Reigning from the Philippines and Hong Kong is this year’s Student Government Marketing & Publication Vice President, Cecile Angela Abellana. In addition to being a junior accounting and music major, she will serve as the voice of PUC’s student association, connecting with students and the association to listen and make positive changes on campus. 

Also handling the Student Government’s social accounts, Angela plans to stay active on their Instagram to share events and add “a bit of humour” to everyday life for students throughout the school year. “I am actually planning to take a marketing class that is needed for my major this year. I am hoping to use the information that I will learn about marketing in my role,” she shared. “In staying updated on the latest marketing trends and techniques, I will be researching (doomscrolling) and learning (being chronically online) these trends and techniques.” 

When the opportunity came to run for this position, Angela said “service” motivated her to add her name to the ballot. “The idea of serving other people just thrills me,” she said. “It feels very rewarding and gives me that dopamine hit. For me, being a student leader is all about serving the student body and the school. I’d like to serve PUC with whatever I have, and hopefully my services will be impactful to the community and student body.”

What are you looking forward to doing with your Student Government team this year? 

I am really looking forward to bonding with my team and seeing each other grow as we work together!

Which social platforms do you find most effective for PUC students? 

I would say Instagram is the most effective social media platform for PUC students, since it is the most widely used app among the student body. 

How will you encourage PUC students to attend Student Gov. events? 

As a student myself, I want to have a fun and meaningful college experience. I would like to give that experience to the student body by hosting events and promoting them in a way that conveys that message. 

How do you plan to advocate for PUC students? 

I plan to use my role to advocate for PUC students. As part of the student association, we serve as the liaison between the student body and PUC’s administration. I would like to have an all-year-round suggestion and comment box for students to share their concerns, suggestions, and comments about PUC. 

What message do you want to emphasize across campus next year to help shape PUC’s culture? What kind of culture do you want to help build at PUC? 

I would like to cultivate a culture where students are more open to socializing with others rather than just staying in their circle. I want to build a fun and close-knit community, especially since we are a small college and most of us live in the dorms. 

How can PUC support you and your team? 

PUC can support us by making time for us and going to our events. They can also show their support by showing appreciation to us. 

What do you think students need more of to feel more at home at PUC? 

I would say fostering and maintaining connections and relationships. Having support from friends and professors made me feel more at home at PUC. 

What made you decide to attend PUC? 

It was a last-minute decision for me, especially as someone who lives in Hong Kong. California is thousands of miles away from my home, and it is a 15-hour flight away. I was lucky enough to be a recipient of the Maxwell scholarship, which provided a full tuition scholarship, which eventually persuaded me to study at PUC. 

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

My favorite thing is having professors and staff that I can easily confide in. It feels nice to have an adult I can trust and who gives me advice, especially since I am far away from my parents. 

What advice can you share for new students?  

My advice for new students is not to be afraid to reach out to people, especially your professors. They will definitely understand your situation as long as you respect them and talk to them. They might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, they just want to see you succeed in life and support you in whatever you decide to do.