Annaston Young is a third-year PharmD candidate at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy. In March, she received an APhA Student Leadership Award at the 2025 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Nashville, TN.
Student Pharmacist Magazine (SPM): As you reflect on your student pharmacist experience thus far, what are some of your favorite memories?
Young: Looking back on my time as a student pharmacist, so many great memories come to mind. I wouldn't trade the moments spent at Chili’s devouring a triple dipper or wandering up and down every aisle at T.J. Maxx for anything. It's those seemingly ordinary moments that have made my time as a student at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy unforgettable. One of my favorite APhA–ASP memories was from last year’s APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Orlando, when all my friends and I piled into a rental car to grab a late-night crispy Diet Dr. Pepper and sweet tea from McDonald’s. Another great memory was from my first time attending the APhA–ASP Summer Leadership Institute. As soon as we stepped off the DC metro and started walking to headquarters, it began pouring rain. But instead of seeking shelter, my tablemates and I just took off—laughing and completely soaked. There’s something so freeing about just letting go and running in the rain with no care in the world. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed that hard, just embracing the moment and having fun with it.
SPM: Pharmacy school is demanding, especially when you add on additional activities. How do you manage all of your responsibilities?
Young: As a student pharmacist, managing my time effectively is essential to balancing school, extracurriculars, and personal life. I keep everything organized by creating a daily schedule that includes time for studying, APhA–ASP duties, and self-care (if it’s not on my Google Calendar, it probably won’t happen!). Despite having a detailed calendar, I’ve learned that flexibility is key—unexpected challenges often arise, and I must be prepared to adjust my plans. Delegation is another crucial tool I rely on. As chapter president of APhA–ASP, I work closely with my leadership team to ensure tasks are shared and that no one is overwhelmed. Ultimately, staying focused on my goals, keeping my schedule organized, and having a strong support system has been vital to managing my responsibilities successfully.
SPM: What are some of your favorite leadership tools and/or resources?
Young: Two leadership tools that have had a significant impact on me are Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and the Eisenhower Matrix. In Dare to Lead, Brown emphasizes vulnerability and courage as the key to effective leadership. She stresses that authentic leaders create cultures of trust, which has been instrumental in my role as APhA–ASP Chapter president. I use her principles to help chapter members find their home within APhA–ASP, empowering them to embrace their strengths and contribute in ways that align with their passions. By fostering open communication and a sense of belonging, I also encourage my leadership team to take ownership and thrive in their roles.
The Eisenhower Matrix helps me prioritize tasks by categorizing them into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. This keeps me focused on immediate needs, like exams, as well as long-term projects, like planning events. It also helps me delegate effectively and minimize distractions, ensuring productivity and clarity. Together, these tools help me lead with empathy, strategic focus, and a commitment to personal and team growth.
SPM: What does being a leader mean, and what does being selected for this award mean to you?
Young: To me, being a leader means inspiring and empowering others to achieve their goals while fostering an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. Leadership isn’t about having authority—it’s about supporting others and helping them grow. Being selected for this award is an incredible honor, and it reinforces my commitment to serve others, whether in a leadership role or as part of a team. This recognition motivates me to continue developing my skills as a leader and further contribute to the pharmacy profession. It also serves as a reminder that leadership is a journey, and there is always more to learn and ways to improve.
SPM: Who is your favorite songwriter and why?
Young: Taylor Swift, and my favorite song of hers is “Bejeweled.” I love this song because, first of all, Taylor Swift is iconic, and secondly, it’s all about embracing self-confidence and empowerment. Whenever I need a boost, I play this song to get myself hyped up and ready to take on the world.
SPM: What’s next for you?
Young: Currently, I am planning on pursuing a residency. I have a strong interest in ambulatory care, geriatrics, and academia. Each of these areas excite me, and I’m eager to explore how they might intersect in a career that is both personally and professionally rewarding. If I’m able to pursue a path that combines these passions, I’m confident it will feel more like a calling than work. I’m excited about the future and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the pharmacy profession.