Who knew a conversation over Starbucks would be one of the reasons a high school student would choose to attend PUC? 

Anna Maria Ramos Marin was a sophomore at her high school in Oregon when a PUC academic advisor asked her to meet over Starbucks to discuss the college. With Anna accepting the invitation and conversing about PUC, she ended up applying. 

Now, Anna is a junior majoring in communication with a minor in public relations and journalism. She has always enjoyed the world of communications and how multifaceted it can be, and when she was younger, Anna enjoyed being in front of cameras and all the aspects of human relations and communication. 

What made you decide to attend PUC?

There were two reasons, a Starbucks drink, and a “fight”. During my sophomore year in high school, an academic advisor from PUC asked to meet with me to talk about this school. She told me she would invite me for a Starbucks drink, so I said yes, and after some conversation, I ended up applying for the school. 

Fast forward to my senior year in high school, I was discussing future plans with a family friend who kept on telling me to go to another school–he wasn’t aware I had already planned on attending the school– but the way he was being so persistent came up almost as forcefully, and it started to make me mad. After all, not even my dad was obligating me to attend a specific school, so I told the man I would never go to the school he suggested and would enroll in PUC instead. Even though I chose PUC as an act of stubbornness and youthful rebellion, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What do you like the most about your program? 

Something I really like is how approachable the professors are. I have been able to know them personally and talk to them about my concerts both in academic and personal aspects. What’s even more interesting about this program is that most of the time, I don’t even realize the amount of information I am processing and the impact it has on every aspect of my life.  

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

I like how supportive the Pioneer family is and how we show support for each other. It can be seen when we support our teams in their games, art gallery demonstrations, music recitals, and more. The pioneer family is always there to show love and support.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would go to Cartagena or Medellin, Colombia. I don’t like cold weather, and I miss being able to get into the water without freezing. It would also let me visit my grandparents, relax, and have delicious food.

What is something you’re passionate about? 

I’m passionate about stories- how different experiences in a person’s life can change their perspective of life. Most importantly, I am passionate about telling those stories and connecting people through them.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in the Napa Valley? 

I’m not a big foodie and prefer homemade food. Whenever I can, I like to go to Sushi Haku. 

How would you describe your perfect weekend at PUC? 

My perfect weekend at PUC would start by waking up at around 9 am, having a light breakfast, and going out for a walk on the back forty. Then, I would go down the mountain for pastries, hang out in a park, head out for dinner, and finally, maybe watch a movie before heading back to campus.