Hunterlyn Alderson is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy.
Student pharmacists are constantly striving and feeling the immense pressure to “make every moment count.” You plan, optimize, and—sometimes–even sacrifice, all in the pursuit of a productive future. So, when I first heard the 2025–2026 APhA–ASP presidential theme “Every Moment Matters: Celebrate, Cherish, Create,” championed by Rachel Lucky, 2025–2026 APhA–ASP president, my initial thought drifted to this familiar mantra.
However, as I reflected further, I realized the difference in its subtle wording.
The important simple moments
“Every Moment Matters: Celebrate, Cherish, Create” carries a unique weight. It doesn't demand effort to create value; it declares that every second inherently possesses significance. This distinction has been truly transformative for me. It’s a gentle reminder that even the seemingly small, simple moments hold immense importance.
Consider the quiet moments of rest you steal between study sessions. They aren't wasted; they are crucial for mental recharge, ultimately leading to more productive work later on. Think of the meticulous, often tedious, moments of data collection in a research project; these are the foundational building blocks that eventually lead to meaningful results. Even a fleeting conversation with a stranger, seemingly insignificant at the time, can blossom into a new friendship.
Each moment, good or bad, contributes to the intricate tapestry of who you are and who you are becoming. The joyful moments, the triumphs, and the successes all bring happiness and fuel your motivation to keep moving forward. But equally important are the challenging moments: the setbacks, the frustrations, and the failures. These are not moments to be regretted or dismissed; they are invaluable teachers. They reveal your inner strength, build your resilience, and—ultimately—shape your character.
Each moment is a fresh beginning
I find myself embracing this theme and applying it to how I navigate my daily life as a student pharmacist. I’ve learned to truly meet myself where I am at. Considering that every moment genuinely matters, I find myself approaching my days with a greater sense of balance. I still believe in having a plan, distributing my time thoughtfully across my academic pursuits, extracurriculars, and personal well-being. Yet, I've discovered a wonderful sense of freedom in realizing that even when my moments don’t perfectly align with my plans, they are still incredibly valuable. I find peace of mind, knowing that regardless of how the time was spent, it was still of benefit because it was exactly what I needed.
Each moment is also a fresh beginning. While you can certainly glean valuable lessons from reflecting on past moments, the essence of this theme encourages you to focus on and cultivate gratitude for where you are right now. The future is uncertain, and the next moment is never truly promised. This understanding empowers me to seize the present, to be the person I aspire to be and to strive toward my goals.
It's a call to live intentionally, appreciating the inherent value of every single instant.