Junior biology major Hyunsu (Jenny) Beck is this year’s Student Government Social Vice President. From Bakersfield, CA, she was nominated to run for this position last school year and took the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone with encouragement from her friends. As SGSVP, Jenny’s duties include planning social events that bring the campus together and make them accessible and entertaining for all students, so they can bring friends and create new friendships. 

“Contrary to popular belief, I believe there is social life at PUC (you have to look for it, though),” she said. “I guess it doesn’t really seem like it because we’re kind of isolated on a hill, but we have a really friendly community which allows for closer relationships! And although we don’t have a huge one, you’re able to find a tight group of friends that you click with.”

As Jenny steps into this role with her Student Gov. team, she wants to emphasize “happiness” and “elation” this school year. “I think that everyone deserves some sort of ‘good job’ or ‘you’re so good at this’ (basically some words of encouragement and joy),” she shared. “It’s sometimes hard to hear these words and enjoy that feeling, so I want people to relish in that moment.”

How do you plan to advocate for PUC students? How can they voice their ideas or concerns to you and your team?

I am always open to criticism, feedback, and suggestions! If students would like a particular activity, I will definitely consider it as an option for a future event, because I want to plan things people actually enjoy doing. I also want students to come up to me with their thoughts on the events, whether that’s telling me in person or sending me a text. I know the SA team is always open to student feedback as well!

How will you plan to receive feedback on what students actually want to do on campus and which events/activities they wish existed at PUC? Especially from the quieter or shyer students?

SA has a comments and feedback section (accessible via QR code) and a mailbox available for students to give their input. We do review all submissions, so I recommend checking them out. I am also happy to be approached and to converse with students in person! If you don’t like talking in person, I am also available through email, phone, and even Instagram.

What are you looking forward to doing with your team this coming school year? 

I am very excited to just be working with them; in general, I think they’re all great people! However, if you are asking about specifics, I would say that I’m looking forward to uniting and connecting the different departments of PUC with the team. I think – well, I hope – our projects will lead to a stronger community feeling.

Is there an event this upcoming school year you are excited to host?

We are holding a camping trip in collaboration with the Shed, which I cannot wait for. I think it will be a fun opportunity to introduce and actually use what the Shed rents out to students!

What event do you think appeals the most to students, and why? 

I would be lying if I didn’t say banquet, like, come on. It’s basically the biggest event we have.

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

I think that students need more home-cooked meals (LOL). 

What do you hope students remember most about Student Government events this coming school year? 

I hope that when students look back at this year, they realize how diverse the activities were. Although I am keeping some “traditional” events, I’m also planning ones that I think are new and possibly fun. I also hope they can look back and see how many new friendships they made at these events!

If you could host a campus event with any famous person, who would it be? 

Ed Sheeran. Or Justin Bieber. Better yet, both. I think it is about time PUC gets a pop concert (rated PG though).

What made you decide to attend PUC?

I guess the ultimate deciding factor was that I want to attend Loma Linda University of Dentistry after graduation, and graduating from PUC would, truthfully, increase my chances of acceptance. However! I chose to stay because I really enjoyed being a part of the community.

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

I would have to say the people. Everyone is so friendly, and it is pretty easy to make conversation with them. It is also nice how close we can get with unexpected people; shout out to my roomie Sofia Verduzco (we started rooming together after first meeting during Fusion week).