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Anna Ramos Discusses SAC Experience

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The Society of Adventist Communicators, commonly referred to as SAC, traditionally organizes an annual conference that serves as a nexus for communicators, journalists, media professionals, and individuals involved in the realm of communication. This gathering facilitates the exchange of ideas, learning from experts, and discussions on topics pertinent to the Adventist Church and the broader field of communication. 

This year, the conference unfolded in Springfield, Massachusetts, from October 19 to 21. The event featured an array of program workshops, panel discussions, general sessions, and award ceremonies.

Communication student Anna Ramos had the opportunity to attend the conference for the first time. “I approached it with an open mind, free of any preconceived expectations,” shared Anna. “It was a very welcoming environment with communicators of different age groups. I was able to gain new insights into the work done by different communication departments.”

What were some of the conference highlights for you?

The workshops during the convention were definitely a highlight for me, with my favorite being PR and Crisis Communication: “How to Handle the Media During Crises” by Greg Dunn and Kevin Lampe. But overall, the opportunity to connect with fellow communicators and reunite with old friends added a layer of satisfaction to the event.

In what ways did you participate? 

As a first-time participant, I actively engaged in various workshops during the event, discussing subjects like crisis communication, PR and marketing, and social media management. Unfortunately, neither my classmate nor I had the opportunity to partake in any of the student awards. We remain hopeful that either we or another representative from PUC will secure recognition and bring home an award in the future.

What stood out the most during the conference?

After hearing from the panelists and speakers at the conference, I realized how much Adventist communicators can do and how much work is still ahead of us. It was really inspiring to see all the possibilities we have as communicators.

Can you share a favorite moment during the conference?

Unfortunately, I missed the media tours provided by the conference as part of the program- otherwise, it would have been my favorite moment at the conference. However, being able to get to know more communicators and see old friends became a source of enjoyment for me throughout the event.

Meet Pioneers Student Ambassador Madison Kindred 

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Sophomore nursing student Madison Kindred is a Pioneers Student Ambassador this year. Being a student-athlete representative has been a wonderful experience for Madison, with meeting so many new people within the conference and working to improve the CAL PAC conference. As a member of the Student Athletic Council (SAC), she attends meetings once a month to discuss matters about the schools that want to improve, share what they are proud of, and are in charge of making policies in the conference that will help student-athletes. 

How long have you been a student ambassador and how did you get this role? 

I have been a SAC member for about a year. J.R. Rogers reached out to me last Spring quarter, asking if I would like to fill the role of representing PUC. 

What is the most challenging part about being a student ambassador? 

The most challenging part is balancing meetings with my studies. There have been times when school has taken priority over our meetings, but that just means that I read over meeting notes and reach out to the SAC president with any input I may have. 

What do you enjoy the most about this role? 

What I really enjoy about this role is meeting all the new people from all the schools in the conference. I know at least one person from every school I travel to with my team. There is a sense of family among the members. We all support one another. 

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

My favorite thing is the feeling of community. Each student-athlete knows of one another here, and it makes for a small but strong community. 

What makes PUC Pioneers special? 

PUC has gone through some major changes since I have been an athlete here, but our department still continues on and I think that is what makes us special. 

Senior Spotlight: BevenGreg Delos Reyes 

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Before becoming a PUC student, BevenGreg Delos Reyes’s first impression was roaming around Fall Festival as a high school student and seeing the different cultural and activity clubs. Being drawn to campus life, particularly the diverse range of activities offered, he saw PUC as his future college. Now in his last quarter at PUC, finishing up his major in health communications/pre-pharmacy, BevenGreg says his favorite place in the world is “Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, of course!”

What is something you want to accomplish before graduating? 

I really want to eat at an expensive restaurant in St. Helena! I’ve lived on a tight budget for too long that I think it’s time to drop a cool $100 on a single meal for the fun of it.

Where is your go-to restaurant in the Napa Valley, and what do you recommend to order? 

Hop Hing’s Kitchen on Trancas Street. They will pack your to-go box to the brim with food! The servings are huge, so you’ll get a great bang for your buck. I always order the combo special, which comes with two entrees and two sides. It’s enough for two meals, so I usually take the leftovers back to my dorm with me.

What made you decide to attend PUC? 

I was primarily drawn to the campus life at PUC, particularly the diverse range of activities on offer. Since my first impression was roaming around Fall Festival, I was able to see all the different cultural and activity clubs. Clubs, SA, and the dorms all host events that keep PUC alive!

What is your favorite class?  

Interpersonal Communication with Dr. Tammy McGuire! This class taught me essential practical skills that I use in my everyday conversations. You learn how to converse, listen, and communicate with people of different backgrounds.

What will you miss the most about PUC?  

I am going to miss the dorm life the most at PUC. Living just a couple of strides away from my friends is what made living in a dorm fun. If I want to play video games or get a group to grab dinner with, there are always people in the dorm wanting to hang out. It’s even nicer if you’re taking the same classes with your neighbors. You won’t feel lonely during the late-night study sessions!

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

The Pioneers family has so many friendly and helpful people! The professors, students, and campus staff are all really approachable and nice. You can always find help when you need it or strike up a conversation with anyone!

SA Feature: Alexander Chuquimia, President 

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Meet this year’s student association president, Alexander (Alex) Chuquimia. If you told him his freshman year that he would be SA president his senior year he would not have believed you. Previously being a part of the student senate, Alex was encouraged to run for SA but never saw himself doing that. After taking a leap of faith last school year, he became executive VP and moved to a bigger role for his last hurrah at PUC. Now, as Alex finishes his pre-medicine degree, he loves being PUC’s SA president. 

Tell us about being SA President.

I love being in this role! By being the SA President, I have had the privilege of building connections with a diverse group of driven individuals, many of whom I might not have crossed paths with otherwise. Through my tenure as the SA President, I have practiced the soft skills of leadership- including effective communication and time management. I know these invaluable qualities will serve to enrich my personal and professional life for years to come.

What motivated you to run for President?

If you told me I was going to be SA President when I was a freshman, I would not have believed you. The first person that encouraged me to run for SA was my friend Aileen when I was in the Student Senate. She advised me to run for the office of the SA Executive VP, a role I originally could not see myself in. But I took a leap of faith in that opportunity and ultimately enjoyed that role. Last year, I was again encouraged by others to run for the office of SA President. This time, I was more confident in what I was doing.

Leaders are not always sure of themselves at first. If you have any desire to lead, you should act on it. If SA does not seem like your jam, join a club! Or join Intramurals and be part of a sports team! All these roles will teach you crucial skills that will prepare you for the future.

What to you is the most important role or duty as President?

My most important role as President is being there for the other SA officers. In my role this year, I have been an advisor and teacher, giving pointers and voicing my thoughts on things. Typically, the SA President has the most experience in a new SA team; therefore, they tend to be in the best position to provide other members of the SA with help. However, the President is also tasked with various committees and special projects that occur behind the scenes.

What is your leadership philosophy?

My leadership philosophy in SA has been to prioritize the students’ viewpoint over anything else. Essentially, students are my focus. The Preamble of the SA Constitution and Bylaws states that SA exists to “represent the needs of the student body.” In other words, your SA officers are here for you if you need anything at all!

What do you enjoy the most about being a part of SA?

What I most enjoy about being in SA is my team. Though the official roles stay relatively consistent from year to year, the dynamic of the SA team changes. I often bounce ideas off Natalia Gomez, our PR/Marketing VP, and she gives the best feedback. JR Rogers, our sponsor and advisor, can take any idea I have for the campus and formulate it into a plan. He has been a huge help to us with basically everything. Emily Smith, our Executive VP and future doctor, manages a 17+ person Senate, encouraging them to fulfill our SA mission in representing student needs. Paola Velazquez, our Financial VP, keeps us on budget and is super timely. Keren Castro, our Photographer, is present at SA events snapping photos and spreading her contagious laughter. Eden Salazar, our Social VP, is receptive to our ideas on fun events for students and is a great communicator. Ashley Castro-Rodriguez, our Religious VP, is always on top of things, managing our weekly Vespers programs and the Campus Ministries social media page. Fabiola Ixcot and Marguerite McHenry, our Co-Videographers, bring humor and creativity to our meetings through their comedic timing and the fun films they produce. Adwoa Appiah-Boateng, our secretary with a great sense of humor, provides a valuable voice and freshman perspective in our meetings. I feel privileged to be a part of this year’s story, with such a dynamic group of individuals. I am grateful to my team for everything they have done this year and everything they have helped me to do, as well as those things we have yet to do!

Do you have a favorite SA event? 

My favorite SA event has to be the Spring Banquet! It is basically our trademark event and an event most people will remember after college. Students dress up fancily and gather to celebrate the year’s memories. There is always so much life around the Spring, too, as the campus warms up and the flowers bloom. The Poor Man’s Banquet is my other favorite event which is hosted in the Winter quarter. Last year we went to Six Flags, which was a lot of fun!

How can students have their voices and concerns heard by the student leaders on campus?

If a student has an idea or concern, they can always get in touch with me or with any SA officer! Oftentimes, a specific student concern is addressed by one senator. That senator will write up a Senate bill that will be voted on by student senators. If the vote passes, the Administration will review it and determine whether or not to approve it. Many bills end up affecting daily campus life: the frozen yogurt machine in the Grind is one example!

Can you share any events that will be happening this quarter?

We have our yearly SA banquet coming up on Sunday, May 21 at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena! We are currently selling tickets for students. Follow us @puc.sa on Instagram for timely updates and an opportunity to win free tickets!  

What are your favorite things about PUC?

What I love most about PUC is the people. In general, the students and staff around campus are friendly, and all of my professors are there to provide help when needed. The one-on-one time you get with professors is something you would not get at larger institutions. Another one of my favorite things about PUC is the surrounding flora! In past years, I often hiked the Back 40 with friends to Inspiration Point and took in the view after a good workout. I also love the religious aspect of PUC, with its lively community church and its focus on one’s relationship with God. Throughout my time here, I have had many opportunities to be part of praise teams and worship programs—even a worship trip to Texas!—which were all blessings and provided me with good memories.