Alumni Stories: Caroline Brown ’20

Caroline is a 2020 graduate of Portsmouth Christian Academy. Caroline held multiple leadership roles at PCA, to include captain of the softball team and member of Student Council. After receiving her diploma from PCA, Caroline has been attending Purdue University, studying Chemical Engineering.

Part of the reasoning behind my choice to study engineering was the desire to make an impact on the world. With the gifts I was given by God and the skills I have developed—and will further develop—I have the opportunity to be a part of the teams that work on solving the global grand challenges. Particularly, engineering better medicines and advancing health informatics are two of the global challenges that stand out to me as a chance for me to impact the world for good. These are important as the advancement in medicine and health sciences will continue to be a necessity and will leave a sustainable change in the world and bring sustainable benefits to the people. As I continue on in my academic career, I am reaching towards the goal of leaving an impact on the world by becoming a biological engineer. 

“With the gifts I was given by God and the skills I have developed—and will further develop—I have the opportunity to be a part of the teams that work on solving the global grand challenges.”

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from going to PCA is how to lead with love. At PCA, I served as a representative on the Student Council and as a captain on the Softball team. Being in these positions taught me what it meant to maintain humility while being in a leadership role. This lesson is one that I have noticed sticking with me as I have just finished up my first semester of college. Starting college far from home, in the midst of a pandemic, was very challenging for me, as I was very anxious and shy in the first few weeks. However, as my classes began to pick up pace, I found myself taking the lead on my teams in my engineering class and my honors class. Because of what I learned through leadership roles at PCA, I was reminded of the importance of encouraging teammates and leading with love, just as Jesus did, which is a life skill PCA taught me. 

“Because of what I learned through leadership roles at PCA, I was reminded of the importance of encouraging teammates and leading with love, just as Jesus did, which is a life skill PCA taught me.”

PCA challenged me academically, socially, and spiritually. I left PCA genuinely feeling prepared for the life ahead of me. I am more confident in myself, in my relationships with others, and my relationship with God. A PCA education shapes children into well-rounded young adults, as I have seen myself and my friends grow into over the years I was at the Upper School. The love that the faculty and staff have for the students made me feel welcomed, which in turn, further encouraged me to push myself, do what I love, and grow into a strong young adult, ready to take on the next steps in life. 

Originally posted: January 27, 2021