When I was starting pharmacy school, I never imagined the huge impact it would have on my personal growth and professional trajectory. Prior to my journey, I was someone who would rarely go past the confines of my comfort zone. Public speaking and leadership roles seemed like distant aspirations and a nearly impossible feat. However, as I immersed myself in my studies, built connections with my peers, and joined campus organizations, I discovered many avenues for growth that allowed me to amplify my strengths and potential.

My journey with APhA–ASP began during my first year at the University of Cincinnati (UC) James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, where I started out as a chapter policy vice president (PVP). My vision for what I wanted to accomplish that year as a PVP was fairly cloudy in the beginning, but I knew I wanted to stick to a few general themes that I was passionate about: expanding access to care and helping improve the quality of patient care being provided by student pharmacists. Passion is something that I think is incredibly important for anyone considering or participating in any advocacy or policy role, and it’s what makes the work enjoyable because you’re the one helping to create the change you want to see happen.

As a future health care provider, I find it important to be able to connect with and advocate for patients so they feel empowered to make decisions on their health outcomes. I’ve had the privilege of working with various patient populations, such as in interprofessional clinics for underserved patients and summer camps for children with chronic illnesses enjoying a few days away from home with other children in similar situations. Being involved in helping patients actively participate in their health outcomes has been immensely rewarding as a student pharmacist.