EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the fifth in a series of profiles on GCU's Ingram Honors College Student Advisory Council.
From basketball and softball to cross country and track and field, Sarah Knezek’s name was on many high school sports rosters.
But when the time came to pursue higher education, Knezek hung up her running shoes and turned all her attention to academics.
The Colorado native came to Grand Canyon University to pursue entrepreneurship after attending a Christian camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she met Lopes who spoke highly of the university and motivated her to apply.
She is heading into her sophomore year as the co-director of professional and leadership development for the Ingram Honors College Student Advisory Council.
1. What is something every student should try in their first year at GCU?
I’ve loved the fitness classes. There are different ways to be active, and it’s a great way to meet people. Also, going to any random activity on campus and seeing what’s up.
I went to a Camp Rock movie night at the end of last year, and it was so fun and goofy. I met a bunch of fun people. I tried Camp Elliott before basketball games, and it was really fun. I didn’t even really know the people I camped with. I texted this one girl I knew, like, 'Hey do you want to do this?' She said sure, and we managed to talk to random people with a tent into camping with them, so we just had a big group of random people.
2. What is your pro-tip for moving in at GCU?
Wear the right clothes for the weather. I didn’t wear the right outfit for all the moving, taking stairs and lugging things. Yes, you might be photographed, but don’t try to fashion-show it. Just wear practical clothes.
3. As someone who is not an Arizona native, what is something everyone should try when they visit?
I would recommend a bouldering gym and hiking. I went hiking with some friends in Prescott, Arizona, last fall, and it was gorgeous. There were a bunch of trees that were changing colors. It was like a little slice of Colorado in Arizona.
4. What are most people surprised to find out about you?
I have a habit of, as my family calls them, “did you knows.” No matter what we are doing, I usually have a random fact, and I will just break in with it.
5. Share your favorite did-you-know? fact.
All my "did-you-knows are based on shaky facts, but did you know that at one point, whales could’ve been a land animal, because of the fact that they breathe air instead of using gills? It’s been said a mass extinction event sort of thing drove them from land to the ocean.
One day, I was doom scrolling on Instagram, and sometimes Instagram sends you to random corners of websites. I got stuck on ocean facts, and the rest is history.
6. You like to write. If you wrote a book about your life, what would it be called?
"Tales From a Ninja Princess," because when I was little, I wanted to be that when I grew up.
7. What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?
It may sound a little cheesy, but I am proud of staying myself through secondary school. I was bullied a little bit and lived in a small town, so there was a lot of pressure to fit in. But I was very different, and I am really proud that I was able to find my niche group.
8. If you could be in the Guinness Book of World Records, what would it be for?
It would be for most cats owned by a person.
I love cats, but I only have two right now. I am off at college and don’t want to burden my parents, but I would have at least six cats to begin with.
9. What kind of legacy do you want to leave in your role in Ingram Honors College?
I would love to leave the legacy of being willing to take chances and mix things up. I think it is really important to shake up norms and try new things because you never know what might be better.
GCU News staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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