"Prior to medical school, I was a one woman wolf pack.  I had never studied with anyone, never asked someone to read a draft of an essay, and successfully avoided group projects almost entirely.  With an exception of a sprinkling of roomm ates, I’ve lived alone most of my adult life (cats excluded). I was a socially anxious/narcissistic swirl, a bit of a control freak, and a definite introvert; this mentality only solidified as I aged. Even as a social worker, I saw myself as a one stop shop when it came to knowledge of resources. I was always determined to find the answers for my clients on my own, I even prided myself in that. I anticipated that medical school would follow similar trends. I put up a successful front the first few weeks. I kept mostly to myself, actively avoided most social events, and left for home immediately after class ended. Things were going pretty well, especially considering that I was literally living my dream of going to medical school. One day after class, I came to the parking lot to find my beautiful red Jetta with a flat tire. Flats aren’t that big of a deal, I’ve actually had a lot in my life. I have this thing for running over leaves that look crunchy, and sometimes pointy rocks and broken bottles disguise themselves as leaves. I like to take my chances, I’m a wildcard like that. Maybe it was the stress of the curriculum or maybe I was just hungry, but I felt like I hit a ceiling. This flat tire left me devastated, holding back tears. AAA was available, but not for another two hours. I went from devastated to feeling destitute. I’m embarrassed that I was that internally dramatic, but that’s how I felt. Four groups of students asked if I needed help, which I declined. I sat for twenty minutes thinking of a solution of how I could fix this myself. When the fifth group of students offered to help, I was ready to cave. Joe P. and his friends ended up being that fifth group to offer assistance. I did not know him then, and I don’t really know him that well now. Joe saved me hours of waiting even though he was by no means obligated to help me. And that’s one of the best things about Touro: for some wonderful reason, people have continually looked out for me even though they’re by no means obligated to. I would have never passed Anatomy if Jenn Lee and Anna Tran didn’t keep me sane, focused, and help me study.  I would be toast if Billy and Maisie didn’t help me with clickers (every single day).  I would have never passed OMM practicals if it wasn’t for Mason, Triet and Johnny’s review documents.  I would have never had the courage to run for SGA if Ellie wasn’t kind and encouraging from the moment I met her.  I’m sure I would have died from an aneurysm/panic attack combo if Lexi didn’t tell me that “everything would be okay, it’s just one test” before our first anatomy written exam.  I would have definitely failed Physiology I if Johnny didn’t teach me the entire renal system.  I would have been a spineless mush of a Parliamentarian if Ivana never gave me the courage to stand up for myself. I would have melted into a pile of nerves prior to my SGA speech if Peter didn’t pull me aside and tell me “what’s the worst that can happen in five minutes on stage?” Some of these people I hardly know, and this list is certainly far from complete. So I would like to submit the picture of us all at OMED in place of my white coat photo. Any success I have had comes from these people I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by. My white coat could never begin to represent that caliber of love."

“I'm passionate about teaching, particularly emergency medicine topics. I became interested in it after the show "Emergency" that I used to watch when I was young (way before George Clooney and ER). The show advocates the paramedic field I'm interested in athletic training and have a background in physical education, and have taught PE with a focus on adult wellness. A friend of mine suffered an unconventional heart attack and that prompted me to want to become an EMT, thus beginning my journey to medic school, and a masters in Public Health and emergency medical services."

"One of Touro’s strength is that it boasts a unique diversity in both the student body, as well as in faculty and staff. Such diversity champions the idea that medicine is not a call for a certain group of people, but for all who have the diligence to heed to such a call. Touro proves that it is possible for individuals who grew up in opposite sites of the world and were shaped by different values and morals to share something in common. More than anything, being here at Touro has re-emphasized to me the strength in diversity that dares to look beyond the barriers that separate us to find qualities that unite us in our pursuits and prove our humanity. Beyond the shades of our skin, the second languages we speak, the foods we eat, and our ethnic backgrounds, I have found that we’re more alike than we are different. In the countless interactions I have had with my fellow classmates, I have learned that we are bonded by the unique paths that have led us here. For many, the path to get thus far has required much sacrifice and discipline, yet still we toil further to see a better day. These qualities aren’t isolated for just a select few, but can be drawn out of each and everyone of us. They are simply indiscriminate, yet intrinsic characteristics we possess. They define who we are in the midst of a beautiful tapestry of the world being woven in Middletown, New York."