Michael Mercante is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Belmont University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Have you ever been amazed gazing up into the summer night sky watching fireworks? How does something so small create such a large, beautiful array of colorful designs in the sky after ignition? As I celebrated Independence Day 2025 and cherished the time I had with family and friends, I could not stop thinking about this year’s impactful presidential theme, “Every Moment Matters: Celebrate, Cherish, Create,” originated by Rachel Lucky, 2025–2026 APhA–ASP national president.
This theme truly speaks to me because it is the ignition of small moments that produce impactful victories for our communities, patients, and even ourselves. During my school experience and the opportunities that God has provided me, I have made a goal to make the most out of every opportunity and enjoy my time as a student pharmacist.
A memorable APhA Institute moment
Let me share a story. This past May, I had the privilege of attending the APhA Institute of Substance Use Disorders in Salt Lake City. I learned a tremendous amount about the chronic disease of SUD and how to help patients who are experiencing substance use challenges. While there, I met a retired pharmacist named Debbie who brought large amounts of joy and inspiration to all the people she interacted with. During the APhA Institute, I participated in a group hike to a location called the “Living Room” in the mountains. The “Living Room” is a hiker’s local attraction where chairs and couches were created with large rocks. Before the hike, I asked Debbie if she wanted to join us. She was hesitant at first but then decided to come only if myself and a group of other students could help her. She told me that after 36 years of attending the institute, she never went on a group hike and that it was one of her dreams to pursue. She always let fear overwhelm her desire to go.
Debbie made it close to the “Living Room,” and at the end, we celebrated her victory. I was so honored to be able to assist Debbie with the other students and witness her accomplishment. It made my entire day. It is moments such as this that student pharmacists must ignite and create in our communities, schools, chapters, and profession. I was amazed how the smallest things such as encouraging and inviting Debbie to come along on the hike turned her dream into reality.
This is one APhA memory that I will always remember and cherish for the rest of my life.
Ignite the light; the moments will shine
Just as small fireworks before ignition produce large, impactful, memorable experiences, moments do the exact same. Fireworks are displayed for celebrations during the holidays and cherished by the people who watch them. Moments are ignited through creation and initiation and should be celebrated and cherished. I am beyond excited to see the impact that the profession of pharmacy is making, and we are just getting started.
Never take for granted the moments you have and the difference they can make because the smallest of moments make the biggest difference in the lives of people. Every moment matters.