Get to know your 2022–23 APhA–ASP National Executive Committee: Kennedy Erickson, National President
Kennedy Erickson is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Washington State University (WSU) College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Hey all!
I am so excited, honored, and thankful to serve as your APhA–ASP National President. I am really looking forward to meeting you, befriending you, and helping you accomplish your goals as a student pharmacist in any way I can.
APhA–ASP stole my heart on my first day of school as a first-year student pharmacist during the policy committee meeting of the WSU APhA–ASP Chapter. Some of my favorite activities and events I partook in as an engaged member of the policy committee include the Back the PAC Campaign, the development of our chapter’s resolution, and Legislative Day at the state capitol. I love how APhA–ASP provides student pharmacists several platforms to make actionable change within our profession and innovatively shape the future of pharmacy practice.
Since serving on the policy committee, I served as our chapter’s president-elect as well as on the national nominating committee. (Fun fact: I interviewed Juan Rodriguez on the nominating committee before he interviewed me for the APhA–ASP National President-elect position.)
While serving as the WSU chapter president-elect, I enjoyed participating in drive-through immunization clinics through Operation Immunization. I also loved promoting mental health and wellness by collaborating with other organizations on campus. For Mental Health Awareness Week, many student organizations on campus hosted daily events; our chapter had a lot of fun hosting mental health trivia night. I also have enjoyed attending and promoting regional and national conferences like the Midyear Regional Meeting and APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition. My favorite aspect throughout all these events has been meeting student pharmacists within my chapter and across the nation who I can now call lifelong friends.
Last year, I really enjoyed serving as the APhA–ASP National President-elect and collaborating with the 2021–22 National Executive Committee to promote the presidential theme, “Unity in Diversity.” I am excited to continue integrating that theme into every facet of APhA–ASP and making APhA–ASP feel like a home for every student pharmacist.
This year, I am incredibly excited to help student pharmacists engage with this year’s theme, “Courage to Change.” My hope is that we can all work together to push past our fears for the betterment of ourselves, our profession, and our communities. My goal as president is to be there for you as you pursue these changes and to provide you with the resources you need to make our world better.
Five questions for Kennedy
1. What show are you currently binging?
I just discovered that Peacock has extended cuts of The Office. Watching those deleted scenes gives so much more context to the storyline, and it’s like watching a whole new show. 10/10; I recommend it!
2. What is your favorite song?
I have two. “Glorious” by Macklemore and “Together” by Sia.
3. If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and all your survival needs were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?
Hiking boots and poles to see all the views on the island.
4. What fictional family would you most like to join and why?
The Weasley family from the Harry Potter series. They all have so much personality that there would never be a dull moment. I would love for all my household chores to be taken care of by Mrs. Weasley’s spells. I also think it would be nice for Ginny to have a sister.
5. What is your favorite meal?
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Each morning, I make myself an espresso with cinnamon and almond milk as well as some oatmeal. I like to add chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, almonds, almond butter, and fresh fruit to my oatmeal make it a well-rounded and filling meal. It gives me the energy I need to start my day and makes me so happy. Sometimes I change what I put in my oats depending on the season; for example, in the fall I love adding canned pumpkin and pecans to my oats. If you ever want any recipes, feel free to reach out to me!