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.
AMBER CHRISTENBERRY
Job title: Student services adviser
Job location: Main campus, Kaibab
What attracted you to GCU? An athletic opportunity initially attracted me to GCU. I spent my first year at Glendale Community College running track and field until coach Tom Flood recruited me to be a part of GCU’s first track and field team (2010-11 school year). If it weren’t for this opportunity, I would not have been become a Christian my first semester attending GCU (that I know of) or learned of the other wonderful opportunities GCU provided me. While attending GCU my last three years, I ran cross country and track and field and was an officer in the Associated Students of GCU (ASGCU) and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). It felt great to be connected with so many truly inspiring students, student-athletes and faculty/staff who are still in my life today.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy working out, hiking, running and cooking. I recently got a crock pot for Christmas, so it has been interesting cooking new recipes in a form I have never attempted before. I also enjoy do-it-yourself crafts, especially ones I can give to my friends and family when I find something I believe is meant especially for them.
What are you passionate about? I have five things on my list:
- Cardiovascular science: I am passionate about cardiovascular science because my grandfather died of heart disease when I was in high school. The science and ability of the human heart has interested me since.
- Human health: Being a former student-athlete and an active individual and having seen the damage an unhealthy lifestyle can do, human health is my passion.
- Issues related to criminal justice: Earning a master’s in legal studies has briefly educated me about the processes and issues in our criminal justice system that need attention. I hope to pursue these issues through independent studies.
- Education: If there is one thing in my life that I know has provided opportunity in my life, it’s education. I majored in education and biology and mastered in legal studies, and I hope to continue in those fields.
- The love of Jesus Christ: Having been saved at GCU, I have learned many life lessons, these two in particular: Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you,” and Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I enjoy Beaver Creek, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Thunderbird Conservation Park and Flagstaff. I believe the exposure to different scenery helps you feel refreshed and also brings peace of mind. (Luke 6:12 — “Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.”) Alone time on a mountain is my time with God.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I have a twin sister, I am writing a book and I am organizing two independent studies.
What are you most proud of? My family and the support they have given me. When God gives me a mountain to climb, my family supports me and the path I choose to follow every time.
