Contributing Writer
FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Samantha is a medical student at the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida, class of 2025. In 2021 she graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and immunology. She enjoys cooking and going to the beach in her free time. After graduating medical school, Samantha would like to pursue a career in Pediatrics.
Opening the heavy glass door, the immediate rush of cold air hit my face and cooled me off after walking in the hot beaming sun. I said hello to the office manager and made my way to the back office I’ve become all too familiar with these past two weeks.
“Nurse! Nurse! Please help me! Can someone please help me?” For several minutes, her cries echoed through the halls. Something felt wrong. I brought her cries to the attention of the charge nurse.
When I told my aunt I was going to medical school, she looked me up and down and said, “So you’re going to be a know-it-all.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I kept myself sane by writing “Notes from the 13th Floor” — a series of moments I wished I could share with the outside world and the kind I never wanted to forget.
Writers-in-Training Intern and Contributing Writer
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Allyson Flippo is a medical student at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe, Texas, Class of 2026. In 2020, she graduated from Texas Woman's University with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She enjoys practicing Byzantine chant, studying Spanish, and spending time with her husband Christopher and son Justin in her free time. After graduating medical school, Allyson would like to pursue a career in pathology.
