Ngoc Phuong Mai Le is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, and the 2023–2024 chair of the APhA–ASP Communications Standing Committee.
1. As you reflect on your student pharmacist experience thus far, what are some of your favorite memories?
My favorite memories so far have been with APhA–ASP and all the wonderful student pharmacists who I have met through the organization. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with supportive mentors, advisers, and friends through my involvement with APhA–ASP.
One of the best memories that I have is the APhA–ASP Induction and Award Ceremony at my chapter, for which I coordinated and hosted more than 60 students, faculty members, and guests to celebrate the achievements of our chapter and induct the new executive board members. It was exciting to see everyone at the event and we had such a memorable evening!
2. Pharmacy school is demanding, especially when you add on additional activities. How do you manage all of your responsibilities?
Planners and Microsoft Outlook calendars have been my best friends since freshman year, as these are great tools that help me build my time-management skills. I have developed the ability to multitask over the years by taking on additional projects, coordinating events, and organizing community outreach initiatives while also balancing schoolwork at the same time. These have been great opportunities for me to build both hard and soft skills, enabling me to become more responsible and efficient in both academics and extracurriculars.
3. What are some of your favorite leadership tools and/or resources?
One of my favorite books is How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. My dad recommended this book to me when I was in middle school, but it wasn’t until the first year of college that I started reading this masterpiece. The book provides many stories and tips on how to make friends, become likable, and make a positive impact on other people’s lives. This book has changed my perspective for the better in many ways, and I find myself connecting with others on a deeper and more meaningful level. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good read.
4. What does being a leader mean, and what does being selected for this award mean, to you?
For me, being a leader means leading by example, being inclusive, and looking out for other people. I’ve always been a supportive team player for my family, group members, friends, and colleagues. I’ve received great mentorship and advice from my mentors and advisers, and I’m happy to pay it forward for those who are in need.
Being selected for the Student Leadership Award means the world to me. I would like to thank my advisers, professors, and mentors for supporting me throughout the entire process. It is an absolute honor to be a student recipient of this award, and I could not be more thankful for all the help that I have received along the way.
5. What’s next for you?
This is my fifth year being involved in APhA–ASP, and my journey through pharmacy school would not have been complete without the amazing people I have met through the academy. I’m excited to continue my leadership involvement, and I’ll continue to serve on the APhA–ASP National Communications Standing Committee as a resource for my committee members, chapter members, and future student leaders who will become health care providers.