Have you ever clung to a dream through the thickest and thinnest of times? Meet Tony Phan, whose dogged persistence carried him from serving in the U.S. Air Force as a medic to entering the historic first class at the UT Tyler School of Medicine. Take a deep dive into Tony's unwavering pursuit of the white coat, a journey spanning more than a decade of applications, with each rejection fueling his determination rather than deterring his dream. Hear Tony's story — rich with the spirit of perseverance that underpins the medical profession. Uncover the role of his military background and the unique kinship he shares with a fellow veteran in his class, all while drawing parallels to the broader mission of cultivating Texas' homegrown medical talent for the benefit of East Texas.

Then, learn about transforming ambition into reality, sifting through the strategies crucial for anyone aspiring to a future in medicine. It's not just about the long game; it's the power of celebrating the minor achievements that build the staircase to your ultimate goal. Dissect the approach of setting and conquering incremental objectives, which proved indispensable for Tony and can forge a path for success in others. Through Tony's reflections and experiences, this conversation is about more than just an account of one man's tenacity—it's as a blueprint for success and a heartfelt reminder of why we chase the dreams that demand the best of us.

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Discover the symphony of talent and education at UT Tyler's Summer Music Camps, where young musicians refine their skills and forge friendships that resonate beyond the last note. Dr. Sarah Roberts discusses the Brass Camp, led by Dr. Jeremy McBain with clinics by Dr. Micah Everett; the Percussion Camp under the guidance of Dr. Tyree Hastings, and the Jazz Camp Roberts will lead with special guest artist Summer Camargo.

Community-building is also an important aspect of the music camps. Students not only sharpen their musical acumen but also build a network that remains during all-region auditions and beyond. Future plans for UT Tyler Music Camps include possible choir, band, and string camps. Dr. Roberts also pays homage to the legendary David Sanborn, who died earlier this week. She reflects on the impact of such musicians on aspiring artists.

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If you've eaten fajitas in East Texas, you've likely enjoyed the offerings of John Soules Foods, Inc. Uncover the evolution of this family-owned Texan gem with John Soules, Sr., the visionary behind the company. Follow the journey from a modest restaurant to a national sensation, and peek behind the curtain of this culinary success story , including the strategic pivot from food service to retail. Learn how the near-perfect timing of that decision serendipitously aligned with the onset of the pandemic, and how that catapulted the company's retail line of beef and chicken fajitas to new heights.

Soules also discusses the prospects of academia meeting industry and the potential for UT Tyler to revolutionize how we understand nutrition and wellness in our communities. From the perfect seasoning in your fajitas to the seeds of knowledge in higher education, this episode is brimming with flavor, innovation, and the promise of a healthier, more connected East Texas.

(Show notes are automatically generated and may contain phonetic spellings and other spelling and punctuation errors. Grammar errors contained in the original recording are not typically corrected.)