Monthly Archives: August 2020

How To Thrive and Survive Freshman Year 

Starting college is a challenging transition; a new environment, new people, new classes. Even starting at home with remote learning, it can be very daunting. Here are some tips to making sure you thrive during your first year at PUC!

Take Classes That Interest You 

You’ve most likely already registered for your first quarter so don’t worry about that, but it’s never too soon to start planning ahead. The great thing about PUC is it’s a liberal arts college. That means along with your required courses for your chosen degree, you’ll be taking general education classes AND electives. This gives you a great opportunity to receive a very well rounded education and to take some really fun classes. Take the time to look for classes that interest you. Even if those classes don’t fulfill a requirement for your major, you can find some that fulfill GE and elective credits. 

Go To Class

You think this would be obvious, but some students just need a reminder. Sleeping in and skipping class may be tempting at times, but fight the temptation. Going to class and taking notes will help you understand and keep up with the material. You and your family are also paying for you to take these classes, so don’t waste your time and money.

Meet Your Professors 

It’s good to know your professors. Introduce yourself and take advantage of their office hours if you need help on an assignment, have questions, or just want to send an email to say hello. Not only will this benefit you from a learning aspect, but it will also benefit you in the long run. Building relationships with your professors can open a lot of networking doors. 

Know Your Academic Advisor 

Just like your professors, your academic advisor wants you to succeed. Get to know your adviser because they will help you with anything you need. From registering for classes, deciding on majors and minors, and giving you career advice, your adviser will be there for you.  

Get Organized

Staying organized in college is a must. Buy a planner, use an app, or get a calendar to stay on top of test dates, due dates, and meetings you might have during the school year. 

Find Your Study Spot

Your study environment plays a big role in the quality of your studying. Find a study spot that works for you and will help you stay motivated. While at home, try to avoid your bed or places you like to hang out and relax in. Once you’re on campus, try the library, a lounge, or the campus center to see which place works best for you to stay focused. Even your room could be your ideal study spot without being distracted. PUC has a lot of great study spots

Get Involved & Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

PUC offers many programs from student organizations, clubs, and various intramurals throughout the year. There are also on-campus job opportunities with flexible hours. Getting involved in school will help you learn new skills, meet new people, and have you feel more connected to your school. Consider joining a school club, intramural team, or getting a job on campus. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and get involved! 

Take Advantage of Free Stuff 

There are many opportunities at PUC where students can receive free things, and we all love free things! From school events, like sports games, guest speakers, and food trucks to receiving scholarships throughout the year. You can even receive discounted items from stores using your college ID. Take advantage!  

Explore The Area

Eventually, we’re all going to be able to be together on campus. College is a great opportunity to get to know a place you’ve never lived in before. Even if you’re familiar with your chosen college, there is always something new to explore. Reward yourself from all the hard work you do during this week by discovering new places and things. College is stressful, so don’t forget to give yourself a break and have fun. The Napa Valley is known for great food, try a new place each quarter.

Seek A Balance 

College is filled with so many things from classes to social life. Know how much you can handle and don’t overwhelm yourself. Find that balance between productivity and downtime to help you stay focused and relax throughout the school year.  

Give A Warm Welcome To Your Roommate

Get to know your roommate! If you don’t know them already, take the time to learn about each other. Not only will you be living with them for the next nine months, but they can become an important confidant, so find some common interests! 

Relax 

You may feel you always have to be productive, but remind yourself to take a breather. It is important to stay focused in school, but it is also vital for your health to make time for yourself. It’s okay to watch a show or hang out with friends from time to time. Make sure you allow yourself to relax from working hard. You deserve it! 

Get Enough Sleep

All-nighters are no fun, so try and avoid them, (this means planning ahead). Getting enough hours of sleep throughout the night will help you in a big way. You’ll be well-rested, think more clearly, and be able to function throughout the day.  

Even though your first year of college can often be challenging, it’s also supposed to be fun! Don’t stress, remember you are not alone. There are tons of others feeling the same way. Utilize your network of new friends and professors and don’t forget to learn and have fun. You will thrive and survive your freshman year! 

Note: Be sure you carefully read your communications from Student Life and regularly check the Fall Campus Plan webpage to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 safety precautions PUC will be enforcing.

 

Faces of PUC: Karina Saavedra 

Karina Saavedra is a nursing student from American Canyon. She is a driven student who aspires to have a career that will always challenge her and feels like nursing is a perfect choice. Karina also enjoys doing calligraphy and spending time with her friends during her free time. 

 What is your dream job? 

My dream job is to one day be a CRNA: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I love to challenge myself, and I have always aspired to have a career that will constantly challenge myself every day. I want to care for and save my patients’ lives. I want to be an advocate for them. I love working with people and giving them a reason to see another day! 

How does that compare to what you wanted to be when you were young? 

As silly as it may sound I wanted to work at Target. As a kid, I was obsessed with the idea of being a cashier at Target.  

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

The Pioneers family is naturally very welcoming and loving—I love this the most about being a part of the Pioneers family. From the moment I arrived on campus, I instantly felt at home with the numerous people that made me feel like I had a new family.  

 Where is your favorite place in the world? 

My favorite place in the world is the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand. I went island hopping on all six islands of Phi Phi, and it was the most beautiful site in the world. I love nature as well as being in the water. I was able to swim in the ocean and the lagoons of various islands.  

What show are you bingeing these days? 

I am currently bingeing on Avatar. I love the show so much, this is my second time watching the entire series! 

What is something you’re passionate about? 

I love to do calligraphy in my free time, so writing is something I am personally passionate about. Writing/calligraphy is something that’s helped me cope with my stress in college.  

Recommend a place to go in the Bay Area on a weekend  

Growing up around San Francisco, I do have some personal favorite places to go to. If you love to walk around and enjoy the scenery, I recommend taking a walk around Bernal Heights Park, Fort Point, or walking around Sausalito. If you love sweets and coffee like me, I recommend Mr. Holmes Bakehouse. There are also many countless shopping areas and restaurants all over the Bay Area!  

 

Don’t Worry If You’re Undecided

If you’re one of those students who has known what they wanted to be when they grew up since they were young, this blog is not for you! Please move on and enjoy a few minutes scrolling through social media. For the rest of you, we completely understand that choosing a major can be really difficult. Not everyone has their futures all figured out. Declaring a major is a really important step on your academic journey so for that reason alone, don’t rush! 

People Switch Majors All The Time

Did you know the National Center for Education Statistics says about 80 percent of students in the U.S. end up changing their major at least once and on average, college students change their major at least three times over the course of their college career? This shows you’re in great company!

It’s Ok To Be Picky 

College is a time for personal growth which means you might change your mind. As seen above, that’s totally normal. Changing your mind or being picky about what path you want to take doesn’t make you flighty or indecisive, it means you want to make the best choice for yourself. The great thing about attending a liberal arts college like PUC is you have plenty of options to choose from. And while you dabble in various programs, you’ll earn your general education credits!

If you find yourself struggling, reach out to your advisor, a professor, or make an appointment with the Career & Counseling Center


You Have Time 

Don’t let other people or even your own expectations pressure you into making a decision you’ll regret. You don’t have to rush and you do have time. Be patient with yourself and trust you’ll figure out which career path is for you. And remember, have a great time because college is also supposed to be fun! 

If you don’t know where to start, check out our blog on how to choose a major. 

 

PUC Launches Three New Academic Programs

By: Ashley Eisele

Pacific Union College has launched three new academic programs available for the 2020-2021 school year. The Global Health, Data Science, and Paramedic programs are especially timely for students looking for ways to serve their communities in meaningful ways.

PUC’s Bachelor of Science in Global Health is designed for those interested in improving the health and wellness of communities worldwide. The study of global health stems from the need to educate and keep large groups of people healthy in a way that individualized medicine cannot. A student who is fascinated by health and well-being, driven to help others, and enjoys research and education makes an excellent candidate for this degree.

The B.S. in Emergency Services, Paramedic is a unique hybrid program that allows students to complete three years at PUC in the Emergency Services Program and then take their paramedic training at any accredited (CAAHEP) program. Upon completion, they will be awarded their degree from PUC.

The Data Science major will prepare students to be employed to work with data and analyze it in a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, entertainment, and political and social science. The B.S. degree also provides a background for further graduate study in data science or related fields. Introduction to Data Science will be available in fall 2020 for any students interested in wanting to see if the major is right for them.

Your PUC Packing List 

Packing for college is definitely one of the more overwhelming things you’ll likely deal with this summer. On top of trying to decide what things from home you want to bring with you, there are a lot of things you’ll need to buy. So to help you out here’s a pretty thorough list of things to make sure you bring along! And remember, if you forget something, you can always take a trip to Napa or run across the street to the College Market!

 Room Needs: 

  • Clorox wipes 
  • Hand sanitizer 
  • Hand soap
  • Washable face masks 
  • Medications (if needed)
  • First aid kit 
  • Cleaning supplies 
  • Paper towels 
  • Bedding
  • Pillows 
  • Blankets 
  • Room fan
  • Earphones 
  • Powerstrip 
  • Hangers 
  • Laundry basket and supplies
  • Food, snacks, and water 
  • Fridge 
  • Microwave 
  • Kitchenware 
  • Food storage containers 
  • Dish soap and sponge 
  • Bath towels 
  • Shower mat 
  • Flip flops and/or slides 
  • Vacuum or Swiffer  
  • Trash bin and trash bags 

Note: It’s a good idea to coordinate with your roommate so your room doesn’t end up with duplicates of the same items, but there’s still plenty you can get on your own!

Suggested Items:

  • Mattress pad 
  • Desk lamp
  • Desk organizer 
  • Storage bins
  • Air fresheners 
  • Hot pot 
  • Reusable water bottle 
  • Mug 
  • Command strips 
  • Umbrella 
  • Wall decor 
  • Calendar/bulletin board
  • Luggage (for school trips) 
  • Phone charger

Clothes (your space will be limited, so only bring what you will wear):

  • Undergarments 
  • Sleepwear
  • Cold and warm weather items
  • Rain jacket 
  • Boots 
  • Sneakers 
  • Socks 
  • Athletic wear 
  • Business attire (for interviews and presentations) 

Toiletries: 

  • Shower caddy 
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body soap 
  • Hair grooming tools 
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss 
  • Lotion 
  • Deodorant 
  • Nail cutters/file 
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Skincare products

School Supplies:

  • Backpack/Bag
  • Notebooks 
  • Pens & pencils 
  • Highlighters 
  • Folders 
  • Lined paper 
  • Planner 
  • Sticky notes 
  • Index cards 
  • Scissors 
  • Tape 
  • Whiteout 
  • USB flash drive 
  • Calculator 
  • Clicker (if necessary for class) 
  • Computer (not required! Just super helpful!)

If you’re planning to get a campus job, bring the following: 

  • Drivers license
  • Birth certificate 
  • Passport 
  • Social Security Number (SSN) card

Note: In general, just a passport is sufficient. If you don’t have a passport, then you will need either your driver’s license + your birth certificate or your driver’s license + your SSN card. You must bring original documents, not photocopies or screenshots of them. You will not be able to start working until your ID has been verified. Visit puc.edu/studentemployment for more information; see the Form I-9 PDF.

If you’re planning to have a car on campus, bring the following: 

  • Drivers license 
  • Registration card 
  • Copy of car insurance 

Stores Nearby (in case you forgot to buy something):

  • College Market (Angwin) 
  • Ace Hardware (Angwin) 
  • Safeway (St. Helena) 
  • Target (Napa) 
  • Walmart (Napa) 
  • Marshalls (Napa) 
  • Bed, Bath & Beyond (Santa Rosa) 

Banking Needs: 

  • Silverado Credit Union (Angwin) 
  • Bank of America (St. Helena) 
  • Wells Fargo (St. Helena) 
  • Bank of the West (St. Helena) 
  • Chase (Napa) 

We hope you’re getting excited to arrive on campus because we are! 

Note: Be sure you carefully read your communications from Student Life and regularly check the Fall Campus Plan webpage to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 safety precautions PUC will be enforcing.

Things To Do Before Starting School 

You finally finished finals and walked across the (virtual) graduation stage and now, hopefully, you’re enjoying some much-needed rest before heading off on your higher educational journey. But before you arrive on campus, there are a few things you should do, and to make this as easy as possible, we made you a list!

Complete Financial Aid

Don’t wait in long and socially distanced lines, get financially cleared before you arrive. Contact your financial aid counselor to make sure you have completed everything. You can call them at (707) 965-7200 or email them at studentfinance@puc.edu. 

Know Your Academic Advisor 

It’s important to know who your academic advisor is, they’re not only going to be helping you set up your class schedule but they’ll be there for you all year long for any questions you may have. If you haven’t received info on your advisor, check in with your Admissions Counselor. They’ll be able to help.

Research Majors 

If you’re undecided, that’s okay! PUC has over 70 degrees and programs for you to choose from. Do your research on our website and see what program interests you the most. If you need some guidance, call your admissions counselor at (800) 862-7080, option 2.

Get Yourself Checked-Up

Students must have a TB skin test (or other forms of tuberculosis clearance testing) from their doctor within the last 12 months. If you still need to do this, schedule an appointment with your doctor, and get a copy of your physical examination form. 

Make Sure Your Room Is Set 

Make sure your dorm room is set and ready for your arrival. If you haven’t filled out a residence hall form, make sure you complete it ASAP. 

Check-In With Your Roommate 

Roommates are assigned later on in the summer and once you know yours, check in with them! It’s great to start getting to know each other early so there are fewer move-in-day nerves, plus, you can make sure you don’t bring duplicate items, like fridges or microwaves. 

Explore Your Hometown 

There’s no place like home, so don’t forget to explore your hometown and enjoy the places you won’t see every day. Order your favorite takeout and spend some time with your loved ones.

Prepare Your Checklist 

Start a checklist. Add school and dorm supplies you need to buy and things you don’t want to forget to pack. Having a checklist will help you remember and keep you on track. 

This may seem like a lot to do but if you start now, you’ll be done in no time! If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions team for help at (800) 862-7080, option 2. We can’t wait to have you on campus!