News & Announcements

Alumni Success Story: Tyler Boyd '14

The rigorous academic environment and college classes on the TFS campus were exactly what  Tyler Boyd (’14) was looking for. “The experience was incredible,” he said. “During the two short years I was there, TFS single-handedly transformed me as a learner, prepared me for the rigors of college, and instilled in me a love for teaching.” 

When Boyd was a sophomore in high school, he and his family started thinking about his academic future. Boyd and his parents discussed what would be the best place to prepare for college. “After I came and shadowed at TFS, I made the switch from public school,” he said. 

As Boyd began to explore his college options, he received direct assistance from the college counselors. “From researching colleges, applying, exploring scholarship opportunities and career paths, and even thinking about the advantages of in-state or out-of-state –
I had fantastic advisors,” he said. “Regardless of which university we were considering, someone provided us with assistance.”

Boyd appreciates the multiple opportunities to travel and explore. He fondly remembers taking annual ski trips, attending “The Lion King” at the Fox Theater, taking day trips with the boarding students, and visiting Stone Mountain. “There was something every week to be a part of. It felt like a mini college,” he said. “There was so much to do. It circles back around to developing friendships, especially with the boarding students. Going on trips allowed us to make friends.” 

For Boyd, it was some of the regular things that were the most impressive. “I always thought the dining hall was incredible. I remember telling my family and friends it was like having a home-cooked meal every day,” he said. “It is incredible the time and effort that was put into it. This is a testament to TFS – the effort and attention put into everything.” 

The diversity among the students was the icing on the cake for Boyd. “From class to the soccer team, I heard the life stories of my friends from China, Korea, and Germany,” he said. “We developed such an intimate level of friendship.”

Boyd developed an interest in music during his time at the school. He began playing the French horn, which opened up opportunities for him to compete at regional and state-level competitions. 

Boyd received a music scholarship at the University of Georgia, where he played in the symphonic band and the marching band. “It was all preparation from TFS,” he said. 

After graduating from UGA with a degree in psychology, Boyd continued his studies at Wingate University's School of Pharmacy. “I wanted to be a clinical pharmacist and a professor,” he said. He gained experience across the board through a residency program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and studied internal medicine at Texas A&M. 

Today, Boyd is a full-time faculty member at the College of Pharmacy at Mercer University in Atlanta and practices clinical internal medicine at Emory University Hospital. 

“I am so blessed. The only thing I would have done differently was start at TFS sooner,” he said. “The school took such great care of my family and provided us with numerous opportunities. There is no doubt that I am where I am today because of my time there.”

Boyd has advice for students: Trust the process even if it's hard to see in your current circumstances. TFS is working really hard and preparing you. You will always find someone on paper who is smarter than you and has done a few more things than you, but you can outwork someone. Don’t focus on where you stack up against other people; focus on how you can work harder. That is how you achieve anything you want – work hard. I picked up a quote from Ms. Bogan – “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”