Sami Gangji is a third-year PharmD candidate at The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and the 2025 APhA Carl F. Emswiller Summer Intern in Association Management.
APhA–ASP National President Rachel Lucky’s 2025–2026 theme, “Every Moment Matters: Celebrate, Cherish, Create” deeply resonates with me as a student pharmacist and aspiring professional. This theme inspires mindfulness, intentionality, and joy in my academic life, personal endeavors, and APhA journey.
In school: Celebrating accomplishments
Throughout pharmacy school, student pharmacists are faced with constant stressors and challenges. From difficult exams to grueling rotations, it’s always like fighting an uphill battle. This theme helps to remind me to take the time to celebrate accomplishments and take pride in hard work. Instead of rushing through my education, I have made it a point to celebrate every small win: finishing a difficult lecture, helping a friend grasp a concept, or even learning from a mistake. Each moment in my journey through pharmacy school is growth toward becoming the future pharmacist I want to be.
At home: Cherishing moment
As a student, I spend much of my time outside of school being involved in organizations and working. I am constantly being pulled in different directions, but it is important to still find time to do things I enjoy. Whether it is reading in the sun, going for long walks, or spending time with friends and family, I take the time to cherish every moment. Doing the things I love most helps to bring back my energy and motivation so I can be the best I can in my personal and professional life. Cherishing each moment allows me to slow down, be present, and savor each experience.
Within APhA–ASP: Creating opportunities
My involvement in APhA–ASP has helped shape my experience in pharmacy school and is guiding my professional career. Getting involved with my local chapter has helped me build up leadership experience, learn about the profession, and give back to my community. I want to continue to make APhA–ASP a home for student pharmacists to grow into the professionals they want to become and help the association create more opportunities for students. Whether at the local, regional, or national level, I want to help APhA–ASP create unique opportunities for students to become the best pharmacists they can and help give back to their patients and communities.
Reminds me to be present
“Every Moment Matters” reminds me to be present and truly take in every moment and opportunity that I have. I will only be a student once in my life and have such unique and amazing experiences that will shape my future as a pharmacist. This theme helps me in every aspect of my life and helps me to create similar experiences for others to cherish and celebrate.