Tag Archives: PUC

What NOT To Do Before Dropping Off Your Student at PUC

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We have shared in the past what to do before coming to Pacific Union College–but have not shared what not to do. With college starting in the fall, you might be making sure your student accomplishes a list of things before move-in day, such as submitting financial aid, choosing their meal plan, and securing their classes and dorm room. Since mistakes are inevitable, here’s a list of things NOT to do before dropping off your student at PUC. 

Don’t Include Yourself In Everything 

Parents, we understand you want to be a part of your student’s college journey, but let them handle some decisions themselves. Such as their class schedules, dorm room assignments, and clubs they want to join. Make some suggestions if they ask, but with college being a new beginning for them, let them make this experience their own. 

Don’t Takeover Their Room 

Speaking of things to let your student decide on their own, let them take charge of decorating their dorm room. The dorm will be their home away from home, so respect their space in making it their own. 

Don’t Procrastinate on Shopping & Packing 

Buying dorm necessities is a process. From kitchenware and bedding to school supplies, there are a lot of items to buy, and some are easy to forget. Take care of school shopping in advance, and once you have those items, start packing them up. You will save time during the weeks leading to move-in day. 

Don’t Forget To Plan Holiday or Special Occasion Travels 

Your student going to college is proof of how fast time goes, so make holiday travel arrangements ahead of time if necessary. Especially if your student is flying for the holidays, book those tickets in advance to save money. If there is a special occasion your student cannot miss, plan those as well so they can have that on their schedule and make any arrangements needed with their professors and supervisors. 

Don’t Forget To Uplift Them 

Your student might be feeling nervous or anxious about leaving for college. Don’t forget to uplift and share positivity with them during these times. 

Check in here and there on how their college checklist is going, but remember to take in every moment you can with your student before they leave for college. No matter what happens, everything will work out. 

Meet PUC Chaplain, Arturo Lopez

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Pastor Arturo Lopez felt God calling him to serve after being baptized at the South San Francisco Latin-American SDA Church in 2009. He received his BA in theology from PUC and with nearly 13 years in ministry, Pastor Lopez is deeply grateful to God for orchestrating a plan for him to serve as a pastor. 

When and where did you begin your pastoral ministry?

I started full-time ministry at the Central California Conference of SDA in 2014. My first assignment was to serve as the associate/youth pastor for the Fresno Hispanic SDA Church under the leadership of Dr. Antonio Huerta. 

What made you decide to accept this position at PUC?

When I was presented with the opportunity to serve as the PUC chaplain, I reflected on my own experience as a student at PUC. My first months at PUC were tough. However, amidst some difficulties, my chaplain recognized my struggles and extended a personal interest in  my life. He prayed with me, offered encouragement, and became a valuable mentor during my PUC journey. Through his guidance, I learned the significance of a relational approach to ministry. I am eager to minister to students embarking on new career paths or experiencing significant life changes. This is why I gladly accepted the opportunity to come to PUC. 

Where did you previously work, and for how long?

Over the past nine years, my journey of service has unfolded within the Central California Conference of SDA. I began as an associate/youth pastor in Fresno and San Jose. Later, I transitioned into the role of district pastor, serving communities in Bakersfield, Taft, Salinas, and Seaside. Most recently, I held the position of pastor at the Monterey Bay Academy Church while also serving as the school chaplain. Now, I embark on a new chapter as I join the vibrant community of PUC. 

What are your spiritual focuses or goals for the college?

As the chaplain, I aim to implement three crucial spiritual goals. First, I seek to inspire students to prioritize love and unity within the PUC community. Building personal connections requires effort with such a vast and diverse campus, but we can all contribute to fostering an environment of genuine care for one another. Second, I aspire to collaborate with the school and church in creating opportunities for students to participate in purposeful discipleship programs and mentorship initiatives. These avenues will give the students guidance, wisdom, and accountability necessary for their spiritual growth. Lastly, I want to instill in students a passion for servant leadership, following the example of Jesus. At PUC, students have a unique opportunity to learn how to serve others through the careers they are pursuing, embracing a mindset of selflessness and compassion. 

How do you connect with young people and be a mentor throughout their spiritual lives?

I prioritize being present and accessible. I actively engage with young people by participating in various activities, attending student-led events, and being visible in communal spaces. Doing so lets students know I am available for conversations, ready to answer their questions, and offer guidance when needed. I also strive to create a welcoming environment where young people feel safe to express their spiritual thoughts and questions without judgment. This fosters an atmosphere of trust and openness. Lastly, I take pride in being a supportive listener. I provide a space where young people can freely share their joys, struggles, and doubts. By actively listening and building trust, I encourage them to develop a vibrant prayer life, seeking guidance and strength from God firsthand. 

How can the PUC family serve and support you as you minister for us? 

There are two essential things I would love my new PUC family to do. First, I ask for patience. I am eager to fully engage in campus life and serve the PUC community. However, to effectively fulfill my role as chaplain, I believe this first year should be dedicated to learning, supporting others, implementing new ideas, and allowing us to become acquainted, ensuring effective collaboration. Secondly, I ask you to pray for me. Feel free to reach out to me If you have spare time during the week to offer a prayer. As a pastor, it is not very common to have someone pray for you apart from your spouse and immediate family. Having someone approach you and say, “pastor, can I pray for you?” is truly uplifting. 

What are you looking forward to at PUC?

During my visit to PUC for interviews, I had the privilege of meeting numerous incredible individuals who were wholeheartedly dedicated to serving and working for the betterment of the PUC community. The warm and inviting atmosphere, the inspiring vision, and the ongoing commitment to nurturing students professionally and spiritually ignited a strong passion within me to be part of this fantastic community. This experience has filled me with enthusiasm and motivation to serve and collaborate with the leadership as we collectively shape the future of PUC. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Beyond work, there are several activities that bring me joy. First, I cherish spending quality time with my wife and our two very energetic elderly beagles. Second, my wife and I share a deep passion for traveling. Through our journeys, we have encountered remarkable individuals, immersed ourselves in different cultures, and beheld breathtaking landscapes. Third, I am an avid reader who embarked on a fun literary adventure during the pandemic. I decided to read books from every country, beginning with Afghanistan and currently making my way through Mexico. This literary exploration has fostered my appreciation for the similarities and differences across various cultures. Additionally, I find great enjoyment in playing golf, not only for the game itself but for the connections it allows me to forge beyond the professional sphere. Lastly, I proudly declare myself a devoted Star Wars fan, and May 4th holds a special place in my heart as a cherished holiday.

With growing up in Napa, working for the Napa Valley Register at a young age, then years later proposing to his wife in Napa- it is a full circle moment for Pastor Lopez to be back in the city that holds a special place in his heart and being the new chaplain at PUC. 

Five Summer Activities for College-Bound Students 

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For those of you who recently graduated high school, congratulations from all of us at PUC! With your last summer home, we’ve made a list of fun activities and some ideas for those of you who want to get a headstart into your major. 

Get an Internship or Job

For those of you who need an internship with your major, consider getting a summer internship. You’ll get an early start to see how people in your field work, know what skills you need to strengthen, and can include your internship in your resume. 

Many soon-to-be college students also like to take up a summer job before school starts to build up their resumes and make money to save for college. 

Volunteer 

Like a job, volunteer hours will look good on your resume, especially if you want to work for a charity or nonprofit. If you don’t know where to volunteer, research local charities. Think about the types of work you care about, then see if any local places are looking for volunteers. 

Make a Local Bucket List

For those attending college far from home, spend the summer as a tourist in your city. There might be things you haven’t had the chance to do or try yet, so make a local bucket list before you leave for college. 

Revisit the Things You Love 

Revisit the things you love by returning to your hobbies and spending time with your friends and family. Go on a road trip with friends or your favorite hang-out spots. Before your schedule gets busy with school, this is your chance to have fun. 

Start Planning for Move-In Day

For those moving into a dorm, start checking off items on your dorm list, such as bedding, appliances, kitchenware, or school supplies. If you are flying, look out for ticket prices and buy them in advance. 

While there’s much to do before school starts, there’s also plenty of time to enjoy your summer. 

A Glance Into PUC’s Film Program from Professor Tim de la Torre – Assistant Professor of Visual Arts

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Tim de la Torre has been working at PUC for 10 years now. He graduated from PUC’s film program in 2006, with the college’s location and the Visual Arts Department holding a special place in his heart. There was a moment of transition in his life when Dean Milbert Mariano (then chair of the visual arts department) called to ask if Tim would be interested in interviewing for an instructor position. He’s so thankful Dean Milbert and his department saw potential in him because “It’s been a fantastic fit”. 

Tell us about PUC’s film and television production program.

Our program here at PUC is unique in so many good ways! The diversity of our student body is a real benefit to our writers and artists who are exploring topics that matter to them. It allows them to have the benefit of input from people from different intersecting identities that can help each other avoid stereotypes and cliché’s that are easy to miss when you create in an echo chamber. 

I am really proud of the culture we’ve created where students learn hands-on production skills with the equipment and make high-quality films through practice. Our rural location and residential campus housing mean students end up spending a lot of time in Fisher Hall and feel a sense of belonging and shared ownership of the space. We are like a family. It also means we are always making and creating because we live our lives in this space. 

What are the class sizes?

Our department has 40-50 students in 3 disciplines: film, graphic design, and fine art. Our small class sizes mean you will know all of your professors and student cohort. It allows faculty to really help mentor and guide you as we get to know you throughout the years of your program. 

Is there a class you enjoy teaching the most?

Group Production is my favorite class. It’s where we meet twice a week, and students pitch ideas for film projects they want to create, and we support the students in producing their ideas. There are always incredible projects that come out of that class! 

What equipment is available for students? 

We have everything you would expect to see on the set of a major motion picture production. We have a fully loaded grip truck for location production, high-end cinema cameras, and smaller cameras with differing unique use cases, such as documentary and low-light environments. We also have a huge range of lenses, including anamorphic, cinema zooms, probe lenses, tilt-shift lenses, and vintage glass. 

In the last couple of years, we even taught classes using Unreal Engine for film production and have a senior finishing her thesis project using Unreal Engine. The best way to understand is to reach out to the professors and come and visit us. If there is something specific you want to explore, chances are we have the tools to do that or the ability to obtain them and support you in pursuing your interests.  

Do students need internships? 

I always say the most important class you’ll take at PUC is your internship, which ideally, does not take place at PUC! It’s where you take your skills, knowledge, and professional and interpersonal skills and go out and get real-world experience that often leads to a job after graduation! 

What are the highlights from your department this year? 

We worked on multiple projects funded by the Sonscreen Film Festival, which allowed us to cast professional actors and even hire some professional crew to work alongside our student crew. The level of production quality and experience our students gained from this really helped us make up for the time we were teaching online during COVID when those students didn’t have as many opportunities to develop set experiences. 

Where do some of your graduates work? 

We have many alums in LA working in film as writers, directors, editors, and in the camera department. Others created their own companies and are documentarians, corporate and non-profit production. Some have gone on to work for various church-based organizations such as Hope Channel, Amazing Facts, and 3ABN. 

What should future film and television students know and prepare for before college? 

Bring your curiosity and hunger to learn. Be prepared to work hard. It’s the only way to close the gap between your taste and skill.  

PUC faculty and students and alumni attend the Sonscreen Film Festival in April 2023. Eight PUC student films were selected as official entries and PUC won three categories and was runner-up in two other categories.

The Visual Arts Department grip truck makes transporting all of the equipment necessary for location production possible!

Running a demo shoot for College Days in 2023.

On the set of “Radish Soup” which will be completed in late 2023. 

Tim de la Torre and student Josue Hilario prepping the location before production begins of “Inner Space” in May 2023. 

Prepping the location before production begins of “Inner Space” in May 2023. 

“Inner Space” production in May 2023. 

Make sure to check out their YouTube channel www.youtube.com/pucfilm and follow their Instagram @pucart for upcoming projects!

Advice for Post-Grads 

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Whether you graduated from high school or college recently, navigating life after graduation can be difficult. If you are feeling scared or nervous, that’s okay! It’s normal to fear this next phase of your life. Here’s some advice for you undergrads:

Rest & Have Fun 

Rest and have fun after graduation! You’ve spent the last year studying and not sleeping enough- you deserve a much needed break. 

Don’t Rush, Move At Your Own Pace 

Please try not to compare yourself to others. Even if others seem to have it all figured out before you, that’s fine! Move at your own pace and don’t rush. Don’t make decisions based on what you think you should be doing or what your friends are doing. Do what feels right to you and be present in this time of growing and learning. 

Make Time for Joy 

Adjusting to this new life change may seem daunting, so make time for the things that bring you joy. When you start working, you might forget or be too tired to do things you enjoy with all the responsibilities you have. Be sure to make time for joy- whether that be spending time with friends, family, and your hobbies. 

Budget   

When finding a balance between your work and personal life, spending money can be easy to do. Before you buy things for your personal life or take a trip, pay your bills or loans first. This will help you budget and keep yourself from spending overboard. We know it isn’t fun but welcome to the “real world”. 

Learn New Skills 

Whether or not you land your ideal position, learn from your job. Take advantage of the opportunities provided so you can develop new skills. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, lead or take on more responsibilities. From answering the phone, taking care of clients or customers, or writing emails, these skills can help strengthen your resume as a new grad. Make the best of all your new experiences. 

If you’re taking time off from working, learn other skills you’ve put aside due to time. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Put Yourself Out There 

Putting yourself out there can be nerve-racking- but it can lead to career opportunities and friendships. You never know who knows who, and if you’re lucky, you’ll meet someone who works in your desired field.

You don’t have to have everything figured out. Life throws a lot of curveballs and you’re still growing and learning more about yourself. 

Ways To Treat Yourself Without Spending Money 

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We know how tempting it can be after a long day (or even morning) to want to treat yourself. Especially as a student, it’s nice to reward yourself after studying, taking an exam, giving a presentation, or just getting through another day. Treating yourself can be costly, so here are some ways to treat yourself without spending money. 

Take A Nap 

What better way to treat yourself than by taking a nap. You must allow your body to rest so you can feel energized to attend to your tasks and continue being yourself. 

Make Tea or Coffee 

Indulge in a cup of tea or coffee and take it easy. You’re always doing something, so sip on your drink and relax. 

Hangout With Family or Friends 

Spending time with your family and friends can do so much good for your soul. With still being in a pandemic, we have to continue being careful. Stay in by kicking back, playing board games, having a movie marathon, or just enjoying being in the company of your loved ones. If you’re not able to meet in person, hang out through video chat. 

Enjoy The Outdoors 

If weather permits, enjoy the outdoors. Go on a bike ride, cruise around on your skateboard or longboard, or go for a walk. To put yourself in more ease- lay out your hammock or blanket. However, you like to enjoy the outdoors, treat yourself to it. 

Exercise 

Even exercising for 15-30 minutes can help you feel refreshed. Get a quick workout in your day by going to the gym, doing a workout video in your room, playing sports, or going for a walk.  

Read A Book 

Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read and treat yourself to a couple of chapters or even finish the whole book. 

Write-In Your Journal 

We can have so many things going on in our minds that it can be hard to get all our thoughts in place and feel calm. Writing in a journal can help organize your thoughts, clear your mind, and bring perspective to light. Have music in the background to help soothe you as you write in your journal. 

Watch A Show or Movie 

It’s a treat to chill out to your favorite show or movie. For some, it can be hard to find time to catch up on shows or movies, but when you’re able to, sit back and enjoy the show.

(Yes, it can cost to watch a show or movie, but if you already have a subscription to a streaming site this applies to you.) 

Clean

We know cleaning isn’t a treat for everyone, but for some it is. Getting rid of things, organizing belongings, and finding items you lost can feel good and productive at the same time. 

Do Nothing 

Sometimes all we have energy for is to simply do nothing- and that is okay. Don’t feel guilty for not doing anything because you are doing something- you’re giving yourself time to relax and unwind. 

Remember to take care of yourself and understand the importance of it. If you keep going without taking time to treat yourself, you’ll burn out and miss the joys of life. Engage in acts of self-care that also don’t require you to spend money. 

Faces of PUC: Lanea Carver

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Lanea Carver is a freshman education, liberal studies major from Antioch, CA., but used to live in Angwin. Many of her family members attended PUC, so being a student herself at PUC was always in mind. Lanea’s mother inspired her the most to come to PUC, and we could not be happier to have her as a part of our Pioneers family. 

What is your dream job? 

My dream job is to become a science and humanities teacher of all grade levels in a private, public, and Christian school. 

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

When I was younger, I always wanted to be a chef. I even considered going to culinary school in St. Helena. I love cooking just as much as eating.

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

The environment has to be one of my favorite things about this place. The nature is beautiful and the people are so kind and welcoming. 

Where is your favorite place in the world? 

My favorite place in the world is Wallace, Idaho. It’s small and full of history, just a fun place to be with your family. My grandma lives in Kellogg, which is only 15 minutes from Wallace so when I visit her it’s a place I always go to and they have a great melodrama.

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

Shrek the third

What is something you’re passionate about? 

Something that I am really passionate about is caring for others. Everyone deserves something who cares and being able to help others and make people laugh is something that I’ll always put first.

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

Probably pier 39 in San Francisco, it can be pretty chilly but they have a whole store just for socks so it’s worth it.

Visual Arts Student Designs Set for PUC Musical  

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During the beginning of this school year, auditions were in process for the Jericho Road Musical, which tells the story of two young individuals who fall in love, get married, have a child, and face problems throughout their relationship. Senior graphic design major Sarah Franklin saw this as a fun chance to work on props and set design. With already having experience with stage production and film set design and taking a class from musical director Lindsay Morton, Lindsay asked Sarah if she would be interested in creating the artwork and advertisements for the show too. All these roles created a great opportunity for Sarah to use the material in her portfolio as she finishes her senior year at PUC. 

How long did it take to complete all the art for this show? What did you enjoy the most about this experience?

I completed all the advertising artwork over winter break, and it probably took me around 30 hours. For the set design, we’ve been working all quarter and are still working on painting and constructing everything. I really enjoy working with other people on a project and helping them make their vision come to life.

Do you have a favorite art piece from the show?

It’s difficult to answer this because I consider the whole set an art piece. If I had to pick an individual piece from the show, I’d say the tree from the wedding scene, which turned out beautifully. Bethanee (Tabura) did most of the carving and painting of the tree trunk, which was made of several layers of foam, and we worked together to add the vines and leaves to the branches. We also added string lights to create a whimsical look that fits the wedding scene nicely. 

What do you like the most about PUC’s visual arts department?

I really appreciate the feeling of family in the VA dept. Throughout my years here, I have become so close to my professors and classmates. I truly value the diversity of the department and how we work together and benefit from our differences. I think it’s amazing when people who are different from each other can learn from one another and create truly amazing things together.

What have been the most important things you’ve learned from your classes, professors, or mentors?

One of the most important things I’ve learned as a visual arts major is to take inspiration from anything and everything. As an artist, I am constantly absorbing the environment I’m in—people, objects, architecture, colors, shapes, shadows, lines, graphics, words, lyrics, you name it. Being an artist means you are always taking in your surroundings and looking at the world from different points of view. It also means you are processing all this information in a way that is unique to you and relaying these new perspectives to others in a way that moves them or makes them think differently. 

Is there a class you found most valuable to you?

There are a lot of classes that were valuable to me, so I’ll give you all of them and a short reason why:

Astronomy with James Robertson–gave me perspective on how small we are and how short life is.

History of Contemporary Art Since 1945 with Jon Carstens—my favorite art history class of all-time; introduced me to some of my favorite artists and works (Mark Rothko, Josef Albers, Andy Warhol, and Lynda Benglis to name a few). These artists’ works were an integral part of my senior thesis research and inspiration, so this class has been extremely valuable to me.

Packaging Design with Cliff Rusch–aside from this being one of the most fun classes for me as a graphic designer, I ended up becoming really close to my classmates and creating some great friendships which I value so much. Not only do I value our friendships, but also the constructive criticism, competition, and push to become a better designer. 

Can you share any projects you hope to do this year?

Aside from Jericho Road, this year’s main project is my senior thesis. I am working on gathering data from individuals about their favorite colors and using this data to represent the evolution of color preferences throughout one’s life. The data will be visualized through a series of paintings and will be hung in the Rasmussen Art Gallery this spring. 

PUC Alum Sierra Lewis Wins the Jury Award at Sonscreen Film Festival 

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Sonscreen is an Adventist film festival hosted by the NAD that takes place every year during the spring in Southern California. This year, Sonscreen was in Loma Linda, CA, where more than 20 PUC film students and alums attended, along with professors Rajeev Sigamoney and Tim de la Torre. At the festival, they attended film screenings, professional showcases, participated in a pitch competition, and attended the awards banquet.

PUC film and television honors alum Sierra Lewis ‘22 has attended the festival three times and sadly couldn’t make it out to this year’s festival like she hoped. Sierra has always enjoyed going since it’s a great time to bond with the department and connect with other filmmakers and creatives from other schools. During this year’s festival, she won the Jury Award and was runner-up for Best Documentary. 

What does winning the Jury Award mean to you? 

Since graduating from PUC, it hasn’t been as easy to find/make time for my art, and I’m not working in a “creative field” at the moment. But winning the Jury Award means a lot because it gave me that validation that reminded me that I’m on the right track, despite what it looks like- and that I shouldn’t give up because there’s a place for my work and for these stories to be told in the world.

Share with us about the project you submitted for this category.

The project I submitted to the festival was my senior thesis documentary titled, Echoes. My intention was to explore the idea of what “do it yourself” (DIY) looks like within the Black community and its intersectionality between arts and politics.

I was lucky enough to get to know some amazing artists from a collective called Nure (based in Oakland, CA), and I juxtaposed their stories alongside found/archival footage that I felt “echoed” what was being said. At least for me, the idea of Black DIY is something that feels like a cultural heritage, and I hope that the film was able to showcase that tradition.

You were also Best Documentary Runner-Up at the festival. Talk to us about your documentary.

As far as inspiration for the film, I’m inspired by creative and introspective people. People who think and philosophize about life, and can’t help but synthesize their thoughts and feelings with a creative outlet.

In any case, for most (if not all) of my films, I tend to be led by music. I always make a playlist that helps me enter the right headspace for the project that I’m working on. For Echoes, there were a lot of Moses Sumney, Solange, and moody jazz instrumentals.

How did you develop an interest in filmmaking? Did you know you always wanted to do this?

Oh boy. My interest in filmmaking actually developed from Youtube. When I was a high school freshman, I had a YouTube channel with a close friend, which lasted for a few years. As time went on, I wanted to keep pushing myself further to make videos of quality, vs just silly challenges or whatever. Eventually, I made my first little short film and started doing character profiles on my friends. My mom thought I should study film in college, so you can say the rest is history haha. 

How has being a student at PUC helped you grow as a filmmaker? 

Oh my goodness, being a student at PUC has expedited so much of my growth as a filmmaker and artist. There’s such great energy in the Visual Arts Department at Fisher Hall. Our professors give so much to provide us with great experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, from the various film projects to the different excursions like trekking down to Sonscreen Film Festival. It’s a beautiful, safe space, and I’ve always felt supported by my teachers and peers. Fisher feels like home. 

Is there someone at PUC that has made an impact on you?

Gosh so many. If I had to give names, I’d say Michael Jefferson, Dean Philpott, and every teacher in the Visual Arts Department- no explanation needed. 

Can you share any future projects with us?

At the moment, I’m trying to work on an accompanying zine for my thesis film. Sort of like supplementary material, and other than that, I’m working on putting out movie reviews/film critiques and experimenting with different formats for that kind of content too. Anything else, I guess you’ll just have to wait and see. 😉 

Senior Spotlight: Ethan Blanca

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Ethan Blanco will be graduating this June with a degree in Liberal Studies. From Bakersfield, CA, Ethan originally intended to enroll at his local community college. However, not a month before the school year was to start, he learned that many of his local church friends were enrolling at PUC. That was the only thing that motivated Ethan to attend PUC instead.  

Do you remember what stood out to you the most when you first arrived on campus? 

What stood out to me the most when I first arrived on PUC’s campus was the atmosphere. The green and opulent plant life, for one, was stunning to me. I come from Bakersfield, which is certainly not known for its natural green beauty, so I was excited about the change of scenery. The sense of a close-knit community was another theme of PUC that I noticed almost immediately upon arriving. 

What has been your favorite class? 

My favorite class was EDUC-447-01 – Classroom Management with Professor Penaflorida. As someone going into the education field, it was a class that I already knew would be important for my career. However, the way Professor P involved all the students in their own learning and promoted safe and creative discussion was an amazing experience.  

What is something you want to accomplish before graduating? 

I hope to complete the rough draft for a novel I have been writing for six years. Coupled with this novel, I want to add detail to the creative writing of the fantasy world the novel is based in. The hope is that there will eventually be many different stories written about it. 

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 the connection that I have bridged with my professors. Many professors here at PUC have helped mold me into the person I am today, and I am both proud and thankful for that fact. I am confident that the relationships I have built over the four years I have been a part of the Pioneers family will not go away after I graduate. 

Recommend a restaurant in the Napa Valley and what people should order. 

Giugni’s Deli is a great sandwich shop off St. Helena Highway. The portions of the sandwich are quite generous. If you wanted, you could eat the sandwich in halves for two separate meals. Plus, there are a lot of ingredient options. If anything, I was overwhelmed with how many choices I had. 

What are you going to miss the most about PUC? 

What I will miss the most about PUC are the people. I have made many connections with friends that will certainly stay with me for years to come. Many of my friends are also committed to the creative writing projects that I am involved in. It is because of them that I have gained the confidence and ideas that have helped shape my novel.