Lipscomb’s Annaston Young earns spot in prestigious AACP Aspiring Academics Program

Lipscomb's Annaston Young earns spot in prestigious AACP Aspiring Academics Program

Y'Alexia Robinson | 12/10/2024

Annaston Young, a student pharmacist at Lipscomb University, has been selected to participate in the highly competitive 2024-2025 cohort of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Aspiring Academics Program. Young is one of just 28 students nationwide chosen for the program, which aims to cultivate the next generation of pharmacy educators.

The AACP Aspiring Academics Program provides future pharmacy leaders with opportunities to develop academic skills through mentorship, networking, and a series of educational modules. As part of the program, Young will attend the AACP Annual Meeting and Teachers' Seminar, where she will interact with experts and educators in the field. A group project designed to foster collaboration and problem-solving is also a key component of the program.
Young's selection marks a significant milestone for Lipscomb's College of Pharmacy, as she is the first student from the college to be chosen for the prestigious program. Her selection for this program is not only a recognition of her academic achievements but also a testament to her passion for the profession and the journey she took to get where she wanted to be.

Throughout her time at Lipscomb, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to both her studies and the community. Her involvement in extracurricular activities and her leadership within the student pharmacist body reflect her drive to make a meaningful impact in healthcare education.

"Pharmacy allows me to blend my love for medicine with my commitment to improving patient outcomes through teaching and mentoring others. As a future pharmacy educator, I hope to inspire students to advance the field of pharmacy and make a meaningful impact on healthcare." Young said.

Throughout her time at Lipscomb, Young has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to her studies. She has been an active member of the student pharmacist community, seeking out opportunities to influence healthcare education and improve patient care. Her ultimate goal is to combine clinical practice with teaching, helping to shape the next generation of pharmacists.

"My advice to fellow students pursuing higher education is to embrace failure as a learning experience and to build strong, supportive relationships with mentors and peers," Young said. "Networking is about more than collecting contacts; it's about creating meaningful connections that help you grow both personally and professionally."

As a future educator in the field of pharmacy, Annaston has the potential to shape the next generation of pharmacists, just as she has been shaped by the faculty, mentors, and peers around her here at Lipscomb. This program will provide her with opportunities to expand her knowledge of the unique role that academic pharmacists play in the healthcare system.

"If someone else can achieve it, why not you? Success doesn't belong to someone special-it belongs to those who believe and persevere," said Young.