![Kara Gowder Townsend, Class of 2013]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1588180351/gcaramsorg/gv1udnbowignvrumehtv/KaraTownsend.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1588180351/gcaramsorg/gv1udnbowignvrumehtv/KaraTownsend.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1588180351/gcaramsorg/gv1udnbowignvrumehtv/KaraTownsend.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1588180351/gcaramsorg/gv1udnbowignvrumehtv/KaraTownsend.jpg","width":960}])
"The community at Grace is unlike any other I have ever experienced, and I am so thankful that I have made lifelong relationships that have come from the GCA community."
What was your favorite thing about Grace Christian Academy?
I think my favorite thing about GCA was the community. During my time at Grace I was surrounded by godly, Christian faculty, and peers who truly wanted to see me succeed in my education as well as my relationship with Christ. The community at Grace is unlike any other I have ever experienced, and I am so thankful that I have made lifelong relationships that have come from the GCA community.
Describe one of your favorite teachers from GCA and how they impacted your life.
When I think back on a teacher that has impacted my life I think about Rachel Pemberton, my 7th grade English teacher. Mrs. Pemberton took the time to get to know my 13 year old self, care about me, and leave a lasting impact on me. Teachers at Grace truly care about their students and this teacher has continued to cheer me on in life. She has kept up with me through the years and been a consistent source of encouragement through my journey of becoming a teacher. Mrs. Pemberton sent me a care package my first day of school during my first year teaching, ten years after having me as a student.
How did Grace Christian Academy prepare you for life after graduation/Grace Christian Academy seeks to help students develop a Biblical worldview. How has this mission impacted your personal and professional life?
After graduating from GCA I attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Academically, the rigor at GCA truly prepared me for my college courses. I felt prepared in all of my classes and I thank GCA for setting high expectations academically. GCA also helped me build a strong foundation spiritually. I left high school knowing what I believed in my faith and why. I knew who God is and why I believed that the Bible was the true Word of God, and that I wanted to live for Him no matter my surroundings.
What did you do after graduation and what are you doing professionally?
After graduating from GCA I studied Psychology with a minor in Elementary Education at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I continued my education and received my Master’s of Science in Elementary Education at UT. I am in my first year teaching first grade at Inskip Elementary in Knoxville and could not love it more. I get to show my six and seven year olds the love of Jesus daily, and hope I can make the impact on my students that my teachers at GCA had on me.