“Mommy, Daddy…was Abraham Lincoln kind of a big deal around here? Because I see him everywhere.”
Our daughter, Kara Woods ’29, was 4 when she asked that question during a family day trip to Gettysburg. At the time, it was a charming observation from a curious child. We didn’t realize we were witnessing the beginning of a story that would lead her to Gettysburg College.
Gettysburg had long been part of our family’s rhythm—from visits to the battlefield to conversations about history at the dinner table. My grandfather, an avid Civil War memorabilia collector and historian who did work in Gettysburg, instilled in us a deep respect for the lessons of the past. That appreciation quietly shaped Kara as she grew.
For much of her childhood, Kara’s dream was to swim for an NCAA Division I team. Years of early mornings and intense training shaped her discipline and resilience. But as she approached the college search, she began evaluating not just the level of competition, but also the life she wanted to build. She realized she didn’t want swimming to define her college experience. She wanted academics to take the lead.
That, however, didn’t mean stepping away from excellence. She still wanted to compete at a high level in an environment that valued balance. With a nationally ranked NCAA Division III swim program filled with exceptionally talented athletes, Gettysburg offered the perfect fit. It allowed her to pursue rigorous athletics while focusing on her academic goals as a psychology major with an education minor.
What we didn’t know was that she had already taken initiative. Quietly, she reached out to swimming head coach Greg Brown to explore her options. Shortly after, she shared exciting news: She had heard back from her “dream school.” We didn’t even know she had identified one and certainly didn’t know it was Gettysburg. She verbally committed in August before her senior year and applied Early Decision with clarity and confidence.
Since arriving at Gettysburg as a Lincoln Scholar, Kara has embraced every dimension of campus life. The professors and support staff have been exceptional—approachable, invested, and genuinely supportive. She regularly attends extra office hours, not because she is struggling, but because she is curious. That access to mentorship has strengthened both her independence and her bonds with faculty.
Outside the classroom, she has built a life rooted in engagement and leadership. She secured a position as a campus tour guide, serves on the Honor Commission, participates in Bible study, and continues competing with a nationally respected swim team. Her friend group consists of thoughtful, driven young people who challenge and support one another. Included in that circle is her boyfriend, whom she met in her First-Year Seminar class, Remembering Slavery & the Civil War Since 1886, taught by Civil War Institute Associate Director and Public History Co-chair Jill Ogline Titus.
“From the First-Year Walk to the flying of each graduating class’s flag over Pennsylvania Hall, students become part of something larger than themselves—a legacy grounded in history, leadership, and integrity.”
– Jenn Woods P’29
As parents, one of our greatest reassurances has been the culture of care. We trust the faculty and staff at Gettysburg. While her transition has been smooth overall, on the rare occasion she has needed extra support, it has come quickly and compassionately, whether through the Health Center, the Counseling Center, or staff members like Regina Tyree at Servo. At every step, we have felt that our daughter is known—not simply enrolled.
The traditions at Gettysburg further reinforce that sense of belonging. From the First-Year Walk to the flying of each graduating class’s flag over Pennsylvania Hall, students become part of something larger than themselves—a legacy grounded in history, leadership, and integrity.
Looking back, this journey has been as much about trust as about college selection. We have always aimed to be engaged parents while empowering our daughters to lead their own lives.
When Kara recalibrated her athletic path and quietly chose her dream school, we responded with trust in her judgment, independence, and values. Equally, we trust the faculty, staff, and entire Gettysburg community implicitly. Their guidance and dedication have reassured us every step of the way, allowing Kara to thrive with confidence, curiosity, and purpose. In doing so, we watched her find not just a college, but a home.
Jenn Woods P’29 of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, is the mother of Kara Woods ’29.
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By Jenn Woods P’29
Photos by Jenn Woods P’29
Posted: 03/19/26