Antelope Intros is a recurring GCU Today feature that introduces some of our new employees to the people around them in a way that is fun and informative. Employees are eligible to be featured in the month following their orientation.
LATASHA JOHNSON
Job title: Student Services Counselor
Job location: Main Campus, Kaibab
What attracted you to GCU? It's a smaller campus with more one-on-one time with students and that is very unique because I went to a huge college where I never had anyone help me. I had to be my own counselor and I don't know that that's a student's job because people fall through the cracks if nobody helps them. I'm excited to be that support person and to see the end result.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I loving reading and movies -- anything Sci-Fi, space-related, I'm in. My favorites are Star Trek and Star Wars but I also love Indiana Jones and The Mummy. I am kind of a comic book nerd, for lack of a better work.
What are you passionate about? Knowledge is power. I try to live that truth. I want others to have a chance to attain that understanding as well. I am passionate about helping others find a way to go to college and live the life of their dreams. Not everyone has someone to support them through that journey. I want to be that person.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Comic-con and any theatrical events -- ballets, operas, musicals, plays, etc. I saw "Wicked" last year and that was so amazing and hair-raising. Up next on my list is "Newsies," based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I graduated with a BA in Near Eastern Studies, just a fancy way of saying ancient history, folklore, religion and archaeology. I had the chance to assist with archaeological research and museum exhibits. I also worked for the Smithsonian at the Center of Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
What are you most proud of? I was a re-entry student. I had a job for a few years before I decided to go to college. I think a lot of people think that they cannot go back and get an education; that they cannot restart their lives if they want to. I love being that person who can say there is no time limit on achievement, my life is proof.
