For sophomore student Tiffany Do, studying at Pacific Union College has been a worthwhile investment towards her education and future. Coming from Milpitas, there were a plethora of reasons for her commitment to Pacific Union College: “the Christ-integrated education, serene campus filled with nature, closeness to home, and generous financial aid—just to name a few,” shared Tiffany. 

However, the most significant motivator in this decision stems from her campus visit before attendance. Having the opportunity to meet with the friendly faculty and students within the science departments gave Tiffany a glimpse into her invaluable interactive learning experience. Now as a biochemistry major for the pre-medicine program, the biology department and faculty have greatly contributed to her academic life. 

What do you appreciate the most about the program?

What makes the health pre-professional programs unique are the people. Entering college, I was a huge introvert who did not know anyone and kept to myself. I was fortunate to meet people who went out of their way to befriend me early on and pushed me to be more outgoing. Likewise, their remarkable drive in their pursuits and compassion towards others have been very influential, encouraging me to be a better version of myself every day. 

How has studying at PUC been beneficial to your education and future?

Studying at Pacific Union College has been a worthwhile investment toward my education and future. The rigor of the classes contributes to my strong understanding of the sciences and the magnificent wonders of the human body. Additionally, the information-dense STEM lectures and long lab hours propels me to develop effective, efficient study methods necessary for medical school. Most importantly, the conversations with my professors centered on various scientific phenomenons—many of which unintentionally derive beyond what we are studying in the classroom—have been fascinating and greatly contributed to my academic enrichment.   

What are some valuable things you’ve learned from your program? 

The most valuable thing I learned was this: The more I immerse myself in my studies, the more I realize there is still little I know. Reflecting over my freshman year, I found that much of my academic motivation came from the desire to finish memorizing what was required. Unfortunately, this initially meant that I spent ungodly long hours studying, which proved to be burdensome and tiring. However, after making this revelation, I began to view studying as an indulgence rather than an arduous chore. This mindset change did wonders. Since I was less worried about knowing everything and focused on understanding rather than memorizing, I connected concepts a lot quicker and understood the material with more ease. This resulted in a better work-social balance and a lifestyle that I genuinely enjoy. 

What class have you taken that you think everyone would benefit from? 

This question is so hard to answer because I love many of my science classes. However, if I had to choose, I would have to say the Organic Chemistry sequence due to the unique type of content taught. Unlike many STEM classes (or at least the ones I have taken), it requires a combination of memorization, spatial reasoning, and pattern recognition. It sharpens your critical thinking skills and at times, tests your mental grit in the struggle of figuring out how something is synthesized. However, once you can make coherency from the muddle, the resulting jubilation is simply indescribable. 

Can you give any advice to high school students who are interested in pursuing your major? 

Is a biochemical pathway too nuanced to understand, much less memorize? Break it up, find supplements to fuel your understanding, and relate it to what you already know. Confused about how to synthesize a chemical that looks like it fell from the sky? Recall all relevant reactions and work your way backward. Scanning over your notes filled with lines of mathematical derivations and still don’t know how to do your physical chem homework? Understand first what the problem is asking and play around with the equations that you think you’ll need (and yes, even from general chemistry). The point is that if you don’t know what to do, just start somewhere. 

Nothing ever comes easily and expect to at least struggle with making coherent sense out of something. However, as long as you do not give up and interact with the issue in some fashion, I promise you that your efforts will eventually yield some progress. 

Outside of classes, are there any activities or events your program throws during the school year?

I can not express enough how thankful I am for the alumni science speaker series that Dean Wyrick organizes every quarter. These seminars have given me exposure to careers that I did not know were possible with science degrees. Connecting with alumni working in medicine as well as those with intriguing professions allowed me to hear what their work entails and eventually contribute to my desire to be a physician. 

Additionally, the Bioneer program activities and the pre-vespers hosted by the science departments are events I tend to look forward to. They were wonderful opportunities that allowed me to connect with upperclassmen and hang out with friends after a busy week.

What is your favorite thing about being in the Pioneer family?

The Pioneer family is unique in that everyone is super friendly and welcoming. Also, due to the small undergraduate population, you are bound to run into the same couple of people a few times and end up befriending them. 🙂