The thread that has woven through Ria Eda’s life, who is a part of the Grace Christian Academy class of 2023, is the unwavering presence of God’s sovereignty in her story.

Eda’s parents moved to the United States before she was born from Japan, a country where Christianity isn’t as prominent.

“My parents were not believers before they moved to Tennessee.  As adults, they came to know the Lord, and I often think about what my life may look like if we all still lived in Japan,” Eda said.

Her parents’ faith became crucial when Eda was born with a heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot.  With a hole in her heart and an aorta crushing her other veins, at four months old, Eda underwent open heart surgery and had a pacemaker implanted, which she still has today.

“My pacemaker and health issues are a big reason I ended up at Grace.  My mom wanted a nurturing, caring environment that she trusted,” Eda said. “We toured a lot of schools, but Grace was my favorite and was the one I told my mom I wanted to attend.”

Eda is beyond grateful for her time at GCA, stating there are too many influential people and memories to state them all, including when her 6th grade Bible teacher led her to the Lord.

“There are so many teachers and staff that have made an imprint on my time. Mr. Starkweather taught me that my grades aren’t my everything and encouraged me to apply to Vanderbilt University when I was timid and scared. Ms. Anderson taught me it is okay to love learning and flamed this fire inside me even more.”

Because of these important influences, Eda will be attending Vanderbilt University this fall, studying Human and Organizational Development, ultimately hoping to be a professor of medicine at a university herself.  The Lord also made a way financially when she didn’t understand how, another Starkweather influence who said the Lord will fund if it is His will.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for GCA.  I have truly gotten a Christ-centered education. GCA has shaped my whole outlook on life, teaching me that God paid careful attention to each person He created.  They are the main character of their story and I want to be a positive, pleasant presence in their life.” Eda said.

As Eda closes her time at GCA, she won’t just be remembered as the executive chaplain for Ram Ministry, female chaplain for Ensemble, captain of the Swim Team, and co-salutatorian; she will be remembered as a pleasant presence in so many lives and a lifelong part of the Ramily.

“I am amazed at this moment, thinking if God can guide my parents from Japan to East Tennessee, get me through open heart surgery, and bring me to this moment of graduating from such an amazing school and beautiful family like Grace, He can do anything. I know this is just the beginning…”