Ellie Flynn is a final-year PharmD candidate at The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy and a 2025–2026 APhA–ASP national member-at-large.
As a first-year student pharmacist, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the “alphabet soup” of professional organizations. Pharmacy school was full of opportunities, but it wasn’t always clear where I belonged or where to begin. What I didn’t realize at the time was that one invitation to get involved would shape the next 4 years of my journey and serve as a catalyst for my future pharmacy career.
APhA opens doors for me
My APhA–ASP story began at The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, where kind chapter leaders welcomed me in and encouraged me to become more engaged. With the support of mentors, I eventually applied for our executive committee and was elected chapter president-elect. That spring, I had the opportunity to attend my first national meeting: the 2023 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Phoenix. Walking into that space, I felt something shift. For the first time, I saw the full impact of our profession coming together, and my passion for pharmacy grew to a level I never imagined possible.
Through APhA, I have had the privilege of serving as a student leader at the chapter, regional, and national levels. Along the way, I’ve built friendships with student pharmacists across the country. One example is the connections formed through experiences like the three summers I attended the APhA–ASP Summer Leadership Institute, where I met chapter leaders who shared my drive to grow, lead, and serve. These relationships became more than networking; they became my “pharmily.”
Beyond peers, APhA also opened doors for me to connect with inspiring leaders in pharmacy, individuals who have empowered me through their mentorship, encouragement, and example. Seeing what is possible in this profession pushed me to pursue opportunities I once thought were out of reach.
Your story is just beginning
My positive experiences as a member are what motivated me to continue serving student pharmacists through roles such as the APhA Carl F. Emswiller summer intern, Midyear Regional Meeting coordinator, and national member-at-large. Through these roles, I had the opportunity to conduct Chapter Outreach Visits to schools and colleges of pharmacy across the nation and encourage others to make the most of their membership. Yet, each visit also reminded me that every conversation adds to the network we build through APhA.
In fact, these connections directly influenced my residency pursuit—from where I began exploring programs to how confidently I could speak about my experiences in APhA on applications and during interviews. Through leadership, patient care initiatives, and involvement in the policy process, my career trajectory has no doubt been shaped by my membership in APhA.
That is the power of your APhA membership. The first-year version of myself had no idea what was ahead, all because I chose to join. If you’re wondering whether getting involved is worth it, I promise your story is just beginning. Take the next step, lean into the opportunities, and invite others into this “pharmily.” You never know how one connection through APhA can change your life.