APhA–ASP Member Spotlight: Grace Thompson
Meet Grace Thompson, a third-year PharmD candidate at the University South Carolina College of Pharmacy. We recently caught up with Grace to learn about her and find out why she decided to become an APhA–ASP member.
Student Pharmacist Magazine (SPM): Why did you choose to become an APhA–ASP member?
Thompson: As an incoming first-year student pharmacist, I attended our student organization fair during orientation. One of the third-year student pharmacists at the APhA–ASP table advised us to join one large professional organization, one organization tailored to your specific interest, and one fun organization. I considered APhA–ASP as my one large professional organization when I joined as a first-year student pharmacist; through my consistent and expanding involvement in APhA–ASP, I have found that it easily fills those other categories. APhA–ASP may be a large organization encompassing all of pharmacy, but it offers opportunities tailored to almost every interest.
On our chapter level, APhA–ASP has allowed me to hold events focused on the role of pharmacy in the LGBTQ+ patient population, which is an interest of mine that is not addressed in other organizations within our college of pharmacy. Additionally, the ability to inspire and encourage others throughout my time on the executive board of our APhA–ASP Chapter has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of pharmacy school so far. I truly enjoy helping other student pharmacists find their “professional home” within APhA–ASP, just as I have.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP member benefit?
Thompson: My favorite APhA–ASP member benefit is the community I have discovered within this organization. When I joined APhA–ASP as a first-year student pharmacist, I never imagined that I would become this involved or grow to love this organization as much as I do now. Not only have I made genuine friends through serving on the executive committee for our chapter, but I have also found amazing mentors who have encouraged me to pursue opportunities I never would have otherwise. Outside of our chapter, I have had the privilege of forming meaningful connections with student pharmacists from chapters all over the country through APhA–ASP, specifically at the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition and the Student Leadership Institute (SLI). I cannot wait to reconnect with all the wonderful people I met at SLI in Nashville for APhA2025!
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP memory?
Thompson: My favorite APhA-ASP memory was attending SLI in Washington, DC, this past summer. This was my second year attending SLI, and it was truly such an amazing experience. From meeting with our state legislators and walking the tunnels of Capitol Hill to making connections with student pharmacists from across the country, I made so many unforgettable memories in one short weekend. I left SLI feeling excited to bring back new ideas to my chapter and grateful for all the opportunities that APhA–ASP has given me.
SPM: Are there any projects or initiatives you've been particularly passionate about within APhA–ASP?
Thompson: Throughout my involvement in our APhA–ASP Chapter, I’ve been particularly passionate about Operation Reproductive Health. When I was a first-year student pharmacist, I initially joined our Operation Reproductive Health committee to expand my contribution to our chapter and promote the importance of reproductive health for all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The shift from women’s health to general reproductive health was something that I greatly appreciated and saw as a reflection of the overall inclusivity of APhA–ASP. Through my role on the committee, I organized a period product drive to raise awareness of period poverty across the United States and invited a speaker to discuss LGBTQ+ reproductive health. As I’ve transitioned into the role of chapter president-elect and now chapter president, I still have a strong passion for reproductive health and continue to contribute ideas to our Operation Reproductive Health chair.
SPM: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
Thompson: If I was a superhero, I would have the power of multilocation, or the ability to be in multiple places at once. I’m not entirely sure if that’s a real superpower phrase, but there are so many days where I wish I could clone myself and attend multiple events at the same time!
SPM: After a long day of school or work, what do you like to do in the evening to unwind?
Thompson: Whenever I’m feeling particularly stressed after a long day, I find comfort in blasting a good playlist and cleaning my house. I know that may not be the ideal stress-relieving routine for most people, but there’s something about cleaning that just makes me feel more relaxed. I find comfort in knowing that while I can’t control everything that makes me stressed, I can at least control my environment and make my house look less chaotic. If I’m too tired to clean, I’ll usually find myself on the couch with my cats rewatching New Girl and eating birthday cake ice cream.