Tag Archives: college life

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. 

Jericho Road the Musical Review By Jonathen Blue, Music Director at Napa Christian  

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Jericho Road, written by Lindsay Morton, depicts the realities that many couples face in the modern age when faith, commitment, and responsibility converge in a stalemate. It proposes thought-provoking questions within our own relationships and does not condescend to tell the answers. The show presents a different ending each night with distinctive options of what the outcome could be for the main characters. This allows for each audience to gather something unique from their theatergoing experience. It also smartly encourages the audience to witness the event more than once to draw different or more thorough meanings from the story.

This musical presses a magnifying glass up against the happenings in the world of faith-oriented dating and, more specifically, the Seventh-Day Adventist subculture. With reference to Sabbath practices, investigation in scripture, and church community, Jericho Road makes a very clear stance on the dedication to Christian standards. The message resonates clearly. It is evident by the book of this show that Morton is solidifying herself as a force in the world of Christian theater.

Earnest. That is the word that perfectly describes the energy that these actors invoke. Their work is far from over, but having been a working actor for over twenty years, I can attest that the work is always far from over. The heart and passion in this performance is true. These young leads have been given the gift of working through material that so accurately expresses the human condition from a point of view with which they have or will have intimate encounters. This artistic bearing challenges its participants to identify the relationships onstage that are echoed in our personal lives.

The lyrics of each song in conjunction with the melodic choices are both heart-wrenching and infectious and the score, under the direction of John Gilley, sets the tone for the impending rollercoaster of emotions and perspective. The music, beautifully sung by the cast, wafts you in and out each scene, and even as a referential piece, it truly stands on its own two feet. It marches down the Jericho Road and stands on the rubble, the pieces, the people, that life often leaves behind.”

Faces of PUC: Princess Espinoza

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Princess Espinoza is a pre-nursing freshman from Sacramento. After researching other nursing programs, she found the department of nursing at PUC and campus life the most promising, which settled her decision on where to attend college. Princess’s favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers family is how close and strong everyone is together. 

What is your dream job? 

My dream job is to be the best labor and delivery nurse I can be. I dream to be a part of one of the happiest and most memorable moments for parents, and I know getting to experience that kind of love is going to be limitless. I also want to be an influencer throughout my learning process. I am starting now by recording my routine and study habits to show every aspect of my journey to becoming a nurse.  

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

I’ve always wanted to be an influencer, but it’s always been a passion on the side. When I was younger, I actually wanted to be an architect. Although I had the same idea to share insight into any obstacles I would experience with those who were interested in knowing. 

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

My favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers family is knowing how close and strong everyone is together. I’ve met so many hardworking, dedicated students as well as other admin members who love supporting their family and friends as much as they can, making sure we are all successful in the end. 

Where is your favorite place in the world? 

I haven’t traveled to many places but so far, my favorite place would have to be Mexico. There’s so much to Mexico. The vibrant colors, the welcoming culture, and of course the good food.

If you had to be trapped in a movie for a day, what movie would you choose? 

If I had to be trapped in a movie, I would simply choose Alice and Wonderland. Everything about this movie was so cool. They have animals that can talk, mind you, they also have a character of their own. There are potions and spells for almost anything. The people there are friendly—for the most part. Wonderland is a literal dream world. My name isn’t Alice either, so I know I wouldn’t be a trouble to anyone in Wonderland. 

What is something you’re passionate about? 

I am passionate about personal growth. Personal growth, to me, is all about identifying my long-term and short-term goals. Reading and repeating positive affirmations whenever made possible. Prioritizing healthy eating and exercise habits. Especially reading self-help books in hopes to learn a new skill. Practicing forgiveness within myself and seeking it in others. Accepting helpful advice from others. Tracking and celebrating my progress for anything and everything. Establishing budgets for healthy spending habits. Lastly, taking part in activities outside of my comfort zone.

Life at PUC

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The moment you arrive on campus, events are happening and being planned at the same time. We understand that starting college, or even the thought of going to college, can be nerve-racking. That’s why our campus leaders, from our student association to residence assistants, make sure you feel at home and enjoy your college experience. Here is just a bit of what life is like at PUC. 

Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle 

There are plenty of ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle at PUC: First, there’s our gymnasium that houses our fitness center, weight room, outdoor pool, and climbing wall. Outside the gym, you’ll find the track, tennis courts, and soccer, baseball, and football fields. Second, PUC owns over 30 miles of trails where you can go biking, running, walking, or hiking daily. There are other spots near campus where you can embark on the mountain range or the sandy beaches. Lastly, our chefs serve healthy, delicious meals. They use organic ingredients and make sure there is something for every student to eat. If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, they will tend to your needs and make something you’ll like. 

Live in Northern California 

One of the best things about life at PUC is living in Napa Valley. Our beautiful campus gives you a peaceful environment; and is near wonderful destinations like St. Helena, Yountville, and Napa. The Napa Valley has countless restaurants for you to indulge in, cafes to study at, and selections of indoor and outdoor places for you to relish. Since we neighbor the Bay Area- you’ll also be able to explore different cities, beaches, forests, and mountains. You’ll never be bored living in Northern California! 

Worship & Serve 

We worship in many ways here at PUC. Students lead weekly dorm worships, group Bible studies, vespers, and church services. Our Campus Ministries team organizes service outreaches where you can help communities around the Napa Valley and Bay Area. Students also get the opportunity to serve short or long-term in other countries every year. Our faculty and staff make it a priority to enrich your spiritual life. If you are interested in leading or joining in praise, worship, outreaches, and spiritual life on campus, you can do all of that here. 

Be A Member of A Club

PUC has over 40 clubs for you to choose from and join. The clubs range from cultures, interests, and departments; and have activities and events throughout the school year on and off-campus. Some clubs go on weekend outings, like to Albion, for students to get a change of scenery and spend time with their friends.  

Go To SA Events 

Our Student Association Team works hard to give every student something to enjoy. From hosting nights of vespers, food trucks, movies, karaoke, and comedy; to events of games, fests, carnivals, and off-campus activities to going bowling, roller skating, and eating at Napa’s top-rated restaurants for yearly banquets.  

Participate in Intramurals 

Participate in intramurals if you like playing sports. There are 12 intramural sports, such as basketball, football, and soccer, for you to join throughout the school year. Intramurals will be a great way to meet people, exercise, and take a break from schoolwork. 

Work On Campus 

If you are thinking about getting a part-time job in college, PUC has work opportunities for you. Many students are teacher assistants, tutors, dorm employees and work for our food services at the dining commons and student center (a.k.a The Grind). Some students also work at the library, gym, and different offices on-campus. These are just some of the various job opportunities you can apply for that will offer flexible hours, build up skills, and let you have extra money in your pocket.

Connect & Network 

Our smaller classes allow you to get to know your teachers, which makes it easier for you to meet with them and receive the one-on-one help and assistance you’ll need. This will make your time at PUC even better- and your professors can help you find jobs; internships; and connect you to people in your desired fields. Our alums work at the top hospitals in the country to the biggest entertainment companies. Living in the Napa Valley will also give you job opportunities- where you can make even more connections. Whether you have a job on or off-campus, employers will be intrigued by seeing you’ve worked in the Napa Valley, which can help you stand out in your interviews. 

Receive Assistance & Support

The transition into college can be overwhelming, which is why PUC’s Teaching & Learning Center has resources for students to receive advising and assistance. If you need extra help with a class or facing illness, injuries, or learning disabilities, we will provide any accommodation you need. Our counseling center also gives free sessions to students to schedule meetings with our licensed professional counselors. Whatever assistance you need, we have your back and will support you every step of the way. 

Have A Home Away From Home

PUC will quickly become your home away from home from the friends you’ll make, your deans, advisors, and professors. You’ll be surrounded by caring, helpful, and welcoming people who will make sure you settle in smoothly and have a great, successful year. 

We would love to have you at PUC! Visit our website for additional information. If you have any questions, call (800) 862-7080, option 2, or email admissions@puc.edu. Our admissions counselors will assist you with anything you need.

Meet PUC’s SA: Natalia Gomez, VP of Publication & Marketing 

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Natalia Gomez is this year’s SA VP of Publication & Marketing. She’s in charge of running SA’s social media accounts, creating all the visuals for their announcements and events, and in charge of designing their merch. Running their social accounts has given Natalia an “inside scoop” on how the student body feels about their events and allowed her to connect with more people. 

Natalia answered some questions for us to learn more about being a part of SA. 

What do you enjoy the most about being SA VP of Publication and Marketing? 

It might sound silly but I honestly love getting to read all the DMs, comments, and answers to polls or questions that get put on our Instagram accounts. It’s like an inside scoop as to how the student body feels or thinks about events, and it’s also allowed me to get to know more people!

What is the most important part of your role?

I would say that the most important part of my role is communication. It’s my job to communicate with other members of the team to get all the necessary information to create posts. Then I have to communicate those details across social media to the student body. I also check in with all the DMs for any questions or suggestions that SA gets through our @puc.sa & @withmewednesdays accounts on Instagram. 

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

I really love our team’s dynamic! I think it’s really special to get to be a part of a group that all have different majors and are a part of different departments or groups on campus. Without SA I’m not sure if we would have all met and gotten the chance to see each other on a weekly basis. Plus our group chat is really funny and it always makes me laugh. 

What goals do you have set for the rest of the school year with SA and the campus? 

One of my biggest goals right now is working on an SA march drop and possibly making it accessible online, so stay tuned!

Do you have a favorite SA event? If so, which one and why? 

Well during fall quarter my favorite SA event is the corn maze in Petaluma! I love getting to go and find my way out of the maze while scaring my friends or them scaring me. Although I also love the excuse to dress up and take photos with friends so banquet is always special to me. I think this year’s banquet will be bittersweet since it’ll be my last and graduation will be right around the corner. 

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

There’s so many plans for the rest of the year! Of course we will have poor mans banquet, actual banquet and hopefully a spirit week! A future even I’m looking forward to is a rollerskating night. I’m determined to be able to roller-skate without holding onto a friend for dear life!

What are your favorite things about PUC? 

I really love all the nature that we are surrounded by here at PUC. One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is grab a blanket and have a picnic or read out in on of the grassy areas. The grove is one of my favorite places for some quiet time, and in the spring its a great place to escape the heat on campus! Hammocking is also a lot of fun once the weather gets a bit sunnier!

Faces of PUC: Ugonna Nathan

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Meet one of our seniors, Ugonna Nathan. She’s from Fresno and majors in Pre-Med, B.S. in Biochemistry, and A.S. in Health Sciences. Ugonna’s dream job is to be a doctor, and with her dream graduate school being Loma Linda University, she chose to attend PUC after her father told her about the connections PUC has with LLU. “I wanted to take full advantage of that opportunity, especially since PUC and Loma Linda’s missions align with my beliefs.”

What is your dream job? 

My dream job is to be a doctor.

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

When I was younger, I wanted to be a pediatrician. I liked helping my mom take care of my two little brothers. I only had an older sister when I was younger, so I was so excited to be a big sister. I think that’s where my passion to work with children came from and I was excited when I found out that’s exactly what a pediatrician does.

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

My favorite thing about the Pioneers family is how welcoming everyone is. Coming to PUC as a transfer student during the pandemic was scary. I was nervous that I missed out on my chance to make friends. But at PUC, there were so many opportunities that allowed me to make new connections with such supportive friends and mentors that I am so grateful for.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 

My favorite place in the world is Nigeria. I love spending time with my family there. I’ve been there three times and I can’t wait to go again! Nothing beats African food straight from the motherland.

If you had to be trapped in a movie for a day, what movie would you choose?

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

What is something you’re passionate about? 

Food. I love trying new foods.

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

I want to visit the San Francisco Aquarium.

Missing Class? Here’s What To Do 

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Although you should never miss class, we understand emergencies can happen, or you can get sick. If you are ever to miss class in college, here’s what you need to do: 

Check Attendance & Late Work Policy 

If you plan on missing classes due to being sick, check your professor’s attendance and late work policies in their syllabi to know what to expect before talking with them. 

Check Course Calendar 

Another thing you need to check in your syllabi is your course calendar. See what your professor plans on teaching the day you miss and bring that up with them to see if there will be any changes. 

Talk or Email Your Professor In Advance 

Please inform your professors ahead of time that you will be missing class. Not only is this the responsible thing to do, but it allows you and your professor to work out a plan for missing class. If you’re not able to meet with your professor, address these things in your email: 

  • Apologize for missing class
  • Explain why you were not in attendance
  • Ask what you can do to make up for your absence 
  • Thank them for their time

Don’t wait till the end of the day to email them- do it ASAP.

Ask Your Classmates & Professor For Help 

Ask your classmates what you missed in class and see if they can share some of their notes with you. Bring up any questions or concerns to your professors because you don’t want to get behind in lectures or assignments. 

One of the great things about attending PUC is being in smaller classes. This makes it easier to meet with your professors, have them get to know you, and build relationships with them-unlike larger universities. Our professors care about you and your well-being, so don’t be afraid to talk to them when something comes up and you’ll have to miss class. They will do all they can to help you- just do your part and reach out to them. 

Achieve Your Best On Tests

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Sometimes students study so hard for a test and don’t get the exact outcome they hoped for. If your study techniques aren’t working for you, it’s time to change something about it. Here are ways to achieve your best on exams.

Make A Study Plan

Balancing your time between doing homework and studying for several classes can be tough. Making a study plan can help you stay on track of what you need to study and how long you want to spend studying. Note what specific parts you need to focus on and review. Either make this plan the night before or in the morning, so you know what needs to get done.

Go To Class

Skipping class will not help you prepare and do better on exams, so please go to class. Going to class will keep you on top of your studies, help you remember information, and feel more prepared for exams.

Take Notes

Take notes in class so you can look back on them while studying. Some teachers use PowerPoints during lectures, so write down everything and anything you know is important. Your notes will be a big resource to you and will help you prepare for your test.

Make A Study Guide

Make a study guide in advance with the notes you’ve taken and handouts given in class. If you organize your notes by terms, chapters, and sections, it’ll be easier to find what you need and be more beneficial to your learning.

(A lot of students use Google Docs to make a study guide. If you haven’t tried that yet, make your study guides there.)

Use Supplies That Helps You Learn

If you don’t enjoy taking notes or writing a study guide, use supplies that will make studying more interesting. Use colored sharpies, pens, and highlighters to make your study guide. Color code sections that you need to study more or will for sure be on the test.

Go Over Questions You Struggle With

When you study, make a little more time to go over the questions you struggle with. You won’t be able to achieve your best on tests if you go into it with uncertain answers and less confidence.

Work With Others

Find classmates that you would work well with when it comes to studying. Students have found that having a study group helps them remember the material and; gives them a better understanding of what to expect on the test.

(If you need extra help understanding a class, visit TLC to schedule a tutoring session or ask for help from your professor. PUC has resources to help you succeed!)

Work Ahead

Don’t wait until the week of your test to start studying. Work ahead and start writing out the information you will need to know. The earlier you study, the more ready you will be for the test.

Take Breaks

Take breaks so you don’t overwhelm yourself or burn out. You’re going to be gathering a lot of information, so give yourself and your brain a break.

Get A Good Night’s Rest

Getting a good night’s rest will make a difference in how well you do on your test. You’ll be more alert and won’t feel tired or sluggish.

We hope some of these tips help you. Study habits are important in college and it’s good to establish them early. Work hard, take care of yourself, and pray. You got this!

Q&A with PUC’s Pre-Med/Dent Club President Emily Smith

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Pre-med/dent Club President Emily Smith is a senior majoring in management for medical professionals. She joined the club as a freshman in 2019, which at the time was more active but had to stop events due to COVID. Once PUC opened the campus to all students this year, Emily ran for president to get the club running again. With many pre-med/dent students, Emily wants to create a club to make their educational journey more fun. 

Tell us about the Pre-Med/Dent Club. 

The Pre-med/Pre-dent club’s purpose is to provide resources and activities that prepare Pre-med/Pre-dent students for graduate school. We bring in speakers that talk about the admissions process and answer any questions students may have. We also have several fun activities such as trivia/game nights, movie nights, suturing tutorials, and health fairs. 

What motivated you to run for president? What do you enjoy the most about being president? 

I joined the club in 2019 as a freshman when it was much more active. The club stopped having events once COVID hit since we could no longer meet. I saw this year as an opportunity to get the club up and running again, so I ran for president. My most favorite part about being president is interacting with all the new pre-med/pre-dent students. I like being able to give them advice on courses, the admissions process, etc. Also, all the newbies have so much energy so it is refreshing!

What activities or events does the club have planned for this year?

We have plans for a few speakers this year. Speaking of which, we have a podiatrist speaking on November 15th via zoom, so please check our Instagram page for updates about the meeting info. We also are having a pre-vespers at the President Trecartin’s house on November 11th, so please come! The club has plans for a suturing tutorial, a collab with NSA to learn some basic skills (taking vitals, injections, etc), game/trivia nights, movie nights, etc. Make sure to follow the club on Instagram for event announcements. We are also open to any suggestions from students, so do not be afraid to reach out!

What are your goals for the club?

My hope is to make more students aware of the club. We have a large number of pre-med/pre-dent students on campus, so I want to create a club that can make the pre-med/pre-dent journey a little more fun. 

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pre-Med/Dent Club?

I like that you get to meet other students that are going through the same things you are. It can be rough especially if you are the first in your family to take this academic route. Meeting other students that are on the same journey makes things a little more manageable. 

To future students who are interested in joining, what would you like them to know? 

Join! We would love to have you! I hope to see you at our upcoming events!

Feel at Home with the SOL Club

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Senior Alondra Zepeda is this year’s president of the SOL Club. She wasn’t expecting to be president since she was new to PUC and felt nervous taking on the role since SOL Club is very well-known on campus, but as a proud Chicana who enjoys serving the community, Alondra knew this club was going to help her and students in many ways. Alondra and the rest of the officer’s goals are to build a community they can rely on and make each student feel at home.

Tell us about SOL Club

SOL CLUB stands for Student Organization of Latinos! This club has been around for quite some time at PUC and has been one of the clubs on campus to have many members. The mission of this club is to truly build a community that can rely on one another and be the place you can come to relax and enjoy. Our goals are not only to continue to grow as a club but also to build and give an insight of the club to the next team leaders of this club.

What motivated you to run for your position?  

Given the position of president was definitely something that I was not expecting to have during my junior year of college. I was still sort of new to the school, as well as to the club. I had only come into campus after COVID, so everything was still barely getting back to its old way. Especially knowing that SOL Club is a very known club in school, it made me a whole lot more nervous. But one thing I am completely proud of is my roots. I am a proud Chicana who enjoys serving its community, and not only did I know I was going to serve my community in some way- I knew this club was going to help me develop leadership skills and also help develop a strong community amongst the students here on campus. That’s what motivated me to take this position.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of SOL Club? 

I would have to say that my favorite thing about being part of SOL Club beside the events, is being able to develop new friendships. In every event, there’s always at least one new person that you meet, and you just think “Wow, I’m really glad I met this person”!

What are your goals for the club this year? What activities do you have planned or hope to do?  

The goal for this school year is to do many events for the student body and connect to the community a lot more. Every other Monday, we will be having Refresca at 7 pm. Refresca is an easy get-together where we get to mingle and worship, and it’s a great way to start the week. We do have fall fest coming up in November, so definitely do not miss our table! We will be serving a delicious plate. An upcoming big event is our Albion Trip which occurs every winter quarter. Last year’s trip was so much fun! This trip is a fun weekend trip where we get to enjoy ourselves and really just take a breather from school. So, definitely stay on the lookout for the announcements! We will also be doing some small events throughout the year, but we will announce those as the year comes along.

How can students get involved with SOL Club? 

Everyone is welcome!! We love the help and ideas that the students have. Feedback is important to us because that will allow this club to grow and give the community what they want. For those who want to get more involved with our clubs by helping out of any sort just approach us. If it’s easier they can just email me at ajzepeda@puc.edu, the V.P Catherine at catgarcia@puc.edu, or the secretary Nayelli at namgarcia@puc.edu. We would definitely love to have the members get involved!

What do you want future students to know about the club that is interested in joining?  

To future students, SOL Club is open to everyone! Just because it has a Latinx name doesn’t mean you can’t be part of it. Our goal is to make the student feel at home and build a community on which you guys can rely on. Joining a club allows you to know the campus more, and being involved is going to give you a good college experience. So do not be afraid and join! You will not regret it.