Esteban A. Ramirez is this year’s student association financial vice president. As financial VP, his primary responsibility is serving as the organization’s accountant, overseeing a range of duties essential to its financial management, and a key aspect of his role involves meticulous bookkeeping. Budgeting and consulting constitute integral components of SA’s financial VP. At the commencement of each academic year, Esteban strategically allocates resources to ensure SA operates within its budgetary constraints. Additionally, he frequently finds himself advising individuals on optimal resource utilization, leading to numerous consultations and advisory meetings.

Throughout the academic year, SA incurs various expenses related to events and activities while receiving income from student dues and event revenues. Esteban must meticulously track every transaction, ensuring accurate record-keeping and fostering effective communication with fellow officers. Handling payroll is another significant facet of his position. In this capacity, he’s tasked with disbursing payments to all SA officers and other employees across various campus organizations, such as the Campus Chronicle, Senate, and The Shed. This responsibility demands constant communication as he oversees payments for numerous student employees.

What’s the most important part of your role?  

The most important part of my role is being available and communicating effectively with others. Having been a member of various sports teams in the past, I’ve come to appreciate the essential dynamic of teamwork- where each player plays an integral part in achieving the collective success of the team. The key to a successful team lies in shared understanding, synchronization, and mutual support among its members. In essence, we must all operate cohesively, ensuring we are on the same page and consistently have each other’s backs. In this context, I firmly assert that being readily available and maintaining effective communication stands out as the paramount responsibility. These qualities serve as the linchpin for ensuring the seamless and efficient functioning of our operations, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the team.

What motivated you to join SA?  

Two compelling reasons prompted my decision to join the Student Association, each reflecting my deep commitment to making a meaningful impact on Pacific Union College and the lives of its students. Firstly, I was driven by the desire to contribute to positive changes on campus and serve as a voice for fellow students. Believing in the transformative power of the SA team, I aspired to be a student leader capable of advocating for the collective opinions of my peers. This conviction led me to pursue the role of Financial Vice President, confident that it would provide me with a platform to effect positive change. The second motivating factor behind my involvement in the Student Association was my aspiration to apply the skills acquired in my academic classes. As a major in accounting, I identified the role of Financial Vice President as the ideal opportunity to leverage my expertise. This position enables me to approach every situation with the analytical mindset of an accountant, donning my metaphorical business cap to navigate challenges effectively. I firmly believe that these experiences are instrumental in shaping me into the adept accountant and successful business professional I aim to become in the future.

What do you enjoy the most about being an SA officer? 

The aspect of being an SA officer that brings me the most joy is the wealth of collaborative opportunities it presents. Working alongside a committed team of six officers is a privilege, and I can honestly say that I hold deep admiration for each team member. The rich diversity of personalities and backgrounds within our collective is something I wholeheartedly value and find truly enriching.

Can you share any upcoming SA events with us?  

Last quarter, I collaborated with my Social Vice President to organize an exciting basketball tournament for this quarter. While my official title within the Student Association is Financial Vice President, traditionally focusing on numerical aspects, my background and experience in event organization have led me to team up with my Social VP. She graciously granted me the opportunity to take the lead on one social event per quarter.

My primary objective is to unite all students, fostering a sense of community and belonging through engaging events. The basketball tournament, aimed for a late weekend night during the Winter quarter, aims to break down barriers between student-athletes and the broader student body. I’ve strategically chosen a sports-oriented theme for the event to facilitate this connection. The core concept revolves around providing an inclusive opportunity for every student to participate and become part of a team. In contrast to extended sports tournaments that span weeks like intramurals, our tournament is designed to transpire in a single day. This condensed format accommodates those with limited time, allowing more students to actively engage in on-campus sporting events. 

Do you have a favorite SA event?

Lake Day stands out as my absolute favorite. Surprisingly close to PUC, Lake Berryessa had never been the venue for an event. However, that all changed this year thanks to our Social VP, who orchestrated a fantastic Lake Day Event earlier in the year. Picture this: boats gliding on the lake, students enjoying a refreshing swim, and the thrill of tubing while cruising around the picturesque expanse of water. The event blended music, games, food, and the joy of shared moments with friends. For those who couldn’t make it to the Lake Day earlier this year, good news is on the horizon. We’re gearing up to relive the experience in the upcoming Spring quarter as the weather heats up. Mark your calendars and make sure not to miss out on the fun!

What is your favorite thing about PUC?  

One of the aspects I cherish most about Pacific Union College is the breathtaking natural environment surrounding the campus. Being an avid outdoors enthusiast, I find the scenery in Napa Valley truly astonishing. Especially now during the fall season, when the foliage undergoes a magnificent transformation, showcasing vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. The drive to campus is a personal delight as I meander past picturesque wineries, immersing myself in the tranquil ambiance of the rich community that surrounds us. Exploring the back 40 through invigorating jogs and hikes is a favorite pastime, and I relish the opportunity to indulge in stargazing at night. Pacific Union College often blesses us with crystal-clear nights, offering a celestial display of twinkling stars accompanied by the frequent passage of shooting stars. It’s a magical experience that never fails to captivate me.