Before transferring to PUC, Emma Gheen was a freshman at Southern Adventist University and spent last summer as a student missionary. During this time, her uncle Sam Heier, PUC’s executive director of financial administration, began this new role, and Emma would hear him share his experiences at PUC. “It sounded so awesome!” said Emma. “He and my aunt can see the ways that God has been working on this campus, and the stories they told me were inspiring.”

When her mission year was over, she prayed about the possibility of transferring to PUC. “It was incredible because God opened all the doors and paved the way for me to be here!” expressed Emma. “It’s been such a huge blessing, and I’ve had an amazing experience this year.”

Now, as a sophomore health sciences major, Emma loves the Pioneers community, which makes it her favorite part of being at PUC. “This campus is smaller than what I experienced at Southern, but while that does create some drawbacks, it shines more by giving this campus a strong family connection,” she said. “I can look around and see people that I know everywhere, and that has given me a tiny glimpse of what Heaven is going to be like!”

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

First, I heard the gym is made from an old blimp? That’s epic. Second, God has shown me that there is something incredibly unique about this campus. I fully believe that He has been and will continue to raise strong leaders at PUC. There have been so many people who have stood out to me and have shown me God over and over. I am honored to be a part of whatever God is raising on this campus! I am so excited to see what He is going to do. I firmly believe PUC has been placed on this hill to shine brightly!

What do you like the most about your program?

My favorite part of being a Health Science major is definitely the people! I have met so many hilarious and friendly people within the department. The professors are great too! I can tell that each one of them genuinely cares about me and wants me to succeed.

What has been your favorite class or professor so far?

I have not had a professor I did not like, but two stand out to me: Victoria Wambua and Kurt Sollanek. I appreciate Professor Wambua for the time she takes to ensure students understand the concepts. I spent many hours in her office last quarter! I appreciate Dr. S because I can tell he really does enjoy what he teaches. He is responsible for teaching a lot of information, and I value the ways he has condensed it to make it easier to understand.

Where is your favorite place on campus? 

This campus is beautiful and has many hidden gems, which I’ve done my best to discover while being here. When it is warm outside, I love to sit outdoors, and one of the best places I’ve found is past the fountain, by the side of the church. There are a few benches out there that make it a great spot for reading. It also comes with an amazing view and brings me so much peace every time I get to go out there!

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

New Zealand, because it is summer over there, and I would hop right into the ocean

for a great swim!

What is something you’re passionate about?

I am passionate about people’s physical and spiritual health! God has given us amazing bodies that we get to take care of, and it makes me so sad to see the unhealthy state of our country. My hope is to walk with God, guiding people to live well physically and, along with that, spiritually. God loves this world so much, and He has given me a passion to reveal that love to people!

Do you have a favorite restaurant in the Napa Valley? 

Being a broke college student, I haven’t been out to dinner much, but I have enjoyed Azteca’s a couple of times! They have a delicious (and gigantic) veggie burrito. I highly recommend it!

How would you describe your perfect weekend at PUC?

A perfect weekend at PUC would start with vespers on Friday night. I would sit with some amazing friends and soak up what the Lord has to say to me through the songs and the worship. I love it when Afterlight is just a group of people singing together, so that would definitely have to be what happens after Vespers.

Then on Sabbath, I would go to the Collegiate Sabbath School and then to the PUC Church afterwards. I love experiencing that community on the Sabbath. I would enjoy lunch outside and, maybe, go on a hike to the Back 40 or Linda Falls. Then I would have dinner with some friends and end the Sabbath with a small worship service.

On Sunday, I would watch the sunrise by the wall (next to the Church!) and then head into St. Helena to study at a coffee shop. For a little afternoon trek, I would drive out to Goat Rock and watch the sunset on the beach! That would be a perfect weekend.