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.
BRITTNI EMMETT
Job title: University counselor (International Division)
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? The continual growth and improvement of GCU and the surrounding community. I also wanted to continue my work with college students. I previously worked as an assistant director of admissions at another college and alongside many international students while I was in college.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I travel both domestically and internationally for fun, and I find that outlet on an airplane, car or boat. I thoroughly enjoy doing research on economic trends, psychology, politics, science, etc. Also, love to watch dumb cartoons with my boyfriend. ("Family Guy," "American Dad," "Bojack Horseman"). I'm a total nerd.
What are you passionate about? Exploring and learning more about the world around me. I love learning about people at the raw human level and learning about societies as a whole. Cultural agility is a characteristic I strive to master in my lifetime. And, food.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My boyfriend is in a band, so I am very much involved in the local music scene. Check out Crescent Ballroom, Pub Rock, Rebel Lounge, The Lost Leaf, and Valley Bar — you’ll probably run into me there or at a good hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Thai, Mexican and Indian foods are my favorites.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I studied Arabic, Polish and Spanish extensively in high school/college. I’m a sucker for a good gala or fancy dinner party. I watch "Ellen" videos on YouTube to make me smile when I’m sad, and I eat Chipotle more than I’d like to admit.
What are you most proud of? The progress I’ve made over the last five years of my life. I’ve seen the world, met the most incredible people and learned more about life and myself than I ever could have imagined. I’m proud of the path I’m on and where I’m going.
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NAOMI SPEARS
Job title: University counselor
Job location: Main campus, Building 71
What attracted you to GCU? I like the opportunity to be a part of something rewarding where I could be an advocate within the realm of education for students. I also liked that I saw GCU as a place that I felt was bigger than myself but that would bring out the best in me.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Strength training/conditioning, hiking, yoga, traveling and wine tasting.
What are you passionate about? Keeping myself motivated and helping others reach their full potential. I help others reach their full potential by being a consistent supporter of what matters most to them. I reinforce the idea that the only limits that exist in life are the ones we put on ourselves. I let others know that they can do anything if they really want it.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I enjoy Urban Wine Walk, a self-guided wine-tasting tour that that gives participants the opportunity to explore downtown Phoenix, meet people, experience the local bars and restaurants, and sample a plethora of wines. I also like Glendale Glitters.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a huge "Spongebob" fan. What I like most about Spongebob is that it is one of the most unique cartoons that is subliminally creative. In some unusual way, Spongebob’s character reminds me of myself: always optimistic, carefree, inquisitive (like a sponge), motivated to put his all into what matters to him and sharing the fruits of his labor with others. My favorite episodes are "Rock a bye bivalve," "The Camping Episode," "Patrick’s Staycation" and "Best Day Ever."
What are you most proud of? In the midst of adversity, I made it to the steppingstone that will refine who I know I will become. I did not know what I wanted to do as a career for several years. I knew the things that happened in my life were for a reason, but I did not understand where it was taking me. Over time, I understood that there were things that I was meant to go through that would prepare me for what I knew God had for me. Even though I have been at GCU for only a short while, it is rewarding to know and see all of the opportunities that are available to me, and that I have been prepared for all of them. I have learned that adversity will only benefit you in the end.
