Being a high school guidance counselor is the most rewarding job that I have ever had. However, if you would have asked me while I was a high school student that this was the position I would be in as a “grown-up”, I’m not sure I would have believed it. But it’s not just a job to me, it’s a calling. I’m able to use the skills and experience that God has given me to help guide students into their calling. At GCA, we believe that each student has a calling on their life and we want to help them discover what it is…they may be called to be a missionary, lawyer, doctor, electrician or a landscaper. With God, there is no wrong college choice or career choice. That can be a tough pill to swallow for some, because they need 100% confirmation or a fire sent down from heaven telling them what to do. And it doesn’t work that way at all. We must have faith and trust that we’re making the best decision given the knowledge and experience (and mentors) that we have at the time.
I’m from Ohio and I attended a Christian school smaller than GCA, but similar, and from there and I traveled to Williamsburg, Kentucky to attend University of the Cumberlands. Upon graduation, I moved further south to a town you are very familiar with: Knoxville, Tennessee. The only thing I knew about Knoxville was that I had visited Gatlinburg and that they had this strange orange color that my high school basketball coach would wear. In Knoxville, I began my “big-girl” job and stayed at the same company for almost 17 years. I met a sweet southern boy, married him and we started our family. As I was filling my tool box of skills and experience, I would wonder about my purpose, but God was always my constant guiding force. The amazing thing about being a Christ-follower is that as long as we say “yes” to him, He will take you where He needs you to go. I always use the adage that God takes you around your elbow to touch your nose. As you’re traveling that path, it seems strange at first, but then when you finally get around to touching your nose, it all makes perfect sense. Coming to GCA was just like that. Each day at GCA, I’m able to unpack that tool box and use each tool for His specific purpose. There is one caveat to all of this, though. I’m not perfect. I fail Him. I fail you. I fail my family. I fail. I fail. I fail. So, what do I do about that? Failing at something is ok. Because each time, I learn, get back up and go again. I lean on Him. I follow Him. And He provides each and every time. I am so thankful for His grace and mercy.
The students at GCA are precious and I am honored to be able to serve them along with their amazing families. We have a wonderful community that we must work hard to protect it. Let’s Be One!
Mrs. Allison Lay has been a Guidance Counselor at GCA since joining the staff in January 2016. Her compassion, understanding of the educational process, and desire to counsel students to discover God's leading in their lives make her a valuable resource for our students.
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