even people who study medicine can be blindsided by the unknowns of the human body.

Ashanté Concepcion is one of the lucky ones: those who’ve recovered from life-changing moments — in this case, a brain aneurysm and emergency surgery — and who come out on the other side transformed.

“I was left paralyzed on the right side of my body. I had extensive therapy to get me back to my baseline. I had to learn how to do everything left-handed; it taught me a lot about myself,” Concepcion said. “I was perfectly healthy. Waking up not knowing how to spell my name, talk or count. Little by little, I started progressing, and then I realized, that if I can get through this, I can get through anything. Even with pharmacy school, there are times when I think I can’t do this. I have to shake myself off: I went through this, and I can get through that.”

Concepcion is a doctor of pharmacy candidate at the Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She is currently completing her third year in the program; her fourth and final year will be spent on various rotations, learning the tools of the trade beyond the textbook.

Although her recovery was a long road, Concepcion has excelled. She acknowledges that she’ll never be the same, though she can now do most of what she was able pre-operation. If anything, her experience has made her all the more dedicated.

Growing up in the area, Concepcion has been active with the community in a variety of ways, which she has re-engaged with after her injury; for example, her love for children and dance have encouraged her to become a volunteer dance aerobics instructor at the Lee Barta Center and a youth leader at her family’s church. She says that although she used to prefer ballet, she’s recently been exploring hip-hop, both because of its freedom and as a form of therapeutic exercise.

Since Concepcion was young, she’s also had an interest in music: with no official training as a singer, she recently performed the national anthem at a Rumble Ponies baseball game, and has studied violin for eight years.

“When I was younger, my mom thought I was tone-deaf. But I started practicing and then it got better and I got more comfortable. Every time I get out there, I’m still nervous, but it’s something I enjoy doing,” Concepcion said. “Being able to sing and have hobbies like playing the violin or doing aerobics, that’s where I can let loose and be my creative, artistic self.”

Academically, Concepcion earned her associate’s degree in health sciences from Broome Community College. At the time, she was also working as a pharmacy technician for CVS, a position held for almost 9 years before becoming a pharmacy intern; her supervisors were some of the first to encourage her to continue her training. She began at BCC as a stepping stone into the pharmacy world and as a chance to complete her prerequisites.

Her main goal through her work and in life is to help people. She says that as someone who has gone through difficulties, she has an empathy that informs her pharmacy practice, and she looks forward to connecting with patients. In fact, as she completes her studies, talking and educating people in the skills labs are where she feels she has “shined the most.”

Working towards her degree has taught her a lot about herself: being able to overcome obstacles, sharing knowledge and working with others are just some of her new skills. She also thinks of her cohort as very close-knit; after working together towards a common goal for almost four years, their bonds are strong. Likewise, Concepcion feels a connection with her professors, who have supported her through trying times.

“I would like to acknowledge Dr. [Aaron] Beedle. There were times when I felt I was done with pharmacy school. I’ll be honest and transparent. I thought I couldn’t do this anymore. And I reached out and she told me I was supposed to be here,” Concepcion said. “Dr. [Tracy] Brooks and my academic advisor Dr. [Tony] Davis have also been a vital part of my success in pharmacy school. I appreciate their guidance and encouragement throughout this entire journey.”

From the worst test results to traumatizing events, one thing is for sure: Concepcion is a survivor, and pharmacy school is set to be just one of many accomplishments she can cross off her list.

“I’m here to be a pharmacist, to gain knowledge and to constantly grow. That’s what I want to do. Maybe someday I’ll become a manager of a pharmacy, but I kind of let things play out,” she said. “Of course, you have to have standards of what you want to do, but whatever happens is supposed to happen. After all of this, if I can positively impact at least one person’s life, then I’m satisfied.”