For Britney Hernandez, it was a natural feeling for her to attend PUC. After spending a year earning her AA in Social and Behavior Sciences from Las Positas Community College, she couldn’t see herself on a large campus sitting in a lecture hall with hundreds of students–she wanted to be in a school where professors knew her name and where she wasn’t another number. When she saw that PUC offered a bachelors in psychology, valued spiritual life, and sat in a beautiful location, Britney knew exactly where she would transfer to. 

“I applied on a random weekday without overthinking it; there was no dramatic moment. No part of the process felt nerve-racking. Coming to PUC felt like a step in the right direction,” she shared. “I can’t describe it any other way—it simply felt natural for me to come here. It wasn’t forced—no one pressured me to apply. I had heard about PUC’s strong reputation many times and met alumni who spoke highly of their experiences here.”

Now, Britney is in the final months of her undergraduate career at PUC. Not only is she working towards her degree, but her mission as Director of Small Groups to strengthen spiritual life.

What do you like the most about your program? 

I genuinely love change—contrary to popular opinion—and the psychology program here has challenged me in the best way. It’s very research-focused, which was something I hadn’t fully explored before coming to PUC. In fact, the very first class I took here was Research Design. Developing my own studies has been exciting and challenging, and there’s something deeply satisfying about watching your research unfold—especially when analyzing the data. 

Psychology is a science, and this program emphasizes that by allowing students to conduct empirical research using the scientific method. Beyond that, the professors, department chair, and students make the experience even better! 

What has been your favorite class or professor so far?

I’ve told him this before, but I guess now he can read about it—Professor Jefferson’s Principles of Counseling course confirmed 100% that psychology, specifically therapy, is my career path. More than theory, his class showed me how what we learn in the classroom applies to real therapy practice. He shared stories and experiences from his own work as a therapist, which I greatly appreciated.

What I loved most was when he had each of us conduct a 20-minute mock therapy session in front of the class. He made me feel competent, and his feedback is a conversation that will live rent-free in my mind. I walked out of that class fully convinced that therapy is what I’m meant to pursue. 

Where is your favorite place on campus?

If you could see the view from my dorm room in Andre, you’d understand why I think it’s the best spot on campus. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and—most importantly—the only place I can actually focus and get work done. I cannot study anywhere else—I promise I’ve tried! 

What has been an unexpected thing you’ve learned since being at PUC? 

If you don’t get involved, you’ll feel stuck—and that applies far beyond PUC. I love leading, staying busy, and creating change. At my community college, I was very involved in campus life. Coming to PUC as a transfer student meant I had to spend at least a few weeks observing before figuring out where I could contribute. I wanted to learn the campus culture and understand how students engaged. That “spectator phase” was honestly the most boring time for me—I felt stuck. 

That’s when something clicked: you have the power to make your experience here one of the best or worst times of your life. If I hadn’t joined clubs or attended events, of course, I would have thought PUC was boring. If you’re new, take time to observe—but don’t stay there. If you’re feeling stuck, you probably aren’t taking advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and make an impact. Stop being a spectator. 

Aside from passing classes, what is something you want to accomplish before graduating? 

I would love to begin creating a system where new students can join small communities and spiritual groups as soon as they set foot on PUC’s campus. Intimate communities where students can grow both spiritually and socially should be readily available from the very beginning of their college experience. On a Christian campus, finding a Christ-centered and socially engaging community should never be a challenge. 

My position as Small Groups Director allows me to strengthen this area of spiritual life, and I want to take full advantage of that opportunity. There is still much to develop, and I recognize that I may not be here to see it fully established, but I am grateful to begin laying the foundation for an intentional small-group system at PUC. 

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

Before coming to PUC, I’m not gonna lie, I looked through as many social media accounts as I could to get an idea of what campus life was like. I stumbled across an Instagram Reel where students were being asked what they loved most about the college. One student said, “I love that everyone you walk past will smile at you.” That response stuck with me. I arrived expecting the first person I passed to smile at me—and they did! What I’m trying to say is that there are kind people on campus—many. The staff and administration truly care about students and are committed to fostering a meaningful community. 

What does PUC mean to you? 

PUC means intimacy. At most colleges, your professors don’t know you by name. PUC offers that. At most colleges, professors and staff don’t invite students into their homes for a meal. PUC offers that. At most colleges, it’s impossible to get to know even a third of the students and staff. PUC offers that—and so much more. 

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Bali, Indonesia. Easy. I love watching YouTube, and after seeing one of my favorite vloggers travel there, I completely fell in love with the island. The scenery is breathtaking. Many of you have probably heard of Nusa Dua Beach—don’t Google it, Google Images doesn’t do it justice. Trust me, I’ll be there one day. 

What is something you’re passionate about? 

First, I’m passionate about serving God. What better way to spend your time, energy, and creativity? PUC has given me many opportunities to do that, and I’m grateful. Second, I absolutely love journaling and drinking tea. I love inviting others to journal with me—it’s such a meaningful way to connect and see what flows from someone’s mind when they put pen to paper. It’s precious. 

What’s your favorite restaurant in the Napa Valley?

I’ve been excited for this question—it’s a fun one. Drive over to Calistoga Thai Kitchen and order the Pad See Ew with a side of white rice, Thai tea, and mango sticky rice for dessert. I’ve also heard that the coconut curry is amazing. It’s only about 20 minutes from campus, so if you haven’t gone yet, please do. 

How would you describe your perfect weekend at PUC? 

No weekend at PUC has ever looked the same—there’s always something happening. But if I had to describe the perfect one, it would include intentional time with God, meaningful time with close friends, good food, and absolutely no homework. I’ve tried not to bring it up, but I have to—Sabbath School is my baby, and I can’t imagine a perfect weekend without it. If you know, you know. P.S. Come to Sabbath School if you want to make my weekend just a little better. 

What are you going to miss the most about PUC? 

I’m going to miss my dorm room view—it’s incredible. I’m not sure how deep I should get, but in case you were hoping for more, what I’ll miss most is leading and being part of a team united in making Jesus shine on campus. I’ll miss the people who smile at me when I walk by, and the professors, staff, and administrators who make me feel heard. 

After graduation, Britney plans to attend graduate school to earn her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. As she plans to step into other callings God has placed in her life, she asks to say a quick prayer for her as she embarks on those journeys.