Author Details

Breanna Alverson is a senior at Grand Canyon University, currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in marketing. She would like to take the skills and abilities learned during her time at GCU and work for a global non-profit organization. Her heart is to serve, and she has been gifted with many unique opportunities to do so on campus, like working as a Life Leader. Originally from Boise, Idaho, Breanna enjoys the outdoors and exploring new places. Some of her favorite memories of Arizona involve camping, spontaneous road trips, lakes, hiking, coffee, photos and friends.

Spotlight Questions:
I am a follower of Christ first and foremost. In my experience, each step of this pursuit has been an adventure, rarely easy and yet always cherished. With a love for people, writing and learning, I was driven to attain my BS and began to look for schools and programs that would fit me and my future. Driven by a spirit of exploration, I scoured schools out-of-state, even though the thought of leaving my home and family was incredibly daunting. What drew me to GCU was the Christian community and freedom cultivated on campus. Students are encouraged in their spiritual lives and given countless resources to pursue Christ individually. A short time later, I officially became a GCU business student and this expanding dessert campus became my home. This decision has shaped and molded me for the past three years, and I firmly stand by it today.

What I enjoy most about GCU is definitely the people. Since starting at GCU three years ago, I have been blessed with so many opportunities to get to know people—their passions, histories and stories. From classes to intramural sports to events on campus, there is such a unique environment to meet and share in the same season of life as others. As a freshman, one of my favorite parts about living on campus was being able to walk around and inevitably run into someone that I knew or recognized. Coming from a small high school with a graduating class of 56 people, this made Grand Canyon University feel like home and gave the large grounds a small-town feeling.

With the endless opportunities to meet people, GCU has also been the perfect place for me to grow in community. The friendships that I have made are treasures that will last a lifetime. My community constantly pushes, challenges and encourages me in my relationship with the Lord. Through the years, we have encountered difficult life circumstances and learned to support each other in prayer and friendship. In this way, while I will always value the classes and learning, I have most enjoyed growing and building relationships in my unique community on GCU’s campus.

I have three pieces of advice for GCU students. First, always plan at least 10 minutes to walk to your car if you are parking in the Colter lot, unless you are a fast speed walker or have invested in a longboard. Second, do not plan on eating at any of the restaurants right after Chapel – instead wait 40 minutes for the lines to die down. Lastly, surround yourself with like-minded people who share your values and care for you as an individual. The latter is of course the most important.

It is a well-established truth that we become like those we spend our time with. In this case, choose to support and be supported in friendship by those with sincere hearts and steadfast values. In my experience, these people will not only be there for the laughs, 2 am movie nights and free GCU T-shirts, but will also be there for the tears, hard days and struggles that you will encounter throughout college.