Christ and the college experience: Ryan Morris

Magna cum laude alumnus Ryan Morris shared aspects of his LCU experience at a gathering of the ArkLaTex Alumni Group meeting in Shreveport. He graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. He attends medical school at LSU Shreveport in preparation for a career as a general practitioner — a family doctor. Ryan was one of a few graduates who reflected on their college experience at the May 4 Commencement of his class. Here are his remarks:

“It is so surreal to be standing on this stage in a cap and gown today. It was only 8 years ago when I was sitting in the audience, watching my two oldest brothers and my sister-in-law walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. That memory is as vivid as if it happened yesterday. I was always told that the next 4 years in college will go by fast, but like most, I definitely underestimated how fast they would go. While it has flown by, I have grown astronomically as a student, Christian man, as well as a person overall. Through my time spent with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on campus, I learned how to use my sport of football as a platform of worship and I learned how to play in a manner that is God glorifying, which will transfer into a career in medicine for me. Through my time in the classroom, I have learned how to apply a biblical worldview and a Christian perspective that goes beyond the class. It is a tool that I use and will use daily when analyzing information and making decisions.

There is a sign in our football building in the stairwell that says something along the lines of it isn’t the games or practices you remember, but the moments, so let’s make moments to remember. While I agree with this sentiment, I would go one step further and say that it is the people you make the moments with that you remember the most. I could tell you about the late nights studying, or in a lot of cases, procrastinating. I could tell you about certain plays that happened on the football field whether in a game or practice, but it isn’t those moments themselves that I remember, it is the moments that were made with special people that have become family. It is the classmates, teammates, friends, professors, coaches, and mentors that have poured into my life. They are what and who I think about when I reflect on my time here at Louisiana Christian University.

I have been fortunate to receive many accolades both from the field of play as well as in the classroom. As great as that is, I would be remiss to not mention that records will be broken, plaques, rings, and trophies will tarnish, but Christ remains. No matter where I go from this point, I know I do not find myself in the things of this world. I find my identity in my savior, Jesus Christ, who will not be shaken. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Who I am is not found in what I have done or what I can or will do, but in Christ who lives in me. Thank you.”

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Photo by Norm Miller of Ryan Morris telling about his LCU experience at a 2019 ArkLaTex alumni meeting in Shreveport.