An Unfolding Path

A reflection on past lives,  hidden miracles, and the little things in life with Joe Abrams

The unique experience that Joe Abrams had at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, as well as the private Christian education that would continue at Grand Canyon University, set him up for a life after college of success and gratitude. At the time, he had no idea.

Initially, after a forced transition when his dad took a job at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, Joe felt uncertain with what the change would bring. He had previously attended Wilson Elementary School, and the shift to a small private school would obviously change the dynamics of his education and friendships moving forward. 

His mother, Lori Abrams, would take a job as the librarian and guidance counselor, and his dad, Dr. Eric Abrams, would be none other than the principal of Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. This would provide Joe with a variety of distinct differences within his high school life from some of his peers. 

Within his time at PRCA in the late 2000s, he regarded his walk as one of enjoyable self-discovery. He partook in leadership his freshman and senior year, becoming student body president. He found his passion in football, through vivid memories of grueling Monday morning practices and thrilling high school Friday night football games.

Of course, his experience was enhanced by close friends. Fond memories were made with PRCA families including the Vances, the Kirks, and the Pooleys, and Daniel McLeod, one of his best friends during high school. One of his best memories, though brutal at the time, manifested when he and Daniel hiked and camped on top of Pusch Peak on the coldest night of the year as sophomores. Daniel and Joe are still actively preserving their friendship despite living in different states; Daniel attended Joe’s wedding as a groomsman, while they each have paid visits to one another to celebrate their 30th birthdays. 

Joe’s rich high school experience was not without struggles. Problems with fitting in and achieving the high academic standards became part of his journey through Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. Remarking on the environment, he said, “you are surrounded by some of the brightest peers you are ever going to be surrounded by.” His own experiences surrounded by bright peers such as Daniel, Valedictorian for Joe’s class, presented much needed obstacles to grow as a young man. The expectations of teachers and the PRCA curriculum prepared him well for college and the business world beyond. Teachers from all the way back in middle school, such as Mr. Caleb Clinkingbeard, equipped both his academic success and enjoyment following his graduation.

With his high school career over, Joe was initially unsure of his next steps. The week following his graduation, he shipped out to Glacier National Park, where he worked for several months before returning to Tucson. There, he realized the value of a Christian environment by witnessing a stark contrast between his PRCA family and that of an entirely secularized world. Upon his return, he considered enlisting in the military, but after being dissuaded by his brother, he turned to Pima Community College, and eventually Grand Canyon University. Joe described his high school perspective during this search, “At the time I was like ‘school’s for fools,’ luckily, you mature, and grow up, and that’s not the thing anymore.”

Joe’s faith walk flourished in this same maturity, blossoming from a logical, checklist approach to Christianity throughout high school, into a faithful hunger for the Word and fulfillment in life through a love of Christ. “Don’t underestimate that [the body of believers]. I think that is one of the most impactful things Christ created on this earth was his Church, which is his community,” he emphasized. 

Now, Joe is living happily in Phoenix with his wife and a job which he enjoys: assistant controller for a loan management company. He is in the process of achieving his Certified Public Accountant certification, and on weekends he referees high school football, helping him stay in touch with the passions and memories of his time at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. He strives for a purposeful life, where he can positively impact the community around him. Additionally, he hopes to start a family and raise kids. However, through his dreams he pledges to have gratitude with the knowledge of Christ’s peace and God’s plan. 

Joe looks back on his life so far as an accumulation of little miracles that points back to God’s undeniable hand and providence in his life. He has advised that future generations of PRCA take heed to these words, “Be grateful. It’s so easy to go to bed thinking about everything you wish was different, or replaying scenarios in ways you wish you would have handled those things differently.” He believes that his high school self would have viewed his current situation as surprising and unattainable at the time. Between the relationships with teachers and peers during his time at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, and the recognition of learning and growing from the path that he is on, Joe Abrams has realized that he doesn’t have to be in control. Finding gratitude through the simple, God-given things in life is more than enough.