Kiana Uchiyama, from Santa Cruz, CA, is one of PUC’s newest students. What drew her to PUC was the small, Christian school atmosphere, similar to her high school. During her senior year, Kiana attended PUC’s summer STEM workshop and saw firsthand how strong the academics were and how great the professors she met were. This experience made her determined to attend PUC.

When she first enrolled, Kiana was a pre-nursing student but switched to the business program. “I enjoy my classes and am very content with my decision to change majors,” she shared. 

What has been your favorite class or professor so far?

My favorite class I’ve taken so far here at PUC is English 101 with Professor Maher. She is a great professor, and I enjoy her lectures and teachings about writing and literature. 

Where is your favorite place on campus? 

My favorite spot on campus is the library or The Grind. 

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

An unexpected lesson I’ve learned since being at PUC is: you earn what you put in. Meaning, whether in school, if you work hard and study, it pays off, or in friendships, if you make the effort to socialize and get to know others, you’ll make friends anywhere you go. 

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

I love how our campus is so unique in its small size; everyone is familiar with each other, and it makes events, for example, Vespers, so meaningful because we have the opportunity to all worship together. 

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? 

I would visit Japan since I’m half Japanese and would love to experience that part of my identity and the different culture present there. 

What is something you’re passionate about?

I am passionate about music; I love listening to it and singing in my free time. I’m also interested in anything 80s-related. 

Where is your favorite restaurant in the Napa Valley? What is your order recommendation?

My favorite restaurant is Guigini’s Deli for lunch, and my go-to order is a meat or cheese sandwich. However, most days I’ll go to The Model Bakery and get an iced coffee and a croissant if I’m in St. Helena. 

Describe your perfect weekend at PUC. 

My ideal weekend at PUC would be a night in, hanging out with my close friends, followed by going to the movie theater in Central Napa on Saturday night.