For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Pauline, and I’ve had the privilege of calling Sam my best friend for over a decade. That means I’m the person who has had a front-row seat to her life for many years. I’ve seen her at her best, her boldest, and yes, through a few dramatic chapters too — and through it all, she has remained one of the most loyal and loving people I know. Sam loves deeply and shows up fully. Seeing her this happy, this grounded, and this sure about her future makes my heart so full. Sam, I’m so proud of you and so grateful to stand beside on your wedding day and always.

I met Samantha the way all great friendships are formed, surviving the trenches of residency. After three years of mild chaos, with some fun parties sprinkled in there, our friendship was officially formed.

One of my favorite memories with Samantha was a road trip to Canada for a friend’s birthday weekend. Things were going great … until the GPS switched to Kilometers. For two very intelligent and resourceful women, this unexpected switch to the metric system caused just enough confusion that we got lost… twice. After a brief moment in our shared delusion, a mild panic attack and some quick math we eventually figured it out.

I am beyond honored to stand by Samantha on her big day and couldn’t be happier to help celebrate this beautiful love story. Wishing the bride and groom a lifetime filled with joy, laughter and many more celebrations. Cheers to the beautiful life you’re creating together.

Chantel Gordon is a Bronx, NY native who met the bride freshman year of college. By day, Chantel and Sam were struggling through organic chemistry and clocking in hours at the library, and by night, bonding over big dreams (and bigger parties). Nearly two decades later, they’ve championed each other through med school, residency, and into the beginnings of their MD careers. Together achieving childhood dreams and booking Caribbean trips. Chantel is proud and honored to continue to be by the bride’s side as she steps into this next chapter.

Jaharra has fond memories of long thoughtful conversations with Samantha from staying late in college dining halls to vulnerable chats in unexpected moments. Samantha has always had a motherly, deeply caring energy that makes her impossible not to love. It is absolutely beautiful what she has found a partner that appreciates her love. Jaharra is honored to be a part of this union and I wishes the bride and groom endless love, patience, laughter.

Samantha and I first met during orientation in medical school. I’m pretty sure we were drawn to each other because of our shared West Indian background. We began as study buddies and at some point along the way I realized we would be lifelong friends . Samantha is so compassionate, caring and hardworking and I’m an so glad that she found someone like Scott who loves and appreciates her the way she deserves. I am beyond excited to stand by her side to celebrate their love and usher in this new chapter of their lives as husband and wife.

So, who would have thought that two master’s students—a Nigerian and a Jamaican—both striving to get into medical school would become lifelong friends, 11 years and counting? Well, this is Samantha and me.

I met Samantha in the fall of 2014 at Rutgers Newark, and our friendship truly blossomed when we became housemates a year later in 2015. By then, I already knew Sam would be an easy person to live with. She was honest, fun, straightforward, thoughtful, family-oriented, and focused. These are qualities I continue to admire and value in her to this day.

She was a constant source of motivation and inspiration. Together, we pushed through our master’s program and the medical school application process. By God’s grace, we both ended up at the same medical school in Brooklyn, with Samantha one year ahead of me. Naturally, we returned to our roomie status and found an apartment together during my first year and her second. It was truly special going through medical school with a trusted friend and sister. And of course, it didn’t hurt living with someone who appreciated a good pot of Jollof rice!

Samantha guided and supported me every step of the way, whether through clinicals or as leaders in SNMA. Her advice was always clutch. Along the journey, our families became connected, and my mom and sister especially grew to love Samantha dearly. So when she matched into residency in Rochester—my hometown—we were beyond excited to welcome her.

To see Samantha and Scott find each other in Rochester fills me with so much joy and hope. Scott is wonderful and already loved by my family. And once again, just as I did for medical school, I plan to follow Samantha—this time back to Rochester. I look forward to creating more memories, deepening our sisterhood, and growing our families together.

Thank you for allowing me to witness and celebrate this beautiful union. I am forever grateful for your love and friendship. May God continue to bless you and Scott, grant you favor, and fill your marriage and home with love, joy, and peace. Love you both! Congratulations!