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.
EMILY WATSON
Job title: University admissions counselor
Job location: Kansas City
What attracted you to GCU? I was attracted to GCU because it is dope to be a Lope! I used to live in Phoenix and worked for GCU about five years ago before I moved to Kansas City. I thought GCU was a great university at the time, and I can see it has only gotten better over time. I was laid off earlier this year, and then this GCU role opened up in Kansas City! It was just meant to be.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love music. I sing and play guitar, and I have been leading worship for many years. I currently manage a worship team at my local church and get to lead with them. I hope to write some good songs that maybe you’ll hear someday.
What are you passionate about? Jesus and his ability to transform the human heart from the inside out. I hope my life and work reflects this. I’m also am very passionate about University of Wisconsin football and the Green Bay Packers -- UW-Madison is my alma mater, and my family is from Wisconsin. It’s just mandatory!
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Well, I don’t live in the Valley anymore, but when I did I really enjoyed First Fridays, which I also get to visit in Kansas City. I have to go to Postino when I am in town.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I wouldn’t call myself fluent in any language but English, but I have a very good understanding of Spanish and can read/write ancient Greek and Hebrew. Also, when I play guitar, it is left-handed, and that really annoys people who pick it up to play it.
What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of having my adult life turn out awesome by trusting Jesus in the difficult moments -- trusting Jesus works 100 percent of the time!
*****
SARAH AHREM
Job title: University counselor, military division
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I began attending GCU to complete my bachelor’s degree in Business Management. I appreciated the Christian foundation and the commitment the University has to its students. I have never worked within a Christian environment, and the last time I attended a Christian institution was middle school. I decided to explore the job opportunities and applied for this position.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love spending time with my husband. Being that he is active duty, we have to fit lots of fun in small amounts of time! We like to hike, go to the beach, shop, do anything active (rock climb, jet ski, paddle board), watch movies and hang with friends and family.
What are you passionate about? I love to encourage women and help them understand their value and identity in Christ and basically help them realize how awesome they are. Because, we, women are pretty awesome! I’m also oddly obsessed with "Star Wars." May the force be with you all.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I just moved to Arizona from San Diego, so I have no idea yet! Recommendations welcome!
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was born and raised in Virginia and am the youngest of 11 children. My family had four biological children and adopted a sibling group of seven. I went from the youngest of four to the youngest of 11 overnight, and I’ve loved every moment of it! We had the opportunity to appear on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Good Morning America," "My Life is a Sitcom" and the local news. My father is retired military and I am married to an active duty service member, and I am incredibly thankful to be working within the military division.
What are you most proud of? Being the only member of my family (so far) to earn a college degree.
