Tag Archives: campus life

Conquer Your First Month ON Campus

Your first quarter of college was probably VERY different than you imagined, and for the record, we HATED not having everyone on campus and are thrilled to welcome everyone. Your first month on PUC’s physical campus will likely be a bit of a whirlwind. You’ll be meeting new people, learning new things, and having a new schedule. Here are some tips to help you get on the right track.

Attend Class

You’re in college to go to classes and learn. Please do yourself a solid and attend class. If you’re not a morning person, don’t schedule early morning classes. If you rather have your evenings free, take classes in the afternoon. Make a schedule that you can work with that won’t make you skip class.

Stay Organized

By staying organized in college, you will have a better time conquering your assignments, tests, and other things. The first month of school may be overwhelming for you, so get a planner, use your calendar, just find a way that works for you to stay organized.

Don’t Forget To Eat

Please don’t forget to eat! Your health is important and if you don’t eat well, you might have a hard time concentrating. Fight the temptation to snack on junk food and instead indulge in healthier options. It’s a good idea to have water with you at all times. You must stay hydrated!

Meet With Your Academic Advisor

You’re going to have a lot of questions regarding your classes and major. Having meetings with your academic advisor will be very helpful to you. They are there to guide you in the right direction and help you out in any way they can.

Put Yourself Out There

One of the best things about college is that you get the chance to meet people from all over the world. It’s not always easy putting yourself out there, but during the first month, most students will feel the same way as you. Join clubs, study groups, intramurals, etc. Even if you’re scared, put yourself out there.

Find Your Quiet Place

From going to class, eating at the cafeteria, and living in the dorms, you’ll be surrounded by people most of the time. If you need your space and some quiet time, find a spot on campus that lets you have time to yourself.

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Lack of sleep is what causes the most stress, so please make sure you’re getting good sleep every night. There will be nights where you and your friends stay up late studying and getting to know each other, but if you don’t get enough hours of sleep you won’t feel so great the next morning.

Be True To Yourself

College is a chance to have a fresh start, but don’t lose sight of your values and beliefs. You’ll be figuring out new things about yourself, but don’t feel that you have to act a certain way or be someone different just to fit in. Be true to yourself and let your light shine to others.

Take in every moment during your first month on campus. Be open to change, new opportunities, and keep an open mind. Enjoy the beautiful Napa Valley and remember that your PUC family is here for you!

A Letter From PUC’s SA President

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Hello PUC,

Hi everyone! My name is Lewis Govea, this years’ PUC Student Association President. I am a senior music major looking to attend pharmacy school in the future. My PUC journey started fall of 2017 when I came to PUC as an aspiring biochemistry major. My efforts to power through my chosen major were thwarted by passion and the desire to be as well rounded as possible, so I switched my major to music with voice being my primary instrument.

My passion for music began very early. I have been in choirs and plays my entire academic life and have continued to grow as a musician. My musical experience ingrained within me the value of teamwork, so I continue to seek out groups that work together for a common goal. This desire, to be a part of something larger than myself, is what drew me to student government. I joined PUC’s Student Association fall of 2019 as the Social Vice President, where I took my skills as a team player and refined them into being the skills of a team leader. I found leadership to be one of my core characteristics. I planned fun events, like Bob Ross Paint Night and a concert where I invited The Voice alum Jej Vinson to sing. I felt like I was making an impact on campus, but I also felt limited to the social lives of PUC students rather than being someone who could affect actual changes to campus life and culture. This is what made me run for president.

School is starting and it might feel like there is no end in sight to this pandemic. I can already sense the walls of my bedroom pressing inwards, but I still don’t give up hope. Hope for better days and for when I can see the kind and loving faces of my friends again. If I begin to feel stagnate, I will push myself to fight for a cause. That cause will be to do everything in my power to make everyone connect to a community that loves them and will support them through these difficult times. This quarantine has been tough, and nobody expects you to just pick up where you left off. Heal. Rest. PUC SA is doing the work to make those dreams a reality.

Until we meet again,

Lewis Govea

SA President

Faces of PUC: Dannica Roberts

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Coming to PUC from Honolulu, HI, Dannica Roberts is studying physical education. As an older sibling, she’s always been a nurturer and is really passionate about helping people which makes her a great fit here at PUC where students are encouraged to join service projects. Dannica is well-known for being “super sweet” so when you see her on campus don’t hesitate to say hello!

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be to become a pilot and a dentist for children.

How does that compare to what you wanted to be when you were young?

When I was young, I wanted to become a teacher, so my dream jobs have not happened yet. Eventually, I would love to learn how to fly a plane and maybe get some experience in the dentistry field.

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

I receive so much love and support from the Pioneers family.

What is your favorite place in the world?

My favorite places in the world are either the beach where I would be surfing or in another country, like Taiwan or Peru where I would want to help with community service projects.

What show are you bingeing these days?

I have been binge-watching Criminal Minds and I am so close to finishing all 12 seasons of it.

What is something you’re passionate about?

I am passionate about going out into the community and helping with service projects.

Recommend a place to go to the Bay Area on a weekend?

I would recommend buying a ticket to go riding on the cable car around San Francisco and of course, visiting Ghirardelli Square.

One Place, One Purpose, One Project

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By: Ally Romanes

This past February, six students from the World Missions and Campus Ministries team at PUC flew to Boulder Adventist Church in Colorado for the One Project. The One Project is a two-day program where Adventist colleges and universities gather to fully connect on the belief of Jesus. Everyone came together from multiple places, representing various entities, to arrive at common ground. Although everyone comes from different backgrounds, they were united being children of God, wanting to worship our Father and learning from the examples of Jesus.

Worship was the most important part of the One Project. People were able to hear sermons from various pastors from several states and countries. In between the sermons, they also had praise worship. “You can truly feel the Holy Spirit when the room is filled with an abundance of praise,” says Marci Amurao, one of the students who attended.

For the PUC student’s representing our school, this was an opportunity to worship in another way, while also a chance to meet people from other colleges and universities. Being able to worship together, share a meal together, fostered the community. Connecting with other students who share that common love for Christ not only built new friendships, but it also grew their relationships with Jesus.

“The One Project left with me with a stronger relationship with Jesus. It helped direct my focus to Christ and reassured me that what I believe is Jesus and our community is supposed to be a place of nurture and acceptance. The sermons were remarkable and groundbreaking, but what left an impression on me was the fellowship between the students.” –Marci Amurao

Making A Difference From Within

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Here at PUC, we talk a lot about being a part of the Pioneers family but what does that really mean? It’s not just dressing in gold and green and cheering for the Pioneers on game days. Being a part of the Pioneers family means knowing there’s always someone out there who has your back. It means knowing there’s always someone to offer a kind word, assist with a project, or pray for you when you’re struggling. The best part? The moment you step foot on campus, even as a visitor, you’re one of us!

Jayana Graham had no idea she would instantly join the Pioneers family when she arrived on campus for College Days last year but Kryslyn Maldonado and Danielle Gurning did! As freshmen, Kryslyn and Danielle were no strangers to the senior-year pressure of needing to choose a college. When they decided to welcome a College Days visitor to stay in their room they also made the decision to be open about their own PUC experiences and answer any questions their guest might have. “Hosting for college days is an amazing experience!” says Danielle. “You kind of see yourself in these prospective students and you get to watch as they take in their new surroundings and start to envision themself at PUC.”

On top of making sure she felt comfortable in a new environment, they spoke with Jayana about what studying at PUC was really like and chatted about what being part of the campus body meant to them. This really helped Jayana get a sense of what life as a Pioneer would be like for her. The kindness and care they showed really impacted Jayana, giving her an inside look at how PUC students, staff, and faculty treat each other.

Jayana is now in the middle of her second quarter at PUC! She says coming to College Days and meeting Kryslyn and Daniella was the biggest reason she chose to enroll. “When I first arrived on campus, I was a little unsure of things. But when I met Dani and Krys I felt so welcomed. Their vibes were amazing and it made me want to stay, they honestly made me want to call this school my home. So far I’m loving PUC! It was also really great to already have two friends on campus.”

What is so wonderful about this story is, it’s not even a little surprising! Our students here at PUC are filled with the Spirit. You see it in the way they smile, laugh, and lift each other up. Each and every day we are so proud to know they are part of our family.

Are you interested in becoming a Pioneer (even for a day)? PUC hosts College Days multiple times a year. We also encourage group and individual visits. For more information or to schedule a visit head over to the PUC website!

Editor’s Note: Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we have canceled all in-person campus visits for the foreseeable future. While we wish we were meeting you face to face, the safety of our students, both current and prospective (you!), are far more important. Please join us for a virtual PUC visit experience on our website.

We are taking appointments for regular, in-person, campus visits after May 1.

Eight Must-See Museums in San Francisco

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Ally Romanes

The Bay Area is filled with a ton of museums. In fact, there are 55 museums just in San Francisco alone. If you’re like me, that’s an overwhelming number AND you want to see all of them! Not quite sure where to begin? Let me help! Here are eight must-see museums to get you started.

California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is one of the most popular museums in San Francisco. With an aquarium, planetarium and a natural history museum, you’ll be able to see and learn all sorts of cool things. The museum will immerse you into a four-story rain forest, a trip to see the penguins, and shows that transport you through our planet.

Ticket prices vary due to the date you want to visit. The museum does have a student discount, so bring your school ID with you!

For hours and admission fees, click here for more information.

de Young Museum

Home to modern art, contemporary art, American art, African, art and so much more. You will be able to see different kinds of art from all over the world and from different time periods. Also, a very popular Instagram spot, make sure you visit the ninth floor to enjoy a 360 view of the city.

The best part is that admission for students is only $6! Bring your student ID, your friends, and your camera to enjoy part of your day at the de Young Museum.

For hours and ticket purchases, visit their website.

Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is an interactive museum with over 600 exhibits to choose from. You’ll be able to learn and experience the world of science, art, and human perception. The Exploratorium also has a great view of the city from Pier 15.

Ticket prices with student discount cost $24.95. For more information, visit their website.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

With over 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks on display, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) houses works by artists from all over the world. From Frida Kahlo to Andy Warhol, you will be able to explore the different artwork from different artists. There is also an outdoor sculpture garden for you to stroll through and nice views of the city.

Tickets for students from ages 19-24 cost $19. Ages 18 and below are free but still needs an admission ticket. To purchase tickets and have more information, visit their website.

Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor is a beautiful museum built to pay tribute to the soldiers that died in World War 1. The museum features over 4,000 years of ancient and European art. They also have public concerts on Saturday and Sundays with performances playing Bach, Gershwin, and great film scores.

Ticket prices with student discount are only $6. For hours and information, visit their website.

Museum of Ice Cream

If you haven’t been to the Museum of Ice Cream, you need to book a visit soon! How can you miss out on a museum dedicated to ice cream? Here’s the scoop: you get free ice cream, there are ten interactive rooms with cool photo opportunities and you get to jump into a pool of sprinkles.

Tickets cost $38. To purchase tickets and get more information, visit their website.

Asian Art Museum

Capturing the beauty of Asian culture, the Asian Art Museum has collections of historical and contemporary Asian art to showcase. Their exhibitions are interesting and change year-round, so make sure to check their website to know what exhibits are going on when you plan to visit.

Tickets with student discount cost $10 and $20 if you want to see the special exhibitions. To get more information about the museum, visit their website.

The Walt Disney Family Museum

If you’re a huge Disney fan, this museum is for you. You will be able to go back into history and learn about the famous Disney stories and about Walt Disney’s life. There are lines of photos, drawings, and props used throughout many years of Disney. They also have film screenings for you to enjoy.

Tickets with student ID cost $20 and $30 if you want to view the Mickey Mouse Exhibition Combo. To purchase tickets, visit their website.

Now get out there and check these museums out!

Meet Your Student Chaplain

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Lorenzo Pena is one of PUC’s student chaplains this year and he’s more than happy to help you in any way you need whether it’s praying for you when you’re in need of extra help, chatting with you about your spiritual journey, or just a smiling face around campus. Lorenzo is passionate about God’s love and serving others. Here’s your chance to get to know a little about Lorenzo and next time you see him around campus, say hi!

What made you want to be a student chaplain?

My family has always instilled in me the value of serving God and to share my gifts to be a blessing to those around me. One of the most important things in life is to serve others. I wanted to be able to share the blessings God has given me with PUC in order to bring others closer to God or to walk with them on their own journeys.

What are you responsible for as a student chaplain?

As a student chaplain, my most important task is to be a huge supporter of the spiritual life on campus. This means not only to help plan the big spiritual events on campus, but to also help students in their own ministry whether it be helping students start a bible study or small group, doing devotions with people, or just being a listening ear for someone going through any kind of situation.

What are the challenges you have as a student chaplain?

My biggest challenge as a student chaplain is I am not always able to reach people on this campus in a way that fits in with their spiritual walk, but that is perfectly fine. A person’s journey with God is unique and the ways people like to worship are different, but this is why it is important for me to be a supporter for those who are trying to fill a need or gap that they see in the spiritual life on campus. It is my job to help everyone to be able to find or access whatever it may be that enables them to grow with Christ.

What would you like to do to strengthen spiritual life on campus?

I would like to strengthen the spiritual community here on campus not only with the students but also with the faculty and staff. I want to have PUC be known as a safe place where anyone can feel completely comfortable sharing their life experiences and testimonies with others. Everyone deserves to have a safe place to be able to open up to others and be met with open arms.

What advice do you have for someone that is struggling with their spiritual life?

I have had many struggles in my spiritual life and I still have struggles in my life now, but the best thing I have found is I cannot do anything alone. It is important to know God is always with me, but even more than that, He surrounds me with so many wonderful people, including my friends, family, teachers, and a church family that are there to support me and care greatly about me. I used to think I could do everything on my own and that is just not the case. I need to be able to lean on those around me whenever I am feeling lost or alone and I need to be there for someone else to lean on whenever they need it. God puts people in our lives for a reason.

What do you love about PUC?

I love that PUC has so many wonderful students that are so passionate about loving God and serving others. I see this not only in the faculty, staff, and student leaders, but in all the students I see finding ways to get involved in ministry, hanging out with their friends, helping other students with studies, and so many other things. We have great people here at PUC and I am proud to be one of them.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the Napa Valley?

My favorite place to eat in the Napa Valley is Giugnis Deli.

What shows are you watching right now?

The shows I am watching right now are 911, Hawaii 5-0, and Chicago Fire/Med/PD.

What is your favorite class that you have taken at PUC?

My favorite class I have taken at PUC was History of Western Art.

What is your favorite weekend activity?

My favorite weekend activity is taking a trip down to Napa and go to Target, Home Depot, and Taco Bell.

Fun in our Forest

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The PUC Demonstration and Experimental Forest is protected by a conservation easement in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) and the Land Trust of Napa County. As such, it will always remain forested and provide learning opportunities for PUC students as well as 35 miles of recreational trails—for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding—for students, college employees, and community members. The rich biodiversity of the PUC forest makes it especially valuable to conservationists and researchers.

Our forest truly sets PUC apart and makes Angwin a unique and special place to live, learn, and grow. We encourage everyone on our campus to get out and explore our incredible forestlands.

Keep an eye out for some these #ForestFinds:

Diogenes Lantern

Chosen as the school flower in 1924, the Diogenes Lantern is a special flower that requires the perfect weather, soil, and water combination to grow. PUC’s forest just happens to be an environment where they flourish.

Northern Spotted Owl

The northern spotted owl population has suffered from habitat loss which created a decline in spotted owl numbers, causing this species to be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in the 1980s. Helping to preserve their remaining habitat is one of the best ways to protect this species. That’s why it’s so exciting that the presence of spotted owls has been recorded in our forest on several occasions.

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Sequoia Sempervirens

The coastal redwood is a unique type of redwood that spans from Monterey Bay to the Oregon border. The combination of geographic location and topography creates a special ecological niche allowing for the growth of a rare grove of coast redwoods.

Experience a few of our favorite things:

Walk or Run the Trails

The Back 40 is home to PUC’s most popular running trails. That’s a statement PUC’s cross country team, faculty, staff, students, and community members just looking to stay fit can attest to. Not interested in working up that much of a sweat? The trails are full of people just out for a nice walk to get some fresh air and sunshine.

Ride a Bike

Whether you’re an avid rider, member of the PUC biking club, or just a casual rider, there are plenty of beautiful trails for you, including our favorite, the officially named Whoop-Dee-Doos.

Pet a Dog or Maybe a Horse

Studies show being in nature can reduce stress. Studies also show petting animals will do the same. One of the best things about being out and about in the PUC forest is coming across lots of pets to pet. Be sure to ask permission first!

Did you know the PUC Forest has its own map and webpage? Visit puc.edu/forest for forest rules and guidelines and a downloadable map.

You can also follow the forest on Instagram: @PUCForest and Facebook: /PUCForest.

If you have forest related questions contact PUC Forest Management at Forestry@puc.edu.

Visit PUC This Winter!

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Choosing what college to attend is a very important decision and one you shouldn’t make without doing a lot of research. There really is no better way to research colleges than by seeing the campus yourself. Grab your family or some friends and come visit PUC. Take a campus tour given by one of our student ambassadors, sit in on a class, chat with a professor, eat in our cafeteria, walk around the charming nearby towns of St. Helena or Calistoga, AND if you plan in advance, join us for any of the following upcoming and exciting events.

Pioneers Athletics Games

PUC has six varsity sports teams: cross country, basketball, and volleyball for women; and cross country, basketball, and soccer for men. Throughout the year, we invite you to our gymnasium, nicknamed the “Covered Wagon,” or our soccer field to join the Pioneers Posse and cheer on our teams. Here’s a short list of a few upcoming games; for the full schedule, visit pioneersathletics.com.

Men’s Basketball vs La Sierra, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.
Women’s Basketball vs La Sierra, Jan. 9, 5:30 p.m.
Men’s Basketball vs La Sierra, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m.

Rasmussen Art Gallery Openings

If you’re interested in seeing some incredible works of art, you won’t want to miss the Rasmussen Art Gallery. Several times a quarter, a new exhibit opens at the college’s on-campus art gallery, which often features students, faculty, and other local artists. The opening reception is a chance to meet the artists, mingle with other guests, and enjoy some tasty snacks while appreciating the talent on display. If you can’t make it to one of the opening receptions, check with your tour guide to be sure to stop by and spend some time browsing during regular open hours.

Natalie Ciccoricco, Awaking West, Jan. 11-Feb. 9
Faculty Art Show, Literatura, Feb. 15-March 15

For more information, visit the Rasmussen Art Gallery Facebook page.

Paulin Hall Music Concerts

PUC’s department of music has many concerts throughout the year; all of which are free to the public. The college has several ensembles that frequently perform, and there are usually multiple student recitals each quarter. For the Christmas holiday, there are several concerts we hope you can join us for!

Christmas Candlelight Concert #1, Friday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.
Christmas Candlelight Concert #2, Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m.

Contact the department of music for more information; call (707) 965-6201 or email music@puc.edu.

Join Us For February College Days!

Several times a year, we host special visitation events called College Days. College Days is a jam-packed event where you will experience PUC with other visiting students. In addition to campus visit standards like touring the campus, talking with a professor in your major of interest, and eating in our Dining Commons, it’s a great opportunity to get a glimpse into what it’s really like to be a student at PUC as you stay in one of the residence halls and attend social and academic events.

We hope you can make plans to join us for College Days on February 9-11, 2020. Register now! For more information about College days and other ways to visit, check out puc.edu/visitors.

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PUC loves you too! We hope everyone is having as much fun as we are at #PUCCollegeDays2019.

A post shared by Pacific Union College (@pucnow) on Nov 3, 2019 at 7:32pm PST

We can spend hours explaining what we think makes life at PUC so unique and honestly, we really would be happy to, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand, so schedule your visit today!

Before you arrive, be sure to apply and send in your admissions documents for a quick acceptance! It will make your visit even more special as you officially become a member of the Pioneers family.

Fall Fest Fun

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This weekend was PUC’s annual Fall Festival where the Pioneers family came together to enjoy food and fun. With booths full of things to buy, things to eat, and causes to support, Fall Fest is one event everyone looks forward to.

Here are just a few of our favorite moments.