Tag Archives: campus ministries

Meet Your Student Chaplain: Taylor Bothwell

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By Ally Romanes

Did you know PUC has student chaplains? Taylor Bothwell is one of two student chaplains this year and she’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. Get to know a little about Taylor so next time you see her around campus you can say hi! 

What made you want to be a student chaplain? 

I wanted to be a student chaplain because having a strong spiritual life on campus is very important to me. Being a student chaplain gives me the opportunity to continue to improve and bring about change in that area. It also gives me a chance to interact with a lot of people.

What are you responsible for as a student chaplain?

Since the campus ministries team is all-new this year and we are building from scratch, we are still in the process of fleshing out responsibilities. In general terms though, as a student chaplain, I am here for the students of this school. Whether that be sitting and listening, helping start a new ministry, or running a Bible study, I want to be there for students in whatever capacity they need me for.  

What are the challenges you have as a student chaplain? 

So far, my biggest challenge relates to the new-ness of the job. I am still trying to figure out where I am needed the most and the best places for me to pour out my energy.     

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

Don’t stop struggling with it. By that, I don’t mean to say that someone shouldn’t reach a place of spiritual peace and fulfillment. I mean that someone shouldn’t give up.  Keep asking the hard questions, keep pursuing answers. Don’t stop struggling just because it is hard or the people around you can’t answer the questions that you have. God can handle all of the emotions and baggage you have. Be willing to share it all with him and don’t be afraid to ask for help from others.

What about being a student chaplain has prepared you for your career and other aspects of your future?

I have no idea what I am going to do for a career. That’s a very scary thing to admit to myself, but at this point, I’m simply saying yes to the opportunities I feel God has placed in front of me. That being said, I believe being a student chaplain has given me the skills of working with a team, dealing with sensitive subjects, and being able to articulate my faith and what I believe. Regardless of where I end up working, those skills will benefit me for the rest of my life.

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

Ooh! That’s a hard one! I’ve lived in the Napa Valley for practically my entire life, so I have lots of memories at the different restaurants here. If I had to pick though, I would say Gott’s. Of course, the burgers are always good and they have lots of fun seasonal options too. (Did you know it used to be called Taylor’s Refresher? Can you guess why it’s my favorite?)

What shows are you watching right now?  

I’m waiting for the final season of Madame Secretary to be released on Netflix. And while I’m waiting, I’m watching The Great British Baking Show.  

What is your favorite weekend activity?

I love driving out to the beach and hanging out with friends. Since I don’t always have time to do that, I’m always down for a game night in the dorm lobby (Taboo, Uno, Codenames, etc.).

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

Can I pick one class per department? I’ve taken so many I really like I don’t think I could choose just one! Cancer Biology, History of Western Art II, Elementary Differential Equations, and Business Law I are some of my favorites.  

 

Kristen’s Advice – Get Involved!

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Hi! I’m Kristen Beall and I have a few thoughts I wanted to share with you.

Kristen Beall

I am just about to wrap up my Pacific Union College career in just a few short weeks. I could not be more excited to start this next step in life but that means leaving behind my beloved school. Over the past four years I have fallen in love with not only our beautiful campus but the beautiful people as well. When I say “beautiful” I am not talking about outward appearances, but inward. PUC has attracted some of the most genuine and loving people I have ever met. As one of the student chaplains on campus I have come into contact with multiple students/faculty from all different
backgrounds and I have learned something from each one of them. PUC has provided me with a lot of opportunities to get involved such as being a student chaplain, student ambassador, desk worker, tutor at the TLC tutor, and as a Life Group leader. All of these “jobs” have been such a blessing to me. I was able to help students with their homework, life problems, and even their decision on coming to PUC.

If you are reading this then you must be either planning on joining the PUC family or
at least interested in what this school has to offer; I hope I can help reassure you
that PUC is where you need to be. You see I was not planning on coming to PUC. In
fact, I was enrolled at a community college for five weeks before deciding 5 days
before school started to make PUC my home. It took some adjusting, as any
relocation would, but after settling in I fell in love with the school. There are so
many opportunities to get involved and if you take advantage of these then I
guarantee your experience will be just as amazing as mine was. If you like sports
you can join a collegiate team or intramurals for some friendly competition. If sports
are not your cup of tea we have multiple music opportunities such as wind
ensemble, orchestra, gospel choir, and many other groups to join including a jazz
band! PUC also has many clubs on campus such as the Mabuhay Club, Math Club,
Chess Club, and more.

There are so many opportunities PUC has to offer but the last one I’d like to focus on
is campus ministries. Getting involved with the campus ministries team was the
best decision I have made at PUC. The group that I have worked with is an amazing
group and I couldn’t be more proud of the spiritual leaders they have become.
Whatever your passion is, whatever you enjoy doing, we will help you make it into a
ministry. Yes, there are specific jobs that need to be filled but more importantly we
want to accommodate to you and the needs of the campus. There are multiple
chaplains around campus that are always willing to talk and help in any way they
can. There are no prerequisites, just stop in the office and we’ll get you plugged in!

If you would like more information about campus ministries and other ways you can get involved at PUC, take a look at the Campus Culture page on our Admissions site. You can also check out the Student Association Facebook page for upcoming events such as banquets, vespers speakers, and more.