A Foundation for the Future: Faith, Hard Work, and Following God’s Call
Class of 2022 Alumni Connor Boswell
By Samantha DePriest
At Trinity Christian School, we often discuss the importance of building a firm foundation academically and spiritually. Recently, our high school students had the opportunity to hear from Class of 2022 TCS graduate, Connor Boswell, whose journey reflects what it means to pursue excellence while keeping Christ at the center. This coming August, Connor will begin an exciting new chapter as he starts medical school at Mercer School of Medicine. His story is one of dedication, discipline, and strong faith which serves as an encouragement to all of our students considering their own future path.
Early this year, Mrs. Kacey White, BSN, RN, Biology/Intro to Healthcare/Environmental Science teacher (formerly known as “Nurse White”) invited Connor to speak with our students in the Introduction to Healthcare classes. Connor shared how the importance of preparing for college and beyond begins with intentional choices during high school. He reflected on his own years at TCS and how participating in extracurricular activities including sports, theatre, and service helped him grow in confidence, teamwork, and leadership. He attributed the mentorship and Christ-like examples lived out by our outstanding teachers including Mr. Reed Shackelford, Mrs. Jen Rinkerberger, Mr. Chris Hanson, and Mr. Ryan Tipton to his success. Connor shared how pairing these experiences with strong academics, including maintaining a good GPA and preparing well for standardized tests, laid an important foundation for future opportunities for him.
After graduation from TCS, Connor went on to attend the University of Georgia where he pursued a major in Biomedical Physiology with minors in Business and Biology. Along the way, he became deeply involved in both academic and service opportunities. He joined a Christian fraternity where he served as academic chair and assistant chaplain, helping support fellow students spiritually and academically. His commitment to community also extended to volunteering with individuals with special needs through a local organization, serving faithfully each week for several years. He also spent time tutoring fellow students in challenging science courses, helping others succeed in classes like general chemistry and biology.
His academic dedication led him into research as well. As a junior, he joined a microbiology research lab studying biochemical pathways in bacteria using genetic techniques. Later, he spent a summer conducting research at UAB medical school through a National Institutes of Health funded program, studying how the immune system relates to kidney disease. These experiences helped shape his understanding of medicine, not just as a career, but as a calling to serve others.
Perhaps the most defining aspect of his journey has been his commitment to following God’s leading. Early in college, he spent a summer working at a Christian camp alongside some of his close friends and fellow TCS alumni, intentionally dedicating that season to growing in his faith and seeking God’s direction for his life. He remained active in campus ministry, serving on leadership teams and boldly sharing his faith. Throughout his college experience, professors played a significant role in encouraging him and helping him grow. Reflecting on his journey, he shared these powerful words:
“I’m just a vessel for what God has given me. By working hard with the gifts He gave me, God has opened all the doors. I believe He has called me to medicine and equipped me with the talents and tools necessary. The doors God opens help confirm that calling on my life. I encourage you to listen to God’s voice and follow where He leads. The things of this earth will pass away, but the work we do for His Kingdom can have eternal impact.”
This May, Connor will graduate with First Honors and a perfect GPA at the University of Georgia, placing him among the top students in his class, and attend a luncheon with the president of UGA that only 2.5% of the 6,000+ students are blessed to attend. He also received a nomination for a Blue Key Honor Society which only a handful of students are honored to receive. Connor’s long-term path includes four years of medical school followed by five years of residency and a year of fellowship training as he continues pursuing a career as an orthopedic surgeon.
Even now, he continues combining faith and medicine through a podcast designed for young people, where conversations explore how faith shapes the pursuit of healthcare and service to others.
Connor’s story reminds us that success is not simply about achievement, it is about faithfulness. It is about working hard, serving others, and using the gifts God has given us for His glory. For students wondering what their future may hold, his advice is simple: pursue the things you care about, stay disciplined, surround yourself with strong mentors, and above all, listen for God’s voice as He leads you. With a firm foundation of faith and perseverance, the doors God opens may lead farther than you ever imagined.
Tips for Students
Students asked great questions and Connor shared excellent tips about how to prepare for and apply to college. Connor encouraged students to start building relationships with teachers today and along the way as it makes the process even more meaningful and rewarding. He shared that college essays provide students the chance to reflect on their experiences and connect their skills and passions with what a school offers. Writing a strong essay takes time and revision. Connor encouraged students to edit it carefully, ask teachers for guidance, and invite trusted mentors to review it before submitting.
Success in college and eventually in professional programs like medical school requires strong study habits. Developing these habits early can make a tremendous difference. Connor shared practical strategies including:
Using digital note tools to organize information.
Downloading lecture slides and annotating them during class.
Reading ahead so you are prepared for discussions.
Using flashcard tools that rely on spaced repetition for long-term memory.
Protecting your focus by placing your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or even leaving it in another room while studying.
Healthy habits also matter. Quality sleep, especially REM sleep, plays a crucial role in learning and memory. Studying consistently over time, rather than cramming, helps knowledge truly take root.
Preparing for a Career in Medicine
For students interested in medicine, Connor shared the path requires both academic excellence and meaningful experiences that demonstrate a heart for serving others. Some key areas to focus on include:
Entrance exams
Maintaining a strong GPA
Shadowing medical professionals
Clinical experience
Research opportunities
Leadership roles
But beyond simply checking boxes, he shared it is important to pursue activities that genuinely matter to each student. Passion and purpose make the work meaningful.
