Since Anrianne Ponce was 10 years old, growing up in Bakersfield, CA, she knew she wanted to attend PUC and be a nurse. She told her parents, who told their church friends and found out a family there had a son studying at PUC to become a nurse. That’s when Anrianne decided to attend PUC herself and become a nurse, just like one of her church members. Now, as a nursing student and Maxwell Scholar, she says PUC was the right college choice that God led her to. 

What does it mean to you to be one of PUC’s Maxwell Scholars? 

There is an expectation that I need to keep. I worked very hard to get this scholarship, so I need to maintain the scholarship that PUC kindly gave me. However, it wasn’t just my doing– this was God’s doing for giving me such a blessing of a scholarship. God will keep guiding me through my college life and help me maintain the scholarship.  

How do you balance school and social life?  

I honestly am very shy when it comes to meeting new people. I’m not the time of person to go up to someone and just talk to them. My friends I have right now I enjoy being with them. We do homework together and study on test or exams togethers. So, school and my social life is all with my friends if that makes sense. When we know we want a break, we go out; like eating, shopping, or just walking around St. Helena. I enjoy the time I spent with my friends since I do schoolwork and hang out with them.  

What responsibilities come with being a Maxwell Scholar? How do you handle that?  

I know I must keep a certain GPA to keep my scholarship. I’m trying my best to get good grades in order to maintain my GPA. I know I can do it, and I have my friends who are always supporting me. My parents are supportive with my studies and helping me with anything I need. I’m blessed with the friends God gave and from the support of my parents. 

How do you get yourself out of a funk of not feeling motivated?  

I remember I can’t be that way and need to keep going and studying to maintain the good grades. At the same time, I take a little break, such as eating lunch or dinner or working out. 

What kind of support do you receive from faculty and staff?  

There is the Student Success Center and student tutors who have been a great help for many of the students. I’m glad that PUC is willing to offer those and shows that PUC wants their students to succeed in school and in life. 

What do you appreciate the most about your department?  

Many professors are kind and friendly and want to make a connection. I remember the time they did a pre-vesper; I could see the professors in the department and try to get to know them.

When you’re not studying, what do you enjoy doing? 

I enjoy going out to eat or doing a little shopping on the weekends. During the week, I take the opportunity to work out to take a break from studying. I believe working out has helped me mentally.  

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

I enjoy the many events that have been happening in PUC. I love how the dorm I’m staying in provides snacks, which is very kind of them.