By Taylor Mills, Shield Editor
While most students travel with their families for college visits, five NRCA seniors flew cross-country together to participate in Grand Canyon University's Discover GCU weekend. Accompanied by AP Psychology teacher and GCU alumna Suzanne Lyczkowski, the seniors experienced college life firsthand as they explored the programs and amenities the university had to offer.
NRCA’s connection with Grand Canyon University offers seniors the chance to explore this outstanding Christian college located in Phoenix, Arizona. "By offering this free trip, GCU hopes to attract students from certain high schools on the East Coast that are providing a strong academic and spiritual foundation. The college considers NRCA students to be a great fit for their program, which is further demonstrated by the additional scholarship money offered to them,” said Susan Etheridge, NRCA’s Director of Academic Advising.
After acceptance into the university, students are eligible to attend Discover GCU. This program features an on-campus, all-expense-paid experience, and students are encouraged to attend. Over the years, many NRCA students have gone on this trip to explore what GCU has to offer.
“While we were at Grand Canyon University, we attended both a general tour around campus and a tour specific to our major, mine being marketing. We got to live as if we were really college students, so we slept in dorms and had to wake up by 9 am every day. We also got to experience one of the infamous GCU basketball games. On the first night, we attended a student-led worship program,” senior Jinhee Frecker said.
There are thousands of high schoolers around the country who attend this overnight event each year. The purpose of Discover GCU is for interested students to learn how life at Grand Canyon University works. They are urged to explore the campus for themselves and take part in the unique activities offered. Over the weekend, the prospective students manage their own time and get a glimpse into their field of study at college. This trip is a perfect chance for NRCA students to tour this school without expense and see if this university across the country would be a fit.
Bella Moon said, “GCU’s campus was beautiful— probably one of the prettiest campuses I have ever been to. It was so modern and had gorgeous palm trees all over campus. Watching the pink and purple sunset over the glass buildings was amazing.”
GCU’s main campus is a gated complex in the heart of Phoenix that, along with wonderful scenic views, has amenities catering to both academic and recreational needs. The on-campus academic program has over 100 majors to choose from and provides academic advising to students. There is a large presence of school spirit for its sports teams and many club teams as well. The campus also offers a 65,000-square-foot performance center available for students to use. GCU provides its students with up-to-date amenities and strong support in the classroom.
Frecker was impressed with the experience. “I would absolutely recommend this trip to others. I think it’s a great opportunity to see what colleges [are] like outside of our state and even our coast. It is also super cool to see a campus that empowers Christians and creates many opportunities to grow in one's faith,” she said.
The university has great opportunities for students to get involved in their faith. Through regular chapel services, Bible studies, mission trips, and the Canyon Worship Team, there are many faith-centered activities available. There is also a Department of Spiritual Life that fosters a strong Christian culture amongst the GCU community, and staff members mentor students to deepen each student’s personal relationship with God and encourage them to carry their faith into the world.
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