One of our newest Pioneers and Maxwell Scholars is Keala Tabura. She is a freshman from Visalia, CA, majoring in mathematics and business major, with an emphasis in management. There were many signs pushing Keala to attend PUC, but four main reasons were the familial influence as her mother, sisters, uncle, and aunt are alums. Along with those factors, she liked the mountainous location, received the opportunity to play for the college’s sports team, and was offered the Maxwell Scholarship. 

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

Being a Maxwell Scholar reminds me of the academic rigor and pursuit of excellence that I have practiced until this point in my life. To be blessed with an opportunity to be appreciated and rewarded for the hard work I applied in high school is such a dream. Knowing I have that title tied to my name places the best kind of fire under my feet, reminding me that excellence is achievable but never guaranteed. 

How do you balance school and social life?

Balancing school and social life has been a difficult skill for me to master, but I have been slowly improving in this respect. The best way I’ve found to balance these two equally important aspects is to reduce outside distractions (social media, Netflix, fun people I like to talk to) during my working hours of the day so that I can complete as much work as possible during my most focused, efficient hours of the day. 

If I complete a sufficient amount of work during the day, I get to spend an hour or two each evening winding down with my friends. During busier weeks, when doing anything but studying seems impossible, I ensure that I am still socializing by avoiding work at all costs on Sabbath and resting as God calls us to. If you ever need an excuse to take a break, use God and His commandments, and take the Sabbath off, I’m sure He won’t mind. 

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

Being a Maxwell Scholar comes with the responsibility of maintaining the academic standard that it took to become one in the first place. However, all Maxwell Scholars were granted this opportunity because they desire to pursue greatness, so continuing along that path comes naturally. Thus, the responsibilities of being a Maxwell Scholar are familiar to many, likely all of us. 

I handle these responsibilities by taking frequent breaks to reflect on my intentions and desires, reminding myself that this sometimes difficult pursuit is worthwhile and most definitely rewarding. I also lean on the beautiful people around me quite a bit. 

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

Organizing my life almost always gets me out of the funk of not feeling motivated. When I don’t feel like going to class or doing my work, I organize everything I have to do into daily schedules and lists. That way, I can have goals to work towards and tasks to cross off to experience those jolts of accomplishment and satisfaction. 

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

This faculty and staff has been immeasurably supportive of me. I have had multiple hour-long, impromptu meetings with various staff members about any and every struggle I have been facing. For every conflict I have presented a staff member with, I was met with a gracious listening ear and numerous offers to help me find a way through it. 

As I have become more and more willing to open up, I have found that many professors are more than willing to accommodate the inevitable struggles each student faces. It is perpetually evident that the staff and faculty only want to see us content and succeeding. 

What do you appreciate the most from your department? 

Speaking about the Mathematics Department, though it is a small and unpopular program here, I deeply and truly appreciate the support from my advisor and other staff and faculty in pursuing a mathematics degree.

I have been very nervous and hesitant to study math at a higher level for years, afraid that I wasn’t “smart enough”, but the staff and faculty here have given me the support and encouragement that I’ve needed for so long to be able to pursue the subject I truly love. 

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

I enjoy exploring the nearby towns and hidden gems with my friends, talking with my suitemates about anything and everything, worshiping through music with friends, playing sports, trying new foods, shopping, and watching Instagram Reels. 

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

I like how cozy and interconnected it feels. Being a Pioneer feels like being a part of our homey, small-town community. Between classes, working, clubs, studying, and social events, I have opportunities to meet everyone. You’ll never find yourself devoid of seeing a familiar, friendly face anywhere on campus.

What advice do you have for high school students considering PUC? 

Pray about it! Despite all the love and pride I feel for my school, the most important factor when picking a college is finding where God is calling you to be. While it is my prayer that PUC might be that place, there are other colleges and universities that need your light, talent, and passion too. PUC has innumerable resources that you can utilize to learn more about the campus, academic programs, spiritual life, and more, so use those!