Upper Columbia senior embraced boarding school, relies on faith

It’s a little less than 200 miles between Pendleton, Oregon, and Spangle, but to a 15-year-old leaving home for the first time to attend school in the tiny Washington town, it might seem half a world away.

So when Upper Columbia Academy senior KateLyn Ruud arrived almost four years ago at the boarding school owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, she could have been expected to have a difficult adjustment.

Instead, Ruud embraced everything about UCA, diving into academics and activities that have prepared her for the next stage of her life, at Walla Walla University.

“I was home-schooled through eighth grade,” she said, “but my brother was already at Upper Columbia, and after hearing how much he loved it, I knew that I wanted to be there as well. Leaving wasn’t too bad at first. A few months later it kind of hit me, but that didn’t last very long. UCA is like a family where everybody supports each other.”

Ruud is the head resident assistant in the girls dormitory after serving as spiritual life RA during her junior year. Her responsibilities include coordinating activities for the approximately 100 girls at Upper Columbia, as well as putting together a monthly calendar and newspaper.

Pausing for a breath, she also lists four years of acrobatic gymnastics and Students Association among her pursuits.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of amazing events for me,” she said. “There are always hard times, too, because life is unpredictable and impossible. But you gotta keep going and enjoy where you’re at, despite all the curveballs that come your way.

“My approach to life is that I have been blessed even through the thorns and the things that knock you down, because I know that God will take care of me. For me, that’s what it all comes back to, trusting that He will take care of me, and that I can take everything I have and give it to Him.

“Being here has guided me to become a better person academically and spiritually. Being an RA has given me the opportunity to listen to other students, to talk and pray with them through their struggles.

“There’s always going to be drama in our lives, but I believe that I can trust that God has my back and just keep going. That’s something that people have to learn on their own. You have to choose for yourself what you’re going to put first in your life.”

Students Association adviser John Spano, who has also been her teacher in two classes during senior year, said Ruud has had a positive impact on the school.

“She’s respected by everyone on campus,” he said. “She is kind-hearted and compassionate, and her integrity shows in everything she does. We all have a lot of confidence in her.”

Ruud plans to study nursing at Walla Walla University, hoping eventually to become a missionary or flight nurse.