Texas Tech University

Possible Starts Here | The Series

A simple question is asked of every student who has stepped foot upon the Texas Tech campus: What will you begin here? Join us for a collection of stories that explore this question by showcasing groundbreaking students and alumni who started their journey in the College of Arts & Sciences.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 11 | Opening Opportunities

Valedictorian of her high school and a first-generation college student, Genavie Cabrera could have gone anywhere but chose Texas Tech as her home. A senior studying biochemistry, Cabrera aims to go to medical school and earn her doctorate. Cabrera has worked to build a legacy in her family and pave the pathway for her younger brother and the generation that comes behind her – proving Possible Starts Here.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 10 | Making It Wright

From his first woodworking project of simply fixing a neighbor's porch to now making high-end, custom furniture for the likes of The Ritz-Carlton, Mizzen+Main, J.W. Marriott and even professional athletes. Doc Wright is the definition of Possible Starts Here.

Hear how his journey from Texas Tech to the corporate world to helping out a neighbor in need led him to now owning The Wright Edge.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 9 | Making Moves

Kelly McFarland ('92 Physical Education) found herself enjoying her teaching career after graduating from Texas Tech, but still yearning for more. It was this, along with her passion for helping people get better, that caused her to pursue a new career path in physical therapy.

Hear Kelly's story of how a strong entrepreneurial spirit and drive led her to opening her own business, Premier Rehab, which has now expanded to nine locations across the DFW metroplex.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 8 | Lasting Legacy

Dr. John and Dr. Elizabeth Hall Burns spent decades serving Texas Tech as lifelong educators. Their years of service included time in the roles of professor, department chair, vice provost and dean at the university.

The Burns both made a major impact to during their time as educators and now, by setting up a planned gift, they will continue to leave a legacy here at Texas Tech. Their gift will ensure that they continue to cultivate young minds through scholarships awarded on their behalf.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 7 | A Fishing Story

Ronnie Green ('91 Physical Education) has earned many titles throughout his life—All-American sprinter, Marine Corps officer, corporate executive, and world-renowned professional fisherman, to name a few. But to Green, there's one title synonymous with each chapter of his life: storyteller.

Today, Green integrates his knack for storytelling with his passion for fishing as the charismatic TV host of the award-winning A Fishing Story, where he shares the unique life experiences of his guests and encourages viewers to celebrate and pursue their passions.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 6 | Vision & Purpose

Rick Merrill is president and CEO of Cook Children's Health Care System in Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout his professional career, Merrill (History '82) discovered the power of fulfilling a personal and professional purpose in his life's work. Today, Merrill is integrating that vision and purpose into the nine companies that make up the Cook Children's Health Care System.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 5 | Seizing an Opportunity

Jim Messemer has witnessed the 'industrial revolution of our age.' As a 1981 graduate from the College of Arts & Sciences with a degree in history, he currently serves as the CEO of NJTX LLC, a Silicon Valley investment vehicle that partners with some of the fastest-growing companies in the world.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 4 | Called to a Mission

Isaiah George, a senior pre-med student studying microbiology, still recalls the moment he felt called to a career in medicine. The child of immigrant parents is now on a mission to serve and impact others as a medical professional.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 3 | A Voice at the Table

The College of Arts & Sciences at Texas Tech offered Paula Blackmon the confidence to chase her dream of working in state politics. After graduating in 1992 with a degree in international trade, Blackmon launched her career, eventually working as Chief of Staff for two Dallas mayors. Today, she serves as a Council Member representing District 9 in the City of Dallas.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 2 | Mr. Pampa

Jay Johnson has been referred to as 'Mr. Pampa.' The retired dentist spent more than 30 years practicing in his beloved hometown. Today, he continues to give back as a member of the Texas State Board of Education advocating for students across the Panhandle.

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Possible Starts Here | Part 1 | The Gift of Opportunity

A child of Polish immigrants fleeing oppression, Aaron Szczesny has found a home at Texas Tech. The senior pre-law student is studying economics and has his sights set on earning a law degree to fulfill his dream of becoming an anti-trust lawyer. 

Already, Szczesny has propelled the legacy of his family forward for generations to come — proving Possible Starts Here.

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Series Trailer

The College of Arts & Sciences is home to a particular type of person. The people who set out to make the world a better place. In this limited series, we showcase the students and alumni who believe that Possible Starts Here.

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