At what grade level did you start at The First Academy?
I started attending TFA in 2014 as a Freshman.
What were the reasons you or your parents chose The First Academy?
My parents chose to enroll me in TFA so that I could be in a Christ-centered environment where I can grow as a student and athlete, as well as be challenged academically.
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities?
I have been running both cross country and track since I was in 9th-grade, and I am currently the Co-Captain of the Cross Country Team. My junior year I won the Hustle Award for both cross country and track, as well as the Scholar Athlete Award. I am also part of the new TFA Student Athlete Leadership Training (SALT) program.
Which colleges have you applied to and which ones have you be accepted to thus far? (Please include if you have made a decision to attend a certain college next year)
I am currently in the process of applying to the University of Florida, Florida State University, and Harvard. Since applications just opened this week, I will not know where I am accepted to until later this school year. However, UF is my number 1 choice. 😉
What do you plan to study in college and what are your long-term career goals?
Of course my plans for the future can change at any time, but as of right now I am hoping to go the Pre-Med route. For my long-term goal, I don’t want to do the typical medical doctor routine; I want to mix in some forensics and hopefully become a forensic pathologist.
Have you received any college scholarships? If so, which ones? (Or, which ones are your currently nominated for)
As of right now I do not have any scholarships from colleges, but if I choose to attend college in Florida, I will have the Florida Academic Scholars Award from Bright Futures.
Who is/are your favorite TFA teacher(s), and why? (Teachers can be K4-12)
Many teachers at TFA have impacted me, including Ms. Kittle, Coach Oliver, and Ms. Penny. However, the teacher who has impacted me the most is Ms. Damron. She teaches AP US History, and it is 100% the best class I have ever taken. The way she handles her class is amazing; she makes every class so fun and exciting, yet she fully prepared us for the AP exam. She has taught me to have a greater appreciation for America and the liberties we have here.
How has TFA made a difference in, or impacted your life?
Through my years at TFA, I have been taught the importance of hard work and how it can change everything. Nothing in the real world is given, it is all earned.
How do you feel that The First Academy has prepared you for life after graduation?
TFA has prepared me for life after graduation by showing me that in order to succeed, you alway have to keep your focus on God. The world and the devil will throw obstacles at you, but if you keep your eyes on God, His path will lead you to success.
What does it mean to you to be a The First Academy alumni?
To be an alumni for TFA is quite an honor. Not everyone has the chance to go to a school that gives such a high level of education. I am thankful for my teachers, coaches, friends, and classmates who have helped me on this journey, but I am ready to close this chapter of high school and start a new one in college!