Monthly Archives: July 2023

Q&A with PUC’s Director of Enrollment, Pauline Cidro 

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Coming from Manila, Philippines, is PUC’s Director of Enrollment, Pauline Cidro. Pauline started working at PUC in 2020 as a part-time enrollment counselor and enjoyed it so much that she continued as a full-time. One of the perks of her job is getting to travel around the country for work- but the best part is interacting with students and their families—sharing with them what PUC has to offer and providing them assistance from the beginning until they officially become part of the PUC family.

How does PUC stand out from other colleges and universities?  

We are located in the very beautiful town of Angwin in Napa Valley, CA. Our campus is surrounded by great spots for outdoor activities and tourist attractions, and we have nice weather up here in Angwin with very low air pollution, so you definitely have clean air to breathe! Lastly, and most definitely, our students and faculty are able to build personal relationships that make it easy for the students to live away from home but still feel at home with the community they are part of here at PUC.

What’s the average amount of financial aid students receive? 

Last year, PUC awarded over $30 million in financial aid with the average award of about $23,000 per student.   

What health and academic support services are available for students?  

PUC offers a free health clinic, counseling, disability, and tutoring services to our students. These resources are available to all PUC students to make sure they are physically and mentally healthy and striving academically.

Why should high school students consider attending PUC?  

We have small class sizes with an average of 12:1 student-faculty ratio. I find this beneficial to the majority of students because I believe it helps improve their learning. We also have a one-on-one advising system which many students find very helpful as their advisors would walk them through each step in achieving their academic goals.

How do you support your students during their enrollment process?  

As their main person during the enrollment process, I walk my students through the steps they need to complete and connect them with the vital people they will be interfacing with when they start attending PUC: financial aid advisor and academic advisor.

What advice do you have for students applying to PUC? 

My advice is to understand there are many resources and help available to them, especially during the enrollment process. Their enrollment counselor (like myself) is their number-one resource when finding answers to their questions regarding anything. Our enrollment counselors always look forward to talking with the students and having authentic conversations with them to understand what they really need so we can continually support them while they go through the decision-making process. 

What NOT To Do Before Dropping Off Your Student at PUC

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We have shared in the past what to do before coming to Pacific Union College–but have not shared what not to do. With college starting in the fall, you might be making sure your student accomplishes a list of things before move-in day, such as submitting financial aid, choosing their meal plan, and securing their classes and dorm room. Since mistakes are inevitable, here’s a list of things NOT to do before dropping off your student at PUC. 

Don’t Include Yourself In Everything 

Parents, we understand you want to be a part of your student’s college journey, but let them handle some decisions themselves. Such as their class schedules, dorm room assignments, and clubs they want to join. Make some suggestions if they ask, but with college being a new beginning for them, let them make this experience their own. 

Don’t Takeover Their Room 

Speaking of things to let your student decide on their own, let them take charge of decorating their dorm room. The dorm will be their home away from home, so respect their space in making it their own. 

Don’t Procrastinate on Shopping & Packing 

Buying dorm necessities is a process. From kitchenware and bedding to school supplies, there are a lot of items to buy, and some are easy to forget. Take care of school shopping in advance, and once you have those items, start packing them up. You will save time during the weeks leading to move-in day. 

Don’t Forget To Plan Holiday or Special Occasion Travels 

Your student going to college is proof of how fast time goes, so make holiday travel arrangements ahead of time if necessary. Especially if your student is flying for the holidays, book those tickets in advance to save money. If there is a special occasion your student cannot miss, plan those as well so they can have that on their schedule and make any arrangements needed with their professors and supervisors. 

Don’t Forget To Uplift Them 

Your student might be feeling nervous or anxious about leaving for college. Don’t forget to uplift and share positivity with them during these times. 

Check in here and there on how their college checklist is going, but remember to take in every moment you can with your student before they leave for college. No matter what happens, everything will work out. 

Meet PUC Chaplain, Arturo Lopez

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Pastor Arturo Lopez felt God calling him to serve after being baptized at the South San Francisco Latin-American SDA Church in 2009. He received his BA in theology from PUC and with nearly 13 years in ministry, Pastor Lopez is deeply grateful to God for orchestrating a plan for him to serve as a pastor. 

When and where did you begin your pastoral ministry?

I started full-time ministry at the Central California Conference of SDA in 2014. My first assignment was to serve as the associate/youth pastor for the Fresno Hispanic SDA Church under the leadership of Dr. Antonio Huerta. 

What made you decide to accept this position at PUC?

When I was presented with the opportunity to serve as the PUC chaplain, I reflected on my own experience as a student at PUC. My first months at PUC were tough. However, amidst some difficulties, my chaplain recognized my struggles and extended a personal interest in  my life. He prayed with me, offered encouragement, and became a valuable mentor during my PUC journey. Through his guidance, I learned the significance of a relational approach to ministry. I am eager to minister to students embarking on new career paths or experiencing significant life changes. This is why I gladly accepted the opportunity to come to PUC. 

Where did you previously work, and for how long?

Over the past nine years, my journey of service has unfolded within the Central California Conference of SDA. I began as an associate/youth pastor in Fresno and San Jose. Later, I transitioned into the role of district pastor, serving communities in Bakersfield, Taft, Salinas, and Seaside. Most recently, I held the position of pastor at the Monterey Bay Academy Church while also serving as the school chaplain. Now, I embark on a new chapter as I join the vibrant community of PUC. 

What are your spiritual focuses or goals for the college?

As the chaplain, I aim to implement three crucial spiritual goals. First, I seek to inspire students to prioritize love and unity within the PUC community. Building personal connections requires effort with such a vast and diverse campus, but we can all contribute to fostering an environment of genuine care for one another. Second, I aspire to collaborate with the school and church in creating opportunities for students to participate in purposeful discipleship programs and mentorship initiatives. These avenues will give the students guidance, wisdom, and accountability necessary for their spiritual growth. Lastly, I want to instill in students a passion for servant leadership, following the example of Jesus. At PUC, students have a unique opportunity to learn how to serve others through the careers they are pursuing, embracing a mindset of selflessness and compassion. 

How do you connect with young people and be a mentor throughout their spiritual lives?

I prioritize being present and accessible. I actively engage with young people by participating in various activities, attending student-led events, and being visible in communal spaces. Doing so lets students know I am available for conversations, ready to answer their questions, and offer guidance when needed. I also strive to create a welcoming environment where young people feel safe to express their spiritual thoughts and questions without judgment. This fosters an atmosphere of trust and openness. Lastly, I take pride in being a supportive listener. I provide a space where young people can freely share their joys, struggles, and doubts. By actively listening and building trust, I encourage them to develop a vibrant prayer life, seeking guidance and strength from God firsthand. 

How can the PUC family serve and support you as you minister for us? 

There are two essential things I would love my new PUC family to do. First, I ask for patience. I am eager to fully engage in campus life and serve the PUC community. However, to effectively fulfill my role as chaplain, I believe this first year should be dedicated to learning, supporting others, implementing new ideas, and allowing us to become acquainted, ensuring effective collaboration. Secondly, I ask you to pray for me. Feel free to reach out to me If you have spare time during the week to offer a prayer. As a pastor, it is not very common to have someone pray for you apart from your spouse and immediate family. Having someone approach you and say, “pastor, can I pray for you?” is truly uplifting. 

What are you looking forward to at PUC?

During my visit to PUC for interviews, I had the privilege of meeting numerous incredible individuals who were wholeheartedly dedicated to serving and working for the betterment of the PUC community. The warm and inviting atmosphere, the inspiring vision, and the ongoing commitment to nurturing students professionally and spiritually ignited a strong passion within me to be part of this fantastic community. This experience has filled me with enthusiasm and motivation to serve and collaborate with the leadership as we collectively shape the future of PUC. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Beyond work, there are several activities that bring me joy. First, I cherish spending quality time with my wife and our two very energetic elderly beagles. Second, my wife and I share a deep passion for traveling. Through our journeys, we have encountered remarkable individuals, immersed ourselves in different cultures, and beheld breathtaking landscapes. Third, I am an avid reader who embarked on a fun literary adventure during the pandemic. I decided to read books from every country, beginning with Afghanistan and currently making my way through Mexico. This literary exploration has fostered my appreciation for the similarities and differences across various cultures. Additionally, I find great enjoyment in playing golf, not only for the game itself but for the connections it allows me to forge beyond the professional sphere. Lastly, I proudly declare myself a devoted Star Wars fan, and May 4th holds a special place in my heart as a cherished holiday.

With growing up in Napa, working for the Napa Valley Register at a young age, then years later proposing to his wife in Napa- it is a full circle moment for Pastor Lopez to be back in the city that holds a special place in his heart and being the new chaplain at PUC. 

Five Summer Activities for College-Bound Students 

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For those of you who recently graduated high school, congratulations from all of us at PUC! With your last summer home, we’ve made a list of fun activities and some ideas for those of you who want to get a headstart into your major. 

Get an Internship or Job

For those of you who need an internship with your major, consider getting a summer internship. You’ll get an early start to see how people in your field work, know what skills you need to strengthen, and can include your internship in your resume. 

Many soon-to-be college students also like to take up a summer job before school starts to build up their resumes and make money to save for college. 

Volunteer 

Like a job, volunteer hours will look good on your resume, especially if you want to work for a charity or nonprofit. If you don’t know where to volunteer, research local charities. Think about the types of work you care about, then see if any local places are looking for volunteers. 

Make a Local Bucket List

For those attending college far from home, spend the summer as a tourist in your city. There might be things you haven’t had the chance to do or try yet, so make a local bucket list before you leave for college. 

Revisit the Things You Love 

Revisit the things you love by returning to your hobbies and spending time with your friends and family. Go on a road trip with friends or your favorite hang-out spots. Before your schedule gets busy with school, this is your chance to have fun. 

Start Planning for Move-In Day

For those moving into a dorm, start checking off items on your dorm list, such as bedding, appliances, kitchenware, or school supplies. If you are flying, look out for ticket prices and buy them in advance. 

While there’s much to do before school starts, there’s also plenty of time to enjoy your summer.