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.
BIJAN MAHLOUJI
Job title: Enrollment Counselor – College of Nursing and Health Care Professionals
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? Well, I was at a concert called Heavenfest and GCU had a booth there. I was asked if I wanted to fill out a free application. If I did I would get a free backpack and a free t-shirt. So I decided to do it because I realized I could start applying for colleges as I had just finished my junior year of high school.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? As a Colorado native I was really into snowboarding and privileged enough to have access to some of the best slopes in the world, but now I am in the desert so any way to cool off is fun, whether that’s taking a frozen mug and putting it on my forehead or directing every available fan towards me. I recently took an interest in rock climbing, specifically bouldering, which basically is just rock climbing without a harness or ropes. I am looking for a climbing gym to go to, so if you know of a place, let me know!
What are you passionate about? I am incredibly passionate about the gospel and all things truthful. This had led me to read a lot more than I ever thought I would whether that’s articles from different websites (i.e., TheGospelCoalition or DesiringGod), journal articles, or books. This has also led me into teaching myself Koine Greek, which is the original language of the New Testament. On top of all this, I have been learning and studying logic and reasoning.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I really enjoy visiting Desert Ridge, Scottsdale, and Tempe. There a lot of good restaurants that I like to visit! Some of my favorite restaurants are The White Chocolate Grill, Akita Sushi, Yen Sushi, and Cherry Blossom Noodle Café.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am half Iranian.
What are you most proud of? I am probably most proud of my wife for graduating with her BSN just recently because she has so much knowledge about the human body, drugs, and diseases that came as a result of a lot of study. She also managed to be meaningfully involved in our marriage as well as being meaningfully involved with me in our church. She is a prime example of a godly, hard-working woman who continually seeks to pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord and to love people more deeply.
