Alumni Spotlight: Tori Fiscus
After having spent fourth through twelfth grade at The First Academy, I graduated from TFA in 2016 and headed to Birmingham, Alabama to pursue my undergraduate degree at Samford University. Because of the nature of and personal relationships fostered at TFA, I was given the opportunity to spend my entire senior year as a TFA student in Branson, Missouri doing a Gap Year Program called Link Year through Kanakuk Kamps. Through Link Year, I was able to take trips to Fiji, Australia, and other cities all around the United States. I also grew as an individual and in my personal relationship with the Lord in ways that prepared me to step foot on my University campus and make a lasting impact. I am forever grateful that the Administration at TFA was willing and able to work with me as I followed a call the Lord had so evidently placed on my heart.
I am now a Senior at Samford University, and am months away from completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology! As a Samford student, I have had wonderful opportunities to serve my college campus and the community around me. I serve as the Vice President of the University Ambassadors Program. The Ambassadors program works to assist the Office of the President and act as liaisons between Samford University and its many constituencies, including the Board of Trustees, the Board of Overseers, alumni, current and prospective donors, parents, faculty, staff, the community at-large, and Samford University students. I have also been able to dive deep into my local church in Birmingham as I serve alongside family and friends so dear to me. My church recently hired a College Minister for the first time and it has been such a fun experience to play a part in helping lay the foundation for what College Ministry will look like at my church for years to come.
The list of TFA faculty and staff that have largely impacted my life is endless. So many formative moments of my life can be traced back to my experience in a classroom, at chapel, on a sports field, or in the hallways of The First Academy. Mr. Adams’ AP Psychology class opened my eyes to my absolute love for Psychology. Haley Malone, Coach Knuth, and Jennifer Keltner were all incredible role models for me as they taught me how Godly women treat and interact with others on the good days and the bad days. Lance Millsaps and his family have continued to be a constant stream of love and encouragement to my family through all seasons of life. The list goes on and on of the people from TFA who have built me into the woman I am today. I am forever grateful for the friendships and inspirations I have gained from my time as a TFA student and now a TFA alumna!