Hello PUC, 

It is an honor to be your representative for the 2026-2027 school year. For those attending our campus for the first time, I welcome you to your new home away from home. For those returning, welcome; I am glad you are back! Every year consists of new beginnings and opportunities—this will not be any different. 

As you either begin or continue your college journey, I would like to be the first to remind you to be yourself. College can be intimidating, especially at the start. However, as intimidating as it may seem, you made it this far; so, who says you cannot make it through this? I believe you can! If guidance and advice are needed along the way, do not worry! PUC is full of resources at your disposal (Student Success Center, Counseling Center, Pastoral Team, etc.). You are not alone here; embrace this place as yours! 

Through my journey here at PUC, I adopted an open mindset from the beginning. In hindsight, I am glad I did. My desire to understand and to learn as much as possible motivated me enough to push through anything that came my way. I pray the same for you! Be open to sharing your story. Be open to learning new things. Be open to growing as an individual. College is the worst time to close yourself off. Although it might be difficult and a bit embarrassing at first, take that step to make acquaintances. The people you meet here might last a lifetime. 

Putting the advice aside, the reason I push this idea is because of what I have experienced while being here. With my “open mindset,” I was able to create connections with people that would later grow into job opportunities. In my sophomore year, I got a job in Campus Ministries directing Vespers, and during my junior year, I began serving as the Lead Student Chaplain (aide to the campus Chaplain). I do not believe I would ever have received opportunities like these if it were not for God and my willingness to serve. That is my main point: I wished to serve in whatever way I could. Servitude can take many forms on campus; however, we must keep our eyes open to notice them. 

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for human masters.” Working can seem pointless if the purpose is missing. That is why this verse calls us to work/serve as if the task is being done for God. He is our ultimate motivation. While keeping our eyes on Him, we will not tire easily. 

As said earlier, serving takes different forms—attending to patients as a nurse, designing a logo for a company as a graphic designer, teaching a class as a professor, or preaching a sermon as a pastor- are all ways we can serve. It can also be as simple as helping a friend with an assignment or having a conversation with someone new. Continue to serve one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Be present—be you. 

Starting this year, make an intentional effort to be yourself. However, while you grow and learn independently, do not forget about others. My advice to you would be: if you are feeling down, lost, or depressed, go out and serve someone—see how that changes your mood. Step out of your usual and grow in your servitude. 

Student body of PUC, let us serve each other in all we do, not because the world tells us to, but because it is our mission from God. May God’s grace lead you this year as you grow and prosper! 

Blessings from your Student Government President, 

Alexis Villarreal