EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first in a series of profiles on GCU's Ingram Honors College Student Advisory Council.
Photos by Ralph Freso/GCU News
Marketing and advertising senior Kaylee Aschbrenner came to Grand Canyon University as a timid freshman from Newbury Park, California.
Growing up on the dance floor, Aschbrenner thought it was a no-brainer to get involved with the dance department in the College of Arts and Media.
What wasn't a no-brainer was what happened when she attended her Honors College orientation and heard of all the leadership development programs it offered. That ignited a spark in her, and she knew she found her place.
Since then, she has dived into everything, completing honors programs, such as Young Athena, Pen to Purpose and the Leadership in Action institute. She also has performed in dance concerts and a capella shows with the College of Arts and Media.
Aschbrenner broke free from her timidity and has made the best use of her time as a college student.
Also surprising in her journey is that when she entered her third and final year at GCU, readying herself for an early graduation, Aschbrenner was not ready to say goodbye to the Lopes community.
She added a minor in psychology to her schedule to gain another year and now is serving as the president of the Ingram Honors College Student Advisory Council.
1. You are the first student advisory council president under the name Ingram Honors College. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
It is something I think about a lot because this has kind of become a huge part of my identity as a Lope. I want people to know the Ingram Honors population is always going to come through, always going to be there for whoever asks for them, in such a way where people want to come to our students with new opportunities and be like, we know that you guys are going to do fantastic things.
It is so much more than just being smart kids and overachievers. It is just a community, a family of people where I’ve met my close circle who are never going to give you anything less than their best, and they are always going to put their best foot forward.
2. If you could be someone on the Ingram Honors team for a day, who would you be?
I would be Dr. Marette Hahn (Ingram Honors director) because I spend so much time with her and because I want to hang out with her daughters, who are just adorable.
I would love to be a mom for a day, and she does it so well and with so much grace. I look up to her so much. If I got to be her for a day, I would switch places with her.
3. What is the key to juggling all these responsibilities?
My Microsoft planner is my best friend.
4. Create a GCBC drink recipe and describe why it suits you.
An iced latte with oat milk, half sweet white chocolate and a little bit of vanilla with caramel drizzle, but no caramel in the drink, just because it is super sweet and caffeinated, and I have a lot of energy.
5. Describe a “that’s so Kaylee” fact.
My very first job was working as a birthday party princess in Hollywood.
6. If a documentary was made about GCU, what would be your role?
If I were a place, I would be Prescott Field because there is a lot going on all the time. Sometimes, it’s people’s favorite place to go, and I would like to think that I can be that person.
8. What is the best shade of purple?
Lavender, for sure.
7. Describe your perfect GCU day.
I wake up without an alarm, feeling renewed around 8 a.m. I go to Einstein Bagels and get a garden avocado sandwich with an Asiago bagel and orange juice. Ideally, it’s like 76 degrees outside, so I go outside and read my Bible, spend some time with the Lord and my bagel. Meet up with some friends for lunch and a walk or workout class. Maybe play some board games and have a really in-depth conversation about nothing. Go out to dinner, and if we are feeling crazy, go to Havoc House. I would get the little chicken tacos lettuce wraps. Play Mario Kart at home or watch a movie, say goodbye to friends and go to sleep by 11 p.m.
9. What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?
Being a sister. I am a middle child, so I have the experience of being a younger and an older sibling. I have two brothers, so being their only sister and the source of encouragement and somebody who both of them can go to is really special to me. ... But maybe they will see this article and be like, “You stink!” but I think I am a good sister.
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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