Amanda (Ufer) Keene

Class of 2013

Role: Math | Bible | Algebra 1 | Coach

The newest member of the alumni teaching team is Amanda Keene and she credits her vocational calling in part to TC Christian’s Spanish teacher, Rhonda Argyle. “I was drawn to Rhonda’s funloving, joyful personality and to her faithfulness to God, her family and her students,’ said Amanda. “I was so touched by the Senior Blessing I received from Rhonda. She somehow put the desires of my heart into words in such a beautiful way. It’s hanging in my home so I can remind myself what she saw in me, and to try to live in a way that pleases God.” Amanda’s TC Christian story begins in 7th grade. After attending public school, she and her sisters settled at TCCS. It was a huge blessing. “TCCS was very welcoming and I could tell the staff really cared about me and my walk with God. I loved being able to develop deep relationships with my teachers.” Growing up in Traverse City and being one of four girls meant there was never a dull moment in the family home or at school. “Friends and family knew us as the ‘Uferettes’,” said Amanda. As they grew older, the Ufer girls - Amanda, Shannon, Heather, and Leah - became friends, schoolmates, and sometimes, even teammates. “That’s something special about a small school like TC Christian. My sisters and I would often be on the same team, despite our difference in ages.” Amanda enjoyed most subjects but found she had a love for math, Spanish, and science. “I liked to see how things worked and functioned.” A lifelong athlete, Amanda was a gymnast in her younger years. When she reached high school, however, it was no longer possible to continue gymnastics so she moved over to volleyball, basketball, and tennis. “I was not very good at basketball and average at volleyball.” The varsity sport where she shone was tennis. “I think tennis was my favorite of the school sports. I was blessed with the opportunity to go to states twice, and my tennis partner and I won regionals in our sophomore year.” In academics, just as in sports, Amanda was no slouch. A natural love of science, and in particular anatomy and physiology, along with her interest in athletics, led Amanda to prepare for a career in medicine. Her passion for travel and Spanish helped fuel a desire to see her chosen vocation become a vehicle for medical missions.

Upon graduation, Amanda began preparing for pre-med by obtaining an Associates in Science, when God intervened. Amanda picks up the story. “I was taking classes at the college while working as a math tutor at TCCS. The school called and asked if I’d like to sub for one period of PE. I said yes, thinking I could probably survive that.” Before long, Amanda was regularly subbing and being asked if she had ever thought about teaching. “I distinctly remember in high school saying, ‘I never want to be a teacher!’ I think God must have laughed.” Towards the end of her second year of college, she subbed for the high school science teacher and suddenly was hooked. But not how you might think. “I was glad for the opportunity to sub for science because I couldn’t decide if I wanted to teach math or science. After grading 60 biology tests and all those ‘short answer’ questions, I was over it. Math won!” After completing a double major in math and Spanish, Amanda accepted a position at TC Christian teaching math. She quickly discovered an extra learning curve when she signed on as a new faculty member. “I had to learn to call my beloved teachers by their first names.”

In 2019, Amanda married her sweetheart, Chris Keene, a TC native who works for Backcountry North. “Chris and I love staying active! We enjoy hiking, swimming, and playing various card and board games with friends and family. I also coach middle school volleyball at TCCS and am hopeful I will get to coach tennis this Spring.” Amanda and Chris attend Harbor Light Christian Center where they serve the ministry in everything from cleaning the building to sending out birthday cards to leading Sunday School. Just two years into her teaching career and Amanda is hitting her stride. “There are days that are challenging, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything! I love being able to encourage my students and help them see the amazing talents and abilities God has given them. Each student brings something important to our classroom and God has a plan and purpose for each of them and I learn a lot from my students.” Just before Christmas break in 2020, at the end of the day, Amanda’s 7th graders surprised her. They had her stand at the back of the classroom and close her eyes. Once they were organized, they asked her to turn round. Her students were all holding signs that said ‘Thank you!’ and

‘Merry Christmas!’ “It was such a sweet moment,” said Amanda. “My students never cease to amaze me with how thoughtful and caring they are. I love them so much and the best part of my job is watching them grow in their walk with God and learning new things.” When she remembers saying she never wanted to teach, Amanda is still surprised where she ended up. Deep down, she knows Who is ultimately responsible. “I believe God placed me back at TC Christian,” smiles Amanda. “And I couldn’t be happier.”

My students never cease to amaze me with how thoughtful and caring they are. I love them so much and the best part of my job is watching them grow in their walk with God and learning new things.”