Empowering Future Leaders

Transcript

Next, we’re heading over to another beautiful part of GCU’s campus to meet Kara. Kara received her Bachelor’s of Arts in History and a minor in Athletic Coaching from the Honors College here at GCU. And she’s gonna speak on how Grand Canyon University is empowering future leaders in this world. Kara, please take it away.

– Thank you so much, Alex. After watching my older sister attend GCU and seeing the financial and academic opportunities available, I knew I wanted to give GCU a shot. You see, I graduated high school with a 4.62 GPA and a perfect score on the SAT Reading Section, finishing sixth in my class. This presented me with the opportunity to apply to Ivy League universities, as well as obtain scholarships. I wanted a challenging academic program, close to home, where I could grow as a leader, a professional, and most importantly as a Christian, and GCU provided the perfect balance. Being super involved and being encouraged to be more well-rounded, is a huge reason that I got involved on campus. I wasn’t just a student leader. I played intermural sports, I was a member of the Havocs, which is our sports student section. I did a chapel on Mondays with 7,000 other students to hear the Word of God and worship together. I took outdoor recreation trips to places like Seven Falls in Tucson. I went to as many on-campus events as possible, and I had a job with the Honors College. It was through being an RA for three years that I truly found my place at GCU and met some of the best people I know. I learned how to serve others in ways that were unexpected and behind the scenes. I learned how to put myself out there and communicate with people, and I learned how to better balance discipline with grace. While serving as RAs, a huge emphasis from the university is on how college should not just grow you academically. Dorm life should teach you how to be a good neighbor. Attending sporting events should teach you how to win and lose with grace. Playing intermural sports should teach you the value of physical health and taking mental breaks. GCU graduates should be well-rounded individuals that are prepared to serve wherever the Lord calls us. With the skills and confidence I gained during my time here at GCU, I applied for and became a White House intern during the fall of 2018, I then went on to intern for one of our Arizona senators and was hired full-time. It was with the help of several GCU faculty members who went above and beyond to help me with my applications, resume, professional development, interviews, and letters of recommendation that I was able to succeed in Washington, DC even after I had graduated and moved away. I would not be where I am today if there were not for the things I learned while here at GCU and as a student leader. But more importantly, I would not be where I am today if it were not for the community that GCU provided me. The people at this university truly care about us as students and alumni, and want to see us change the world, wherever God calls us to. I am so thankful for their impact on my life and for my time at GCU. Thanks so much for letting me share my story. Alex, back to you.

– Kara, thank you for sharing that. It’s so fun to hear the awesome stories of GCU shaping leaders like yourself and so many other students going through these doors. That was great. Thanks, Kara.