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.
JEANNETTE CRUZ
Job title: Staff writer, GCU News Bureau
Job location: Main campus, Cypress Hall
What attracted you to GCU? I was looking for a fitting school in which I could continue my education, and while touring the campus I grew more and more fascinated by GCU. At the end of my tour, I sat in my car and prayed for a miracle because I knew that this was where I wanted to be.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Most of the time I am a homebody — I watch Disney movies with my daughter, weight train, read and write poetry. When I am not being a hermit, I enjoy burning calories Latin dancing in downtown Phoenix, eating sushi, exploring with my daughter around the city and running with my terrier poodle.
What are you passionate about? When I was younger, I enjoyed making paper books with my own illustrations and stories. To this day, writing is still a passion, so much so that I get excited each time I buy a new notebook. I know — nerd! I also am highly interested in culture, language, documentaries and the arts.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I like taking the art detour around Phoenix for First Fridays, visiting Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium and hiking Piestewa Peak. When I’m craving some really good deep dish pizza, I like visiting Oregano’s Pizza Bistro.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I have had a lot of weird first-time interactions. For instance, I first met Pastor Tim Griffin when my heel got stuck in a grate on campus and he stopped to save me from an oncoming patrol car. And I was interviewed for this position while I was on vacation in Central America … at the mall … in an ice cream shop … with hundreds of eyeballs staring at me because I was speaking English.
What are you most proud of? I am very proud of myself for moving forward in life after becoming a mother in college. I got accepted into the New York Times Student Journalism Institute just months after having my daughter, graduated with a dual degree and landed my first job as a local reporter before graduating. At this point I am fortunate to be at GCU, where I can practice my faith and continue my passion for writing and storytelling.
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COLE BUCHOLC
Job title: Marketing and communications coordinator, Strategic Educational Alliances
Job location: Main campus, Building 23
What attracted you to GCU? I am very research-oriented and did my fair share when looking into employment opportunities at GCU. In the case of GCU, I was taken down so many different avenues while exploring the University that I spent hours on the website. From Division I sports to community outreach, I was overwhelmed by the number of activities and learning opportunities that GCU offers students and staff.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I hate to admit it, but even as an adult I am a self-proclaimed “gamer.” When not playing video games, I am typically playing guitar or finding new foods that I enjoy.
What are you passionate about? In one word, “learning.” This may sound cliché, but I am a strong believer that if you are not constantly working to learn and improve, then you will get left behind in this chaotic world. Be competitive, stay current and listen to those around you, and the learning will come naturally.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I have been here for only a few months, but downtown Phoenix always makes me feel at home. I am a city-slicker Jersey boy. The turmoil of cities excites me, and the diversity in Phoenix means tons of people-watching.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I majored in linguistics in college. Heck, most people don’t even know what linguistics is. Let’s just say that I would be very disappointed in myself if there were a number of grammatical errors in this response.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my girlfriend of five years, an officer in the U.S. Air Force. While she tends to shy away from high praise, I brag about her on a daily basis.
