Robyn Turner is a final-year PharmD candidate at The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and the 2024–2025 APhA–ASP National Student Exchange Officer.
As 2025 approached, I took a little bit of time to reflect back on not only the past year, but also my time as a student pharmacist. I faced both triumphs and challenges. If I could travel back in time, I’d hand my first-year student pharmacist self this article to read.
It’s the advice that I needed then.
What my present self thinks
During the first year, become involved in everything—whether you think you’ll like it or not, and especially if you don’t know what it is. At the very least, you’ll learn what you don’t like, and that’s as useful as knowing what you do like. The second year, narrow it down a little bit. Focus on the organizations you like. In the third year, classes are going to be the hardest. Focus on continuing to grow within the organizations you chose your second year. But nonetheless, don’t forget your clinical knowledge and skills. You’re a student pharmacist first and leader second.
My first year, I took the advice of my present self. I became involved in every organization. I was elected to my first leadership position. I volunteered at every event. I went to my first conference. And I continued through until my third year. I ignore the signs (and the advice) to slow down. And I won’t lie, 4 years later, I’m exhausted. Through involving myself, I found my passions, but I burned myself out.
Take care of body and mind
Right now, I’m understanding the importance of taking care of body and mind. Either you choose to take a break, or your body, your mind, or both, will choose for you. And that doesn’t mean watch Netflix or scroll through TikTok for hours. Find what energizes you. What helps your body and mind reset. What helps you go to sleep fulfilled. And if you ask what that is for me, I haven’t found it yet. I’m still looking.
With that in mind, I’m working on setting my goals for 2025, and I’d encourage you to as well. You’re the only one who knows what you need. Set your goals and hold yourself accountable.
But most of all, be kind to yourself.