When Ashley Castro Rodriguez looked at schools to study theology, she found the department at PUC the most open and welcoming. Growing up with parents who were pastors, she too wanted to pursue and study theology. With the help of PUC Theology Chair Jim Wibberding, he walked her through the program, from what classes she would take to the community to even the weather in Angwin. “Years later, I would visit Walla Walla and PUC, but I just knew PUC was for me,” said Ashley. “It was almost like a gut feeling.” 

With a passion for community and a desire to make impactful change by fostering meaningful connections and conversations, Ashley added a second major in communication to help her career in church leadership. 

What do you value the most about your programs?

My professors in both programs care a lot. They are interested in who I am as a person and how I am learning and growing. They’re always willing to help me figure things out and work around any challenges I may be dealing with in my personal life. 

Academically speaking, I think the theology department has a lot of advantages compared to other schools. We have more opportunities to put things into practice just because we are a smaller school, and I like that a lot. There are plenty of places to get involved, and the departments really want you to do so. 

How do you receive support from your departments? 

For sure, from my professors. I know they want to see me succeed. There’s a really strong sense of community within both of my programs and the overall humanities department, I know I can reach out to classmates or faculty with almost anything.

How has studying at PUC benefited your education, future, and personal growth?   

I have grown the most here. It’s such a small campus, and I’ve met a lot of cool people. It made me expand my horizons and learn things I never thought I would be learning about. Especially Adventist History! I grew up pretty Adventist, and a lot of what we are taught here is stuff we research alongside our professors and discuss topics that don’t seem to be generally talked about. 

It’s given me a lot of really cool work opportunities in which I’ve been able to network. I was SA RVP two years in a row and RVP for the Adventist Intercollegiate Association for one term, which I never thought I would be able to do. I learned a lot about myself in these positions and would have never known I could do it if I wasn’t at a school like PUC. I didn’t think I could be a planner, someone who could speak in public or participate in making big decisions, but I have definitely grown more confident in my abilities. 

This year, I’ve had the opportunity to intern with the PUC church, which has also been an awesome learning opportunity that has definitely opened future employment opportunities which is exciting.

Is there anything about your program you did not expect?

I definitely didn’t expect to do as much research as I have, especially within Adventist history, and be able to apply everything I’m learning to what I’m currently doing, both with communication and theology. 

How do you stay motivated through your studies?

The obvious answer is prayer, but my real answer would be spite. I have the spite to do what people say I can’t do and spite to prove myself wrong when I feel like I can’t keep going. I know I have a calling to ministry, and I have spite to fulfill that. That’s why I’m here. 

What class from your program have you taken that every student should take regardless of major? 

For communication, public relations! It’s been by far my favorite class I’ve taken at PUC. It teaches you a lot and is super helpful for everything. 

Hebrew for theology is definitely not easy, but I think it’s really fun once you get the hang of it. It shows you that theology isn’t as easy as people think.

What do you appreciate the most about being a part of the Pioneers community?

The sense of belonging. PUC is where I found my best friends, mentors, and support system. They really want to see me succeed. It’s a welcoming space where you will always see a friendly face wherever you go, including Dr. T at the cafeteria. I don’t think I know of any other school president who takes the time to know each student’s name.

Can you give any advice to high school students who are interested in pursuing your major? What should they expect or prepare for? 

If you are considering Theology or Communication (or both!), do it. I don’t regret a single thing. It’s been an amazing experience. 

It’s been hard sometimes to step outside my comfort zone but don’t be afraid to ask questions and be open to new opportunities. College is about learning and growing, maybe even unlearning things. PUC provides the best environment for you to do that. This is a community in which you are supported and encouraged to succeed. Prepare to write a lot of papers, meet great people, and explore your calling.