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.
BROOK SUSSEX
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? I was a Forensic Science major and graduated in April, and the cadaver lab and the DNA lab are what originally attracted me to GCU. It's the only university in Arizona to offer those opportunities, and they had a direct effect on my educational opportunities that other schools could not offer.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to go to the movies, usually Harkins because it is cheaper with the loyalty cups and popcorn T-shirt. My favorite types of movies are action and comedy movies. I especially like "Bridesmaids" and "Horrible Bosses."
What are you passionate about? Success. I always have been one to go above and beyond to ensure success. No matter what I'm working on, I love to see the end product. I love the accomplished feeling I get when I see that what I have done has paid off.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? When the weather is decent I like to go hiking on Camelback Mountain. I also like to go to the events at the Westgate Entertainment District because they seem to always have something going on.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I have wanted one a miniature pig for more than five years now and am hoping I will own one within the next year.
What are you most proud of? Graduating from college! That was a big deal for both me and my family since my sister and I are the only ones in our family to ever attend college, let alone graduate. Also, Forensic Science is pretty intensive, and about 200 people started in the program my freshman year but only 19 graduated. So I feel pretty accomplished that I was one of the very few who finished and had a good GPA.
****
BECKY MAESTAS
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? Some old colleagues of mine would rave about the positive and warm culture GCU offered, so I wanted to be a part of it.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to sing, and I try to do karaoke at local venues as often as Wednesday through Sunday. I sing mostly country, Motown and rhythm and blues. My favorite song to sing is probably “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone. Most people recognize it because Michael Buble covered it. His version is awesome, but I like the jazz melody in the later version.
What are you passionate about? All things craft — I love do-it-yourself projects, but my roommate hates them. She complains about glitter everywhere (oh well). I think the best DIY project I’ve done so far is the small kitchenette I made for a niece. I found an old side table at a secondhand store and turned it into a play kitchen. It was a little more work than I expected, but it was fun and I worked with circular saw for the first time.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Concerts and food festivals. The Arizona Renaissance Festival is always fun.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Most people who don’t know me don’t know that cockroaches freak me out big time. So, I could never be on "Fear Factor."
What are you most proud of? Obtaining my bachelor’s degree was a big deal for me and my family because I was the first to graduate from college. This was especially significant for my dad. He was diagnosed with cancer and always talked about me graduating, so when it happened, it was emotional. Unfortunately, he has passed, but that moment will live with me forever.
