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.
ASHLEY SILVA
Job title: Enrollment counselor, College of Education
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? Its Christian atmosphere and the support of my enrollment team. When I left California three years ago, shortly after losing my mother, I left everything I knew. But GCU welcomed me with open arms, surrounding me with individuals who actively encouraged me to pursue my education. I worked through college to provide for myself, and with help from the SSAs, Chapel services, mentors, professors, and counselors, I never once felt alone.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love working out, volleyball, bowling, knitting and cooking delicious food.
What are you passionate about? My education. I plan to pursue a master's degree in psychology with an emphasis in industrial organizational psychology this fall.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Fossil Creek is only a few hours away but is an incredible place to swim and hike. The water is crystal clear, and it has enchanting waterfalls. It is perfect for a small getaway and picnics. My favorite part about the area is the peace and quiet of nature.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I graduated from college in three years while working two to three jobs at a time.
What are you most proud of? Graduating from college and continuing my career in the field I love, psychology.
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PAIGE FERRARI
Job title: Marketing coordinator
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? When I visited the campus for the first time after applying as an incoming freshman, I made a road trip with a friend from California. After touring the campus I called my mom that evening and just said, “I know where I’m going to school!” Little did I know I also would be working here four years later. There’s an energy about this place that you can’t deny; it could be the enormous amount of youth on campus or how all decisions strive to be Christ-centered for the benefit of the students. But it’s a joyous place to be an alumna and now an employee.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy taking road trips in Arizona and California and discovering new places. Sedona is my favorite day trip. It has so many beautiful hikes and parks. I also love to go hiking in Phoenix (along with every other person who lives in the Valley).
What are you passionate about? I am incredibly passionate about writing! I have my own blog, I write for a magazine and I’m also working on a few books. I love the power that the written word has over forming and creating culture. I love reading. too. When I write, I truly hope that my experiences and lessons learned the hard way can help someone avoid the same obstacles.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Driving up South Mountain at dusk, watching the sunset and stargazing is great! My car can’t go off-roading, so that’s the best stargazing you’re going to get without going too far and off an unpaved road. There also are so many delicious restaurants I take people to when they visit from out of town. My favorite by far is a little Italian place downtown called Cibo; it has the most authentic Italian food. But there’s so much that I have not done and still want to.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: My alarm in the morning is the ringtone from Kim Possible. I was her for Halloween years ago, so I downloaded that tone to my phone and just never changed it.
What are you most proud of? I’m a staff writer and I am published in an amazing magazine every month. God has definitely provided me with an amazing community with this magazine, and I am so proud to be a part of its growth and ministry.
