Unless you’re a financial nerd like myself, there aren’t many people out there who are fans of budgeting. Some feel that budgeting is restrictive, takes up too much time, or is even scary—who really wants to take a look at how much they are spending? As a student pharmacist who likely isn’t bringing home a high income, it may even feel pointless. But budgeting as a student will help you get control of the money you do have and will set you up for success once you start making that pharmacist salary you’ve been dreaming of. Plus, with the average student loan debt load at graduation soaring to over $170,000,¹ getting in the habit of budgeting before you have to start making those student loan payments is probably a good move.

I hope everyone has been doing well and having a great summer! If you have been keeping up with my APPE reflections over the past year, I want to thank you and I hope they have been insightful. I am writing my last article for Student Pharmacist as “Grace,” as I have now graduated with my PharmD and am currently in my residency.

The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) APhA–ASP chapter has made major advancements over the past 3 years in policy, social media presence, professionalism, and collaborations with other professional organizations and chapters across the country. We embraced innovation during the pandemic, and to our surprise were honored to receive the APhA–ASP Most Improved Chapter Award at APhA2022 this past March.