Upon graduating from Concordia Lutheran High School in 2001, I was saying goodbye to four amazing years filled with great friendships, wonderful experiences, and a passion for my school and everything it stood for. I was sad to leave but ready for the next chapter. Little did I know that nearly 15 years later God’s plan would lead me back to the place I was proud to call home during my high school years.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
This was a verse that really spoke to me a couple of years ago when I was looking to change jobs. I needed to trust that God’s plan was bigger than mine and that he had something great in store for me.
As I entered back into the halls of Concordia, this time as a new staff member, I felt like I was right where I belonged. The familiar smell of the hallways, the unique cage around our gym, and the familiar faces of teachers, whom I now could call colleagues, welcomed me. Back at Concordia, I found myself looking through yearbooks, and I came across the book from my senior year. I found the message my parents had left the 18-year-old me. Their loving message to me included Jeremiah 29:11, the verse that, 15 years later, would be one that I turned to for comfort and strength. God’s plan full circle!
As I dove into my job as Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Events, I found out that many of our faculty and staff are alumni, as well. What an incredible testimony to the impression that Concordia leaves on its students. There are a number of us who have chosen to come back and continue the traditions — leaving the same marks that were left on us on future generations.
The stories that I hear from our alumni, the parents of our students, faculty, and the many friends who support Concordia are what reminds me daily of what an important part of my life this high school has been and continues to be. God’s plan for me to attend here as a student helped to shape me into the person I am today. God’s plan allowed me the opportunity to come back and work in an environment with some truly amazing people of all ages, while putting Christ at the center of what we do. I will continue to trust in God’s perfect plan for me.
Concordia high thy praises … forever I’ll sing!
Alison (Jung ’01) Eckert
Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Events