The Art of Becoming Podcast

Meet Emmanuella Tchona, a second year PhD candidate at the Medical College of Wisconsin! In this episode, Emmanuella shares her journey coming from abroad to the US, finding her footing, and discovering her niche while navigating unfamiliar terrain. She talks us through her philosophy of falling fast, a lesson born from the rigor of her PhD program, and reflects on the value of gleaning from the wisdom of peers when her own experience has not yet caught up to the road ahead. Emmanuella also shares how she intentionally seeks to broaden her scope of wisdom and grow more comfortable with the idea of failing by trying her hand at new hobbies and adapting along the way. Join us as we get to know another member of our MCW community and the practical wisdom she has to offer anyone standing at the edge of new territory, unsure of the next step, but willing to take it anyway.

In this episode of The Art of Becoming, we sit down with Fatima Zohra Khamissi, a fourth year medical student at Medical College of Wisconsin and future diagnostic radiologist whose journey is defined by resilience, discipline, and determination.

Fati reflects on her path as an international student and former Division I tennis player, sharing how those experiences shaped her character and strengthened her drive for excellence. She opens up about balancing high level athletics with academics, navigating moments of doubt, and developing the mindset that helped her achieve top scores in medical school.

More than a conversation about achievement, this episode explores what it means to stay driven despite the odds and how grit, sacrifice, identity, and purpose all shape the process of becoming. Fatima offers an honest and inspiring perspective for students, athletes, and anyone striving toward ambitious goals while learning who they are along the way.

Join co-hosts Tatenda and Melanie for a candid and reflective conversation as they step back to share the heart behind The Art of Becoming. In this episode, they open up about the purpose driving the podcast, the vision of the KNN student chapter, and the deeper why behind what they are building.

Through honest storytelling and a little bit of yapping, they reflect on their individual journeys into medicine, the values that shape them, and the unexpected way their paths came together. At its core, this episode is about becoming together while creating spaces of belonging in environments that do not always make room for it.

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In this episode of The Art of Becoming, Tifany Frazer reflects on what it means to grow into a more caring person. Through a career and life experiences that have taken her onto a global stage, Tifany has built relationships across cultures and communities that continue to shape who she is becoming. She shares how intentionally seeking opportunities to understand others has helped her develop a genuine desire to care for people and contribute meaningfully to the communities around her. This conversation explores how connection, curiosity, and reciprocity can deepen our capacity for care and influence the way we show up for others in our everyday lives. 

Along the way, this conversation invites listeners to reflect on the kinds of questions that shape a personal mission: 

• What’s important? 

• Where do I want to go? 

• What does “the best” look like for me? 

• How do I want to act? 

• What is my legacy? 

Adam Plotkin is a fourth year medical student whose commitment to discipline and service shows up both in and beyond the classroom. As an active member of the military and an ultramarathon runner, Adam consistently pushes himself toward a higher standard—using challenge, endurance, and intentional practice as tools for growth.

In this episode, Adam reflects on what it means to embody character in practical, everyday ways. We explore how discipline and self motivation are built over time, what it truly takes to give your all, and how showing up with intention can shape not only who we become, but how we serve others.