Purposeful paths: Augusta University’s ‘4 to Finish’ principle empowers students to make every choice count

In a world full of endless possibilities, students face a myriad of choices that shape their academic journey and, ultimately, their future.

At Augusta University, students have a guiding light in making their choices purposeful and impactful through the “4 to Finish” principle, an innovative initiative designed to help them achieve their personal and professional goals on the path to graduating with purpose.

Tate Jacob “TJ” Allen, a 21-year-old senior studying cell and molecular biology in Augusta University’s College of Science and Mathematics, knows the power of purposeful choices.

Meeting his now-wife Piper Allen during high school in Dawson, just outside Atlanta, the couple’s love story blossomed alongside their aspirations for careers in the health care field. Piper, also 21, is a senior studying nursing in Augusta University’s College of Nursing.

“She didn’t suspect anything. Dad was taking a picture of her, and I just plopped down on one knee and asked her then. She had no idea. I had a 2–3-minute speech memorized. She was so blown away that it was happening. It was a purposeful execution because I incorporated all the things she liked to do. It was well thought out.”

Tate Jacob “TJ” Allen, senior majoring in cell and molecular biology in the College of Science and Mathematics

TJ’s proposal to Piper exemplified his thoughtful approach to life. He popped the question in May 2022 in the middle of a North Georgia garden full of flowers with family and friends present. Piper loves flowers, and she thought it was a family photo shoot. It was all part of a master plan TJ said he’s had since high school.

“She didn’t suspect anything. Dad was taking a picture of her, and I just plopped down on one knee and asked her then,” TJ said. “It was a purposeful execution because I incorporated all the things she liked to do. It was well thought out.”

TJ understands what it means to make purposeful choices. Embracing Augusta University’s “4 to Finish” principle, TJ follows the four key tips: Engage, make purposeful choices, follow your program pathway and develop your academic growth mindset. This approach has not only driven his academic success, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, but also has guided him toward a meaningful career path.

Through “4 To Finish,” Augusta University students are encouraged to make purposeful choices like attending class, being collegial and choosing a major. No matter the choice, students should be thoughtful, introspective and reflective in their decision-making.

TJ said he’s utilized the “4 To Finish” tenet as a compass not only personally, but also academically. After realizing his aspiration to play professional baseball might be a long shot, he shifted focus to a career he felt was more stable, noble and needed. He wanted to do something science-related that would also allow him to establish work-life balance after finishing college alongside Piper.

Choosing Augusta University for his undergraduate studies was a strategic move, knowing that the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University presented a unique opportunity to join a team of specialists and make a positive impact on the lives of patients across the state. His dedication to purposeful choices has led him to apply to dental school at Augusta University, a decision he eagerly awaits to hear about in December.

“We’re all here for degrees. Making sure I got good grades was a purposeful choice. ‘4 To Finish’ is a good initiative, and people need that to push them to finish in four years, if that’s what their degree requires. Do your research because you can’t decide without knowledge. Lean on the people who mean the most, because the decisions you make don’t affect just you, but others as well, and surround yourself with people who have your best interest in mind. Be careful of the company you keep.

TJ Allen

“I knew I liked helping people,” he said. “I wanted a challenge. Biology is a hard degree. I fell in love with pursuing dentistry.

“We’re all here for degrees. Making sure I got good grades was a purposeful choice,” he said. “’4 To Finish’ is a good initiative, and people need that to push them to finish in four years, if that’s what their degree requires. Do your research because you can’t decide without knowledge. Lean on the people who mean the most, because the decisions you make don’t affect just you, but others as well, and surround yourself with people who have your best interest in mind. Be careful of the company you keep.”

Should TJ’s dream of becoming a dentist come to fruition, he has already made another purposeful choice – combining dentistry with military service. By blending his passion for helping others with a commitment to serving his country, TJ and Piper, who wed June 11, hope to continue their journey together, making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Through purposeful choices made with the guidance of the “4 to Finish” program, these future Augusta University graduates are well on their way to a fulfilling and impactful future in the health care field.