Hamilton Murrah: Building a Life of Integrity and Gratitude
Hamilton Murrah, Class of 2017
When Hamilton Murrah (TFA Class of 2017) first walked through the doors of The First Academy as a fifth grader, his family sought an environment where he could grow—not just academically but personally and spiritually. Reflecting on his years as a student, Hamilton fondly recalled the unwavering support of teachers and a community that modeled Christian values. Today, as a graduate of Duke University and a recent graduate of Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, Hamilton credits the foundation laid at TFA with shaping his path of integrity, gratitude, and success.
From Fifth Grade to Student Body President
Hamilton’s journey at TFA began with a leap of faith- leaving what he knew and was comfortable with at his previous school to take on a new school with a new set of friends. Having faced challenges at his previous school, his parents prioritized a Christ-centered education aligned with their family values. “It was about more than academics,” Hamilton reminisced. “TFA gave me an opportunity to grow in every sense of the word.”
At TFA, Hamilton quickly found his stride, engaging in student government from middle school through high school, culminating in his role as the student body president. On the tennis team, he served as captain, demonstrating leadership both on and off the court. These experiences instilled in him a love for collaboration and an appreciation for the power of community early on.
Teachers Who Made a Difference
Among the many mentors Hamilton encountered, a few stand out. Mr. Harvey, who taught AP European History and Government & Economics, was a “favorite” for his engaging style and dedication. Mrs. Harvey and Dr. Holter also left a lasting impact, but it was Mr. Harrison’s AP Computer Science class that truly changed the trajectory of Hamilton’s life. “I’d never thought about computer science before, but that class sparked a passion,” he said. “It led me to major in it in college and ultimately pursue a career in tech.”
A Strong Foundation
Though his path after TFA took him to a secular university and into the corporate world, Hamilton has remained rooted in the principles instilled during his formative years. “TFA taught me the importance of living with gratitude, positivity, and love for others,” he reflected. As a Christian, he knows living out his life with integrity, humility, and a deep respect for others can go a long way when it comes to impacting the kingdom of God.
Life After TFA: A Journey of Exploration
At Duke University, Hamilton majored in Computer Science and embraced leadership roles in his fraternity and as a Duke Presidential Ambassador. After realizing that coding wasn’t his lifelong calling, he transitioned into a product management role at Capital One. There, he gained valuable experience but also discovered a passion for consulting, leading him to Kellogg’s MBA program with a focus on AI and technology.
This summer, Hamilton will join Boston Consulting Group, where he plans to leverage his expertise in tech and AI to solve complex business challenges. “It’s exciting to see how everything connects back to the values I’ve carried with me throughout my life,” he said. “Relationships, integrity, and hard work are central to what I do every day.”
A Message to the Next Generation
Hamilton’s advice is simple yet profound for current TFA students: “Build respectful relationships and live with integrity. Success isn’t just about working hard; it’s about working purposefully and treating others with love and respect.” His story is a testament to how a strong foundation—both academically and spiritually—can open doors to a fulfilling and impactful life that impacts the world for the glory of God.
Do you know of other TFA alumni who are living out our five aspirations? Share their stories with our Alumni Team at alumni@thefirstacademy.org.
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