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.
MELISA GOMEZ
Job title: Student service adviser
Job location Main campus, Kaibab Enrollment Center
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Love the outdoors, hiking up waterfalls, exploring the forest, kayaking the big lakes. Not long ago we went to the waterfalls of Yosemite, and it was so cold that I had an allergic reaction to it. My face, which I couldn’t even feel, started to get red bumps. Of course, that did not prevent me from hiking the waterfall all the way up, and it was worth it. It was a memorable trip.
What are you passionate about? My passion is helping those in need. I volunteer for Hospice of the Valley and love it. It is the most meaningful volunteer service I have ever done. People always tell me, “Oh, that must be hard. It takes a very special person to do that.” But, actually, volunteering makes me a better person. I now appreciate the simple things of life more and am thankful for everything little or big. By simply listening to another person you are already making a difference.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I would love to go to Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a worship dancer. We use tambourines, flags and strimmers, which are like flags but are very long. The dances look beautiful and are all in thanks to what God has done in our lives. The routines are hard, but practice makes perfect.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of being the first person in my family to have a bachelor’s degree and soon will have a master’s if it is in God’s plan.
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ANDERSON ANTONIO PEOPLES JR.
Job title: Military enrollment counselor
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? I wanted to attend GCU for my master’s and loved everything that GCU stood for. I’m glad I made the decision to become a member of the GCU family.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I’m serving in the Army National Guard, and one of my goals is to jump out of a plane. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking. The majority of the things I make I learned from my father, who is a cook. I love to work out, usually six times a week — I take Sundays off to attend church. I get up between 4 and 5 a.m. to go for a run. On the days I don’t run, I do pilates or yoga. I also do a combination of upper or lower body workout, alternating high and low intensity from week to week. On the weekend, I do CrossFit and/or swim. I also love to cook for others. I love to cook Southern dishes, such as gumbo and catfish. I make my own seasoning. And from time to time I make pasta.
What are you passionate about? My faith. I believe that if I were without it, I would have no purpose. I’m also passionate about my 1-year-old daughter, London. Anything I do is for her because I love her.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Hiking and running in the mountains.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’ve served in the military for nine years. I was an enlisted soldier in the Army National Guard, reaching the rank of sergeant, and now am a quartermaster officer, in which I work on meal preparation and distribution and fuel services.
What are you most proud of? Not only growing in my faith, but growing as a father.
