PUC Life Now
Donated Equipment Enhances PUC Physics Education
Pacific Union College received a generous donation of cutting-edge laboratory equipment from B&K Precision to allow students in its physics department to acquire data more effectively and enhance learning.
Filmmaker Jon Shenk and Alumnus Craig Hickerson Present for Green Week
PUC celebrated Green Week 2013 through various on-campus activities. Events included a fashion show featuring upcycled clothing, a “design your own” Green Week t-shirt, and a demonstration on gardening...
Asher Raboy Named PUC 2013-2014 Educator of the Year
Asher Raboy, M.F.A., artist in residence, was named the Pacific Union College 2013-2014 Educator of the Year at a special colloquy program on March 14. The title is awarded entirely by student votes. This is Raboy’s first time receiving the award.
Student Blogs | David Ranzolin
Posted on March 13, 2009 at 10:41 am
PUC was blessed to have United States Senate Chaplain Barry Black (An Adventist who fills the highest ecclesiastical position in the United States) speak at both church services and the Heubach Lecture last Sabbath. Students, faculty, staff and a good showing of community members packed the sanctuary every time he mounted the platform. His magnetism as a speaker is unparalleled. I was amazed how he could expound upon such profound thoughts and apply them to a practical, everyday life.
I have remained unusually resilient to the age-induced lethargy known as "senioritis." While my friends stopped regularly attending classes weeks ago, I'm still a slave to routine. This is by no means self-congratulatory. Deep down, I fear that I will actually miss the rigid structure that school provides. People often call for the "freedom to" but I am content to rally around the cry for "freedom from." Specifically, the freedom from utilities bills. The freedom from a daily 9-5. The freedom from demanding employers. The freedom from real life. The freedom from responsibility. Somewhere, my parents are ashamed they raised a slacker and my girlfriend is sighing in disappointment at my alarming immaturity.
Seriously though, I imagine this "freedom from" idea is what makes Orthodox Judaism attractive to so many people. When your life is strictly regimented by routine and ritual, the existential angst that accompanies limitless choice slips away. Following all those regulations can actually be a liberating experience! This is in part what I feel school does for me. After all, my class schedule organizes my life for me. I don't have to do anything. I just fill in the gaps.
Let me tell you, the week before finals (coined as "dead week") has a way of filling those "gaps" for me. In light of what I've written above, you might think my reaction would be: "Hurray! More school and less freedom!" but I need breaks too. I can't wait for spring break so I can…work in an office every day. Hopefully, I can get in some much-needed golf.
David Ranzolin
Senior English and Religion Major