Author Details

Cathleen Daly is from New Mexico. She is a senior majoring in communications at GCU. Attending GCU has provided so many opportunities for her to expand her horizons and pursue her passions. A few of these opportunities include serving as a resident assistant, being vice president for the International Students Club and interning for John McCain’s Senate campaign.

Cathleen has a passion for creativity, and it fuels her interests in ballet, photography, reading, blogging and going on random adventures. Working with the marketing and public relations team is a blast, and she deeply enjoys all of the learning opportunities. She loves how her job consists of expressing her creativity through creating social media content and capturing the unique stories of others. Cathleen is so thankful to the Lord for all the grace, blessings and adventures He has, and continues to, provide for her.

Spotlight Questions:
Who am I and how did I get to GCU?
Flashback to senior year of high school: I had lived my whole life with the plan of attending a different university. They had exactly what I wanted to study and were located exactly where I wanted to be. However, things changed when I was told about a school in Phoenix called Grand Canyon University. I thought to myself, “Hey! Well, I will apply to this school and see what happens. I will go on this Discover trip, it is free, and I am sure it will be a fun adventure.”

And an adventure it was. When I stepped off the bus, I saw a campus that did not look like what I pictured a college campus to look like. It was a beautiful mini world/private island/resort with palm trees! We do not have those in New Mexico. Touring the campus, I easily saw myself going to school here. When I got home, I asked God to show me if I was supposed to go to GCU. And He did. Shortly after, I got my acceptance letter that was packed with colorful purple and silver confetti! After finding out my scholarship award and that they had my degree program, I immediately knew that was my confirmation to enroll at GCU.

Flash forward to right now: I am in love with this school, the community and the opportunities. I am continually learning in all areas of my life, and I cannot imagine myself anywhere else. God is constantly showing me that ending up at Grand Canyon University is no accident; rather, it is exactly where He wants me to be.

The Honors College community is unlike any other. It is truly incredible to be a part of a group of students who are like-minded in determination and work ethic while also being unique in their passions and purposes.

I have been challenged to grow not only in my academics, but also in my passions, career goals, faith and friendships. I have been provided with so many opportunities that are beneficial to where I am in life right now and where I will be someday. I feel so blessed to be in an environment where I constantly get to learn new perspectives and be challenged in my thinking both inside and outside of class.

Do not be afraid or intimidated by the name. Take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your college experience, be a part of a diverse community of driven individuals, challenge your thinking and benefit your future career path. You will not regret it. The Honors College could be that step you need in the ladder of success in pursuing your passions and accomplishing your dreams!