Monthly Archives: March 2020

Academic Spotlight: Health Communication 

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The health communication degree at PUC is offered to pre-professional students who want to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other healthcare-related fields, but are also interested in studying communication.

If you want to work in the medical field, communication skills are ranked as one of the top skills employers look for in their recruits. Whether you are working with patients and their families or with other staff, communication is key. Students who study communication are often better problem solvers, collaborators, negotiators, and critical thinkers. 

Fast Facts

  1. 100 percent of our health communication graduates are either employed or in graduate programs for medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, physical therapy school, occupational therapy school, or other graduate programs. 
  2. Strong interpersonal, intercultural, written, and verbal communication skills are in high demand, especially in healthcare, because communication errors are often reported to be the leading cause of mistakes in healthcare. 
  3. PUC’s program is one of the very few undergraduate health communication programs available in the entire country. We are the only Seventh-day Adventist school who offers this degree. 
  4. A health C=communication degree is not an easier way to prepare for pre-professional programs since performance in science courses and MCAT/DAT/GRE, etc. scores are still the key markers for being competitive applicants. But it is one path that provides a broad overview of all types of communication skills healthcare providers will use in their careers. 

A Student’s Perspective

“I really like how I can take communication classes on top of science classes. Communication classes break down everyday concepts I feel we normally never really acknowledge. I felt like comm classes really gave me an edge when it came to interpersonal or small group interaction and the professors are the best professors on campus. Communication classes really helped me be more aware of how I speak. I believe anyone entering healthcare should be aware of how they speak and how they can improve. The biggest take away from comm classes at PUC was how it inspired me to become a better communicator for a stronger patient-provider relationship. Taking comm classes helped me realize being a health provider is more than just helping patients but creating a relationship can offer the best patient outcome.” – Myro Castillo, senior 

If you would like to see more information about health communication, check out the course catalog. Speak to your academic counselor or an admissions counselor if you have any questions about PUC’s health communication program. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor. 

 

Our King Is Always With Us

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“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

It’s been a wave of emotions in the last few weeks. Routine has been stripped from right under our feet and we’re having to adjust to new platforms of existing. As we face this time of struggle, I find the need to be reminded of God’s plan and who He has called me to be despite the current situations. 

I’m reminded of the story of three young men who were taken captives and asked to do things outside of who they knew God had called them to be. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a king who wanted to instill fear and power over his people in order that he might reign superior. These young men knew who their true King was and stood up against the peer pressure to serve otherwise.

As many of our counties are asked to ‘shelter in place’, we can be consumed by fear. To name a few: the fears of sickness, the fear of missing out, the fears of not experiencing life as we thought we would in the season we thought we would be, you name it. The fear is there and when there is no one else to speak power and life over you, our thoughts consume us. 

I want to gently provoke a desire and need in us during these next few weeks to take the time to pray, meditate and worship our King of Kings because ‘He who began a good work in us will bring it about to completion’. We have hope beyond that of the social media and news stations, we are the generation the Lord has called to bring light and direction to others. 

As Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego expressed to king Nebuchadnezzar they would not bow down to his standards, expectations, or gods, he was filled with rage. The king turned up the fire seven times more so they would truly burn. He tied them up and threw these three young men into the fire. The story then continues, “Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (Daniel 3:25).

What we do in times of trials determines who can join us. We have the opportunity to welcome the presence of God into our homes, our lives, and our hearts. I imagine these young men not just walking around but praising God at this moment. Though everything was blazing around them, their God was not only protecting them but with them in the fire. 

“There’s a grace when the heart is under fire

Another way when the walls are closing in

And when I look at the space between

Where I used to be and this reckoning

I know I will never be alone

There was another in the fire

Standing next to me

There was another in the waters

Holding back the seas

And should I ever need reminding

Of how I’ve been set free

There is a cross that bears the burden

Where another died for me

There is another in the fire”

 

 

Our King is always with us and unlike king nebuchadnezzar, he does not need to instill fear to show his power, he stands with us in the fire that we would not be burned (Isaiah 43:2). Our King speaks life into existence, the storm to be still and today he is knocking at the doors of our hearts and homes that we would welcome him so that he can be with us in this season. 

– Mayte Jimenez, visit coordinator

PUC Coloring Page Partie Deux

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It’s time for another edition of coloring with PUC!

Download this coloring page and color away. feel free to send us photos of the final product!

 

Pioneers Coloring Sheet 2

Tips For Successful Remote Learning

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A couple weeks ago we sent our students home, asked our faculty to quickly figure out how to give their finals online, and began the process of switching to remote instruction for the foreseeable future. We are living in strange times and we are so thankful for our Pioneers family who has embraced these changes with hardly a complaint. 

Whether you’re a current PUC student or thinking about becoming one, you’re likely in the same boat, setting up your remote classroom and getting ready to learn in a whole new way. We thought it would be appropriate to share tips for successful online/remote learning.

Fun fact: PUC staff and faculty are also working from home so hopefully this will be beneficial to all of us! 

Remote learning comes in lots of forms. Some classes are taught using a platform like Zoom with regular class time, some have pre-recorded lectures with discussion boards, some will give you lecture notes and deadlines for homework and allowances to work at your own pace. No matter how your professors are choosing to conduct their classes, these tips should help! 

Set up a dedicated space to complete your work

First of all, set up a dedicated “classroom”. It’s important for you to give yourself a workplace where you can learn without distractions. Let your family or roommates know this is your classroom and you need to be allowed the opportunity to work without interruptions. 

Note: Try to add a few things that will brighten your space up! 

Make a schedule and treat your day like a normal school day 

It’s important to set a routine to follow so you don’t end up sleeping the day away even though that sounds very appealing! If you are not having regularly set lectures, use the time when your class normally meets to work on classwork. 

Eliminate distractions

As someone who got distracted by the internet about seven times just while writing this post, I’m no stranger to the need to eliminate distractions while trying to focus. While you’re “in class” turn your phone off and make sure you’re not on social media. Ask your family or roommates to allow you to have some quiet time so you can get the most out of your time. 

Give yourself dedicated homework time

Don’t let yourself fall into bad habits. Make sure you schedule a time to study and do your homework like you normally would. 

Take notes

If you’re a note-taker, keep taking them! If you’re listening to an online lecture, a pre-recorded one, or even if you’re just reading, try keeping track of important information or topics you’ll want to learn more about later on. 

Ask questions

Asking questions is always important but it’s even more important when you’re learning remotely. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for clarification or further explanation. 

Stay connected to your classmates  

Keep in touch with your classmates. Whether on discussion boards, or group texts, it’s important to stay connected. You know a great way to do that? Our next tip! 

Create a study group

You don’t have to be together physically to have study groups. Technology has given us so many great ways to connect together, use them! Band together and navigate this new challenge together. Who knows, you might make some incredible friendships while you’re at it. 

Stay in contact with your professor

Not everyone learns the same so make sure you stay in touch with your professors, they will be more than willing to work with you and help you figure out a solution. If you have questions, email or call them. If you don’t have questions, still email or call them. Check-in! They will appreciate it. 

Take frequent breaks

Make sure you take breaks, both mental and physical. Get some exercise, read something fun, watch Netflix, call a friend. Life is extremely stressful right now and you need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. 

While we miss having our students wandering campus, in the classrooms, and popping in and out of our offices, we know eventually life will get back to normal and we look forward to the day we can welcome the Pioneers back to campus. In the meantime, we just want to say thank you for everyone’s hard work and dedication to weathering this storm together. 

 

Faces of PUC: Brandon Parker

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This week’s Faces of PUC is none other than PUC’s CFO Brandon Parker who returned to his alma mater, (’96) in 2017, along with his wife Heidi who joined PUC’s human resource team, and their two sons. Before he made his way back to Angwin he was the vice president and chief financial officer for St. Helena Hospital, so his career change didn’t take him far! Brandon was kind enough to answer a few quick questions so we could get to know him a little bit better. 

What brought you to PUC?

It was a God thing.  I’ve always left the guidance of my career in God’s hands, and the path to PUC became evident.  Prov 16:9.

What is the best thing about being a part of the Pioneers family?

The Pioneers family has two major qualities that I’m happy to be a part of 1) extremely passionate about PUC, and 2) eternally optimistic.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the Valley and why?

Checkers and Giugni’s. I have great memories of dating my wife.

What is something you can do/want to do that might be surprising for people to learn?

Be the next Harry Connick Jr.

What is one song you’re listening to on repeat lately?

Anything Peter Cincotti

Who is someone you admire and why?

Frank Sinatra, because he did it his way!

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can find me …

drinking coffee, wishing I was golfing.

 

 

Worn In, Not Worn Out

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By: Craig Philpott

We miss you! We miss seeing your faces on campus. We especially miss worshiping together as a campus family. Since we won’t be able to wander down to the Church tonight to gather for vespers, we wanted to share a short devotional thought instead. This week we asked the director of admissions, Craig Philpott to share a short but meaningful thought. 

The other day I hiked down the path to Linda Falls on the western edge of Howell Mountain. The path is rutted and worn and there are even spots where the path is a bit of a trench from all the years of footsteps that have traveled it. As I walked, I wondered how much wear and tear to the path had come from my 30 years of hiking. I continued on and crossed the flat portion of the trail and looked around at the nearby forest and was reminded how small the trees are in the section of the hill that is almost solid rock. The trees are small and stunted, the brush has open spots of solid rock that no one would call a “meadow.” But life is still there, holding on, growing, not thriving as in easier locations but solid, firm and alive.

Later, as I returned, climbing up the hill toward the road, I again encountered the sections of the path that were deep and worn. This time it struck me that the path was “worn in” not “worn out.” The path has carried the memories of every hiker, every student, every faculty, staff, and guest of the college for over 100 years; and the years have added character to the journey. I know my footsteps have added to the worn-in spots on the trail and I hope my journey has made the path better.

Psalms 16, verses 8-11

“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Linda.Falls.1.1392

 

 

 

 

Five Bible Verses For Stress Relief 

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Ally Romanes

It’s finals week here at PUC which means, if you’re not already a Pioneer, it’s likely finals week for you too. While studying and taking finals can add extra stress to your already stressful life, there’s one thing you can always count on, the Bible! The Bible is filled with advice to help us navigate times of happiness, hardship, and yes, even stress. Here are five verses for when you need a little divine stress relief. 

“Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”  Psalm 55:22
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
“So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:4-6

The Bible tells us time and time again God will strengthen us, comfort us, and help us. When you start feeling stressed, take your worries to God and let him do the rest. And as always, here at PUC, we are blessed to be surrounded by faculty, staff, and students who are always more than willing to take a moment to pray with/for you, (even virtually)! Good luck! 

 

Find Something Different: Five Interesting Classes You Can Take At PUC

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By: Ally Romanes

Whether you’re daydreaming about all the classes you can take once you arrive as a new student at PUC or you’re currently sitting in your dorm room working on registering for spring quarter, keep in mind, PUC offers some really fun and interesting classes you can take to fulfill your extracurricular credits. Here are a few of our personal favorites.

ITAL 111 – Beginning Italian

Have you always wanted to learn a new language but never found the time? Join a language class and earn college credit while learning a new skill! PUC offers multiple language courses but Italian feels the most fun for us. Learn to speak, read, listen, and write in Italian while also learning about the culture. 

AVIA 101 – Introduction To Flight

Is your head always in the clouds? How about taking your actual head into actual clouds? PUC is lucky to have a private airport that is home to our department of aviation. But you don’t need to be an aviation major to experience the Napa Valley and our campus from the sky, register for Intro to Flight and you can do just that.

Bonus: PUC has a state of the art flight simulator in case the Angwin skies are a little too intimidating. 

MUHL 245 – Introduction to World Music and Culture 

Music transcends language barriers and is known to bring people together. It’s important to explore the different types of music the world offers and at PUC, you are blessed to have the opportunity to do that while still earning credits toward your degree. Introduction to World Music and Culture examines how people from different cultures incorporate music into their lives with an emphasis on non-Western and folk music. 

ARTF 212 – Ceramics I

What’s more fun than playing with clay? Sign up for ceramics and spend some time each week creating art with your own hands while trying to master the ever difficult wheel-throwing technique. Who knows, you might even walk away with a great gift for your parents! 

ESAC 107A – Swim & Stay Fit 

Everyone at PUC is required to take fitness classes, it’s just part of a general liberals arts education. However, why not make sure you’re having a blast while you earn those credits. Take a break from the classrooms, fitness centers, and weight rooms and hop in the pool! This class aims to teach you the use of swimming skills to enhance muscular and cardiovascular fitness, but ultimately, pools are just fun! 

These are just a small sample of the classes PUC offers. For a full list, check out the course catalog. 

 

Making A Difference From Within

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Here at PUC, we talk a lot about being a part of the Pioneers family but what does that really mean? It’s not just dressing in gold and green and cheering for the Pioneers on game days. Being a part of the Pioneers family means knowing there’s always someone out there who has your back. It means knowing there’s always someone to offer a kind word, assist with a project, or pray for you when you’re struggling. The best part? The moment you step foot on campus, even as a visitor, you’re one of us! 

Jayana Graham had no idea she would instantly join the Pioneers family when she arrived on campus for College Days last year but Kryslyn Maldonado and Danielle Gurning did! As freshmen, Kryslyn and Danielle were no strangers to the senior-year pressure of needing to choose a college. When they decided to welcome a College Days visitor to stay in their room they also made the decision to be open about their own PUC experiences and answer any questions their guest might have. “Hosting for college days is an amazing experience!” says Danielle. “You kind of see yourself in these prospective students and you get to watch as they take in their new surroundings and start to envision themself at PUC.”

On top of making sure she felt comfortable in a new environment, they spoke with Jayana about what studying at PUC was really like and chatted about what being part of the campus body meant to them. This really helped Jayana get a sense of what life as a Pioneer would be like for her. The kindness and care they showed really impacted Jayana, giving her an inside look at how PUC students, staff, and faculty treat each other. 

Jayana is now in the middle of her second quarter at PUC! She says coming to College Days and meeting Kryslyn and Daniella was the biggest reason she chose to enroll. “When I first arrived on campus, I was a little unsure of things. But when I met Dani and Krys I felt so welcomed. Their vibes were amazing and it made me want to stay, they honestly made me want to call this school my home. So far I’m loving PUC! It was also really great to already have two friends on campus.”

What is so wonderful about this story is, it’s not even a little surprising! Our students here at PUC are filled with the Spirit. You see it in the way they smile, laugh, and lift each other up. Each and every day we are so proud to know they are part of our family. 

Are you interested in becoming a Pioneer (even for a day)? PUC hosts College Days multiple times a year. We also encourage group and individual visits. For more information or to schedule a visit head over to the PUC website!

Editor’s Note: Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we have canceled all in-person campus visits for the foreseeable future. While we wish we were meeting you face to face, the safety of our students, both current and prospective (you!), are far more important. Please join us for a virtual PUC visit experience on our website. 

We are taking appointments for regular, in-person, campus visits after May 1.