Christian Brown is working with Ben Urick, PharmD, PhD, to digitize, transcribe, and analyze 2,000 antique prescriptions from Washington, IA, circa 1900.

It’s September 2017 during Parents Weekend at my alma mater, the University of South Carolina. I am showing my dad and stepmother around campus and the surrounding city of Columbia, SC. “And to your left, we have the Army–Navy Surplus store,” I direct them as we stroll down Main Street. My dad looks over, and we smile at each other. We love old things!

Once inside, I eagerly describe my previous surplus find: volume three of Metabolic, Endocrine, and Genetic Disorders of Children (1974). The pale orange tome was salvaged from the Moncrief Hospital at Fort Jackson. The two remaining volumes materialize in my stepmother’s hands as she wanders to the opposite side of the bookcase. So began my collection of antique medical, health, and science books.

Kelli Jo Welter (far right): "Student pharmacists have found a home in APhA-ASP."

During the whirlwind of residency interviews, seemingly everybody that I crossed paths with advised me to “be myself.” That’s the best advice they could give when I was venturing out into the unknown to make a decision that was going to change my life? I must admit, I was frustrated at first. I desired a nugget of wisdom that would completely change the way I looked at the process. I wanted something more profound, more revolutionary. But then I realized that I have been challenging student pharmacists over this past year to be themselves. I just phrased it differently. Fearlessly Authentic, the national theme I introduced to the Academy back in March 2019, has been a challenge to student pharmacists to fully embrace their unique qualities and celebrate differences in themselves and others.

Over this past year, I have been inspired (and admittedly, brought to tears a few times) by how student pharmacists have embodied being Fearlessly Authentic. The Facebook profile picture frames, Student Pharmacist articles, and Instagram posts of individuals celebrating being Fearlessly Authentic have filled my heart with joy. Whether it was running for a Regional Officer position last minute or speaking at the microphone for the first time, student pharmacists have found ways to push themselves outside of their comfort zone to grow as leaders and advance the future of pharmacy. 

As Michelle Chin (second row, far right) discovered, joining APhA–ASP leads to meaningful opportunities.

My professional growth as a student pharmacist far exceeded my initial expectations, and I owe it to the guidance of a fellow student. In 2015, I met a graduating PharmD candidate who gave me advice on how to thrive in pharmacy school and the importance of being active on campus. Now in my second professional year, I must admit that my accomplishments so far are due to my early involvement in student organizations like APhA–ASP.

It is a widely held fallacy that getting involved with student organizations is far too time-consuming and takes away valuable time from studying. However, balancing the commitment to any organization while maintaining a good academic standing is doable. Student pharmacists often have an onerous course load and a tight program schedule. The didactic part of college typically intensifies as time progresses, so getting involved early on is critical in terms of timing because it is easier when the course load is lighter. There is an organization out there for every student, although it may take some exploring to find a match.

Building partnerships with pre-professional students is an opportunity to reflect on your own journey in pharmacy and mentor those who will one day follow in your footsteps. Our Pre-Pharmacy Club has seen significant growth since 2016, and mentor–mentee relationships have strengthened as the years have passed. What started as “Pharmacy Student Panels” at Pre-Pharmacy Club meetings has developed into undergraduate involvement and membership in our APhA–ASP Chapter. 

The growth of this partnership has required time and commitment from both executive teams but has resulted in many collaborative events and activities that have allowed undergraduate and PharmD students to engage and excite each other about their shared passions. Currently, a Pre-Pharmacy Club Liaison sits as a member of our executive team.

Jessica Comstock and her father spend some quality outdoor time at Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park.

You all know about the importance of self-care and preventing burnout. New research proves you can’t deny the importance of taking care of yourself. But how can you afford to take the time away from classes and work, and where can you find the funds? Well, I—representing your friends with the APhA New Practitioner Network—am here to show you how stepping away from the stress and pressures of life does not have to cost a fortune and the benefits are endless. I have outlined a few of the activities I use to relax. Fun does not have to come with a big price tag, but it may take some creativity.