Meet Your Tour Guide

Hometown: Covina, CA
Status: Freshman
Major: Nursing
Involvement: Office of Admission
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The people and community! Everyone is so approachable and willing to assist in any way you need! I've felt welcomed since the very beginning and I take so much pride in being a part of such a close community!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Say "yes" to everything and live in the present! Take any opportunity you can to meet new people and try new things, but remember to truly cherish every moment. It goes by so fast!
Plans after Pepperdine: Pursue my MSN!
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Malibu Sand Dunes and the ice cream at KITH in the Malibu Country Mart!

Hometown: Rockwall, TX
Status: Junior
Major: Journalism and Political Science
Involvement: Kappa Alpha Theta, Pepperdine Graphic Media, KWVS Radio, NewsWaves 32
International Program: Washington DC and Heidelberg, Germany
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: At Pepperdine, I have experienced this sense of community not only among the students but within the classroom as well. Our small class sizes offer an encouraging and collaborative environment that has helped me excel throughout my three years here.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Join a club! When I was a first-year I joined the most random clubs on campus but I met so many amazing friends through it. Though it might seem daunting to put yourself out there, the rewards are immeasurable. 
Plans after Pepperdine: I plan to move back to Washington DC and work for a national broadcasting network as a politcal corespondent. 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Point Dume Natural Preserve

Hometown: Redlands, CA
Status: Junior
Major: Sports Medicine 
Involvement: Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, Brazilian Student Association, CIAO club, MESA, Pre-medical society, pre-dental society.
International Program: Florence, Italy
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the community. The people that make up our Pepperdine family are loving, kind, genuine, and open-hearted individuals that are always willing to learn something new. I have and will always appreciate the desire students have to make new connections and build lasting relationships. This is a community I had wanted for years, and I am so fortunate to have it now. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Your life is unfolding exactly how it is meant to. There is no timeline for perfection, and God's timing is always perfect. Even if an individual is not of the Christian faith, we can believe that there is no room for coincidence. The difficult class you took may have felt impossible, but it taught you resilience, the amazing friend you made showed you that you are worthy of love in every stage of life, and the four jobs you applied to but got rejected from was all worth the job you earned in the end. 
Plans after Pepperdine: I plan to attend dental school for four years and hope to specialize in maxillofacial surgery or cosmetic dentistry. I hope to continue participating in dental and medical brigades after graduation. 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: I love Taverna Tonys and the Malibu Country Mart. I spend most of my time at Whole Foods. 

Hometown: Roseville, CA
Status: Sophomore
Major: Political Science 
Involvement: Psi Upsilon, Model United Nations, Greek IV
International Program: Heidelberg, Germany 
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is how friendly of a culture there is on campus. I feel like you can go anywhere and talk to anyone on campus. Everyone here is just so friendly and willing to talk back and get to know you.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: My advice to future Waves is to put yourself out there. College is what you make of it; if you put yourself in situations to try new things, you’ll be able to find yourself, discover who you want to be, and do what you want to do.
Plans after Pepperdine: After Pepperdine I plan on attending Law School.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: My favorite spot in Malibu is Ralph’s Beach.

Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Status: Sophmore
Major: International Business 
Campus Involvement: Office of Admission, International Ambassador 
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The small close-knitted community! 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Go to office hours! Professors are the best tool to succeed in your class.
Plans after Pepperdine: International Sales
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Point Dume

Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Status: Senior
Major: Integrated Marketing Communications 
Involvement: Spiritual Leadership Cohort, Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, and The Well
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The PEOPLE! The second I stepped on campus, I could feel the difference in this community. This community is marked by love, intentionality, and God’s presence. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Learn to be comfortable, doing uncomfortable things. We grow the most outside our comfort zones! 
Plans after Pepperdine: Hoping to enter into a marketing or sales role! 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Point Dume

Hometown: Randolph, NJ
Status: Junior
Major: Advertising and Philosophy
Involvement: ATO, DSP, SGA, NSO Leader
International Program: Buenos Aires, Argentina and Milan Olympics Program
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The people have always been my favorite part; they truly make the place. Yes, Pepperdine is a beach school and a top-tier academic university, but it wouldn't be Pepperdine without its sense of community and belonging. It is through this community that you can truly find your purpose and vocation.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Move with intention. Let everything you do be in pursuit of something greater. 
Plans after Pepperdine: Work at an advertising agency or go to law school for entertainment law.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: The Malibu Sand Dunes up near county line at nighttime.

Hometown: Encino, California
Status: Junior
Major: International Business major with a Marketing minor
Involvement: First year Resident Advisor, Tri-Alpha Vice president
International Program: London, England
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The people truly make this beautiful place a home! The community is built up of
driven students, personable professors, and awesome people!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Try new things & be patient with yourself! Everything will come to pass and fall into plan just trust the process!
Plans after Pepperdine: Pursue my MBA!
Favorite Spot in Malibu: The beach! Or any hammock on campus where I can get a beautiful view of campus & Malibu!

Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA
Status: Sophomore
Major: Economics and Mathematics
Involvement: Delta Sigma Pi, Kristos Campus Missions, Club Tennis
International Program: Florence, Italy
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The size is a huge plus. Being at a small, private school makes it super easy to get involved across campus. You’ll often find yourself surrounded by familiar faces, which really helps you grow closer to your friends. Plus, living in a beach town is a pretty cool perk!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Put yourself out there! College is the time to experiment and take on new
sidequests. Whether you're joining clubs or picking up new hobbies, trying new things is the best way to step out of your comfort zone and learn who you truly are.
Plans after Pepperdine: Move to a big city and work in finance.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Zuma Beach

Hometown: Austin, Texas
Status: Sophomore
Major: Political Science Major on the Pre-Law Track
Involvement: I am the Entertainment Anchor for Pepperdine's News Station, NewsWaves32. I am also a member of Phi Alpha Delta (Pre-Law Fraternity)
International Program: Washington D.C.
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: I love how much the faculty cares about the students. All of the professors are truly there to help you succeed. They also love getting to know students outside the classroom. There is a program on campus called Dine With A Student, where faculty are able to grab coffee or a meal on campus with students for free! This is truly utilized at Pepperdine! I have appreciated how much care the professors put into their classes and into their relationships with students!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Say "yes" to everything! It's so wonderful spending your first year discovering new passions and meeting new people.
Plans after Pepperdine: After graduating from Pepperdine in three years, I hope to go straight into Law School, and then become a practicing attorney, or a legal correspondent for a news station. 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Malibu Frozen Yogurt! Its my favorite place to get a sweet treat after a long day of studying.

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Status: Junior
Major: Finance
Involvement: Office of Admission & Alpha Tau Omega
International Program: Florence, Italy
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine was my abroad experience! It was my first time going to Europe and went to 8 different countries in 3 months and got to experience the great Italian culture.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Get involved! There are so many clubs and organizations that have awesome communities. Starting early will set a great foundation for the rest of your college career. 
Plans after Pepperdine: I will most likely either be staying in Los Angeles or moving back to San Diego. Golf has also been an increasing passion for me so I will be trying to improve as much as I can in the sport. 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Country Kitchen, the best breakfast burritos in all of California. 

Hometown: Salida, CO
Status: First-Year
Major: Accounting and Religion
Involvement: SLA Bible Study, Waves Church, Jeff Wallings Bible Study
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: One of my favorite things about Pepperdine is the community. There are so many amazing people that can help you grow spiritually, and that can help you be accountable with anything your doing. Having a great community means having a great support system that is right there when you are struggling. Also, it is really easy to get involved whether it is clubs, events, or intramurals. That is just one of my favorite things about Pepperdine that makes Pepperdine so unique and amazing. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: I think a big thing is just being yourself, and not changing and trying to be someone your not. Over my short time at Pepperdine, I learned that God made me the way I am so why should I change it to try and fit in. Being myself has led me to amazing people that support me, and keep me accountable. 
Plans after Pepperdine: I plan on working as an accountant. Also, I really want to travel and do mission work. 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Hike to the Cross

Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Status: Junior
Major: Sports Medicine (Pre-Health)
Involvement: Tri Delta Sorority, Dance in Flight, Pre-Med Club
International Program: London, England
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The community! From faculty to your suitemates, the people here make your Pepperdine experience.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Get involved! Pepperdine is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and
reaching out to the community around you. There are so many resources for you to develop professionally and academically, so take advantage of the different opportunities we have on campus!
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Definitely Ralph's Beach! Best place to watch the prettiest sunsets.

Hometown: Irvine, CA
Status: Junior
Major: Sport Administration, Certificate in Conflict Resolution
Involvement: Alpha Tau Omega Executive Board, Club Beach Volleyball Captain, New Student Orientation Coordinator, Student Admissions Representative
International Program: Switzerland Global Sport
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite things about Pepperdine are the communities that are available to everyone. Pepperdine is a great place to fail because we will catch you when you fall, and it is a great place to succeed because we will continue to push you higher. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Say yes to everything! There are so many opportunities, connections, and experiences that are available here. Simply being available and willing to try anything can open up pathways to things you may have never expected.
Plans after Pepperdine: Sports Agent who represents Asian athletes on the American sport stage.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Surf Outpost 

Hometown: Denver, CO
Status: Junior
Major: Economics and International Busienss
Involvement: Tri Delta Sorority, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity
International Program: Switzerland
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite things about Pepperdine are our small, tight-knit community, our awesome professors, and being so close to the fabulous Malibu beaches. I also love all the resources we have to prepare our students in career readiness, as well as all our on-campus events! I especially love supporting our Greek Life organizations' philanthropies! 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: I truly believe that the more you put in, the more you’ll gain from your time here. Our community is small and supportive enough for you to really make an impact on campus and learn so much. The connections you form here are incredibly strong and lasting.
Plans after Pepperdine: I hope to either attend graduate school or work in economic consulting/financial analysis. 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Zuma and Point Dume or the Country Mart of course!

Hometown: Missoula, MT
Status: Freshman
Major: Nutrition; Minors: Public Health, Faith & Vocation
Involvement: Beta Psi Omega Fraternity, Pre-Med Club, Chemistry Club, Climbing Club
International Program: Florence, Italy
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: Pepperdine's faith-based community is what makes this place truly special. Whether you're deepening existing beliefs or exploring faith for the first time, there are countless opportunities to grow spiritually alongside your peers. It's a community where questions are welcomed, growth is encouraged, and worship becomes a natural part of your college experience!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Say yes to everything! Growth doesn't happen within your comfort zone, and stepping into the unknown often leads to the most meaningful experiences. Whether it's joining a new club, studying abroad, or taking on a leadership role you never imagined, remember that there's an incredible community standing behind you every step of the way, cheering you on and ready to catch you if you fall.
Plans after Pepperdine: After Pepperdine, I plan to attend medical school where I will earn my M.D. and work as an emergency physician in the U.S. Army. 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Leo Carrillo State Park

Hometown: West Sacramento, CA
Status: Freshman
Major: Sports Medicine
Involvement: Pi Beta Phi, Office of Admissions, Pre-med Club
International Program: Hauteville, Switzerland
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the close knit community you get to be apart of and all the different ways you can be apart of it. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Say “yes” to everything. Even the smallest moments can lead to amazing
experiences and provide the perfect opportunity to meet new people.
Plans after Pepperdine: I plan on attending graduate school to earn a degree in anesthesia, entering an
AA training program, and becoming an Anesthesiologist Assistant.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Ralph's beach

Hometown: Ridgecrest, CA
Status: Senior
Major: Biology and German
Involvement: Pre-Medicine Club President, Office of Admission Marketing Intern, Biology Teaching Assistant, Oncology research in the Gomez Lab, Pi Beta Phi
International Program: Heidelberg, Germany
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: Our loving community! It is such a joy to live alongside friends and learn from professors who are supportive, excited, and servant hearted. It has been an honor to go to class and travel the world with the same people who inspire me personally and spiritually every day.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Dive in! Pepperdine has so much to offer academically, socially, and spiritually. Regardless of what organizations you join, you'll find a group of people who will be excited to build you up—and you'll want to invest in them right back! This is a uniquely special place.
Plans after Pepperdine: After Pepperdine, I will attend medical school and earn my MD. I hope to become a clinical investigator in medical oncology.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: The top of Point Dume—you can't beat the sunset and ocean view!

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Status: Sophomore
Major: Sports Medicine 
Involvement: Psi Upsilon, Intramural Sports 
International Program: Washington DC
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the sense of safety I feel walking to and from my dorm at any hour. I love the balance of campus life—playing spikeball or pickleball with friends between classes, and having the luxury of driving down to the beach before doing it all over again the next day. Ultimately, my true favorite thing is waking up each morning, seeing that view, and thanking God for this opportunity
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Don’t sell yourself short; if it were easy, everyone would’ve done it. That’s why it’s so special that you’re doing it.
Plans after Pepperdine: Medical School
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Malibu Creek or Escondido Falls

Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Status: Freshman
Major: Business Administration
Involvement: Delta Gamma Sorority 
International Program: London, England
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: Obviously the location. But also the community, because Pepperdine is a smaller school, professors tend to know you personally, and classmates often become like family.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Say yes to everything and have fun! More importantly, remember you came here with goals. So keep them in sight :)
Plans after Pepperdine: Not exactly sure. But hopefully in the long term become a sports agent.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Malibu Country Mart & Malibu Sand Dunes

Hometown: Seattle, WA
Status: Junior
Major: Business Administration
Involvement: Tri Delta, Delta Sigma Pi
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the welcoming and friendly community here. I love how everyone truly wants to get to you know you. I also love being by the beach!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Don't be afraid to put yourself out there! You never know unless you try, and Pepperdine has so many great opportunities to try everything. 
Plans after Pepperdine: Upon graduation, I plan on pursuing my MBA.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Malibu Country Mart!

Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Status: Senior
Major: Psychology Major and Nonprofit Management Minor 
Involvement: Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Housing and Residence Life (First Year RA), Food Recovery, Latinx Student Alliance, Social Action and Justice Colloquium.
International Program: Washington, D.C. and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is how unique it is as a university. The combination of genuine community, excellent academics, an ideal loaction, and a core mission have all made my college experience distint and meaningful. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Be where your feet are! Pepperdine offers many opportunities for growth and change so it is important to be mindful of where you are presently so you can fully take it in. Time goes by so quick!
Plans after Pepperdine: After May, I will be seeking work or continued studies in Psychology, Social Justice, or Higher Education.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Tough decision between my favorite coffee shop, Caffe Luxxe, and the best view from the top of Corral Canyon!

Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Status: Sophomore
Major: Biology and Musical Theatre
Involvement: Musical Theatre Department 
International Program: Edinburgh, Scotland
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the small class sizes. I absolutely love being able to have a great relationship every single one of my professors. And you really get the impression that they care about you and truly want you to succeed.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: As a sophomore double major in musical theatre and biology, I’d tell incoming students to embrace balance and flexibility. College is full of opportunities, so don’t be afraid to explore different interests and really challenge yourself academically and creatively. Time management is everything. Make space and schedule everything out so you don’t burn yourself out. Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors who inspire you, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Most importantly, make sure that you are passionate about whatever path you choose to go down in life. 
Plans after Pepperdine: After Pepperdine, I plan to take a gap year in order to get my clinical hours for medical school. After graduating medical school, I plan to become a dermatologist.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: My favorite spot in Malibu is definitely the beach!

Hometown: Pico Rivera, Ca
Status: Sophomore
Major: Journalism
Involvement: Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Housing and Residence Life (Florence RA), NewsWaves32, Waves Cheer Squad, Campus Tour Guide, Social Action and Justice Colloquium 
International Program: Florence, Italy
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the tight-knit community and the welcoming atmosphere. I love the people here and, of course, the beautiful campus. The study abroad culture is amazing, and I’m so grateful to have called both the Malibu and Florence campuses home.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Try everything and embrace change! College brings challenges, but it’s also an incredible place for growth. Put yourself out there and surround yourself with good people, which at Pepperdine is easy. And remember, you are exactly where you’re meant to be! 
Plans after Pepperdine: After Pepperdine, I plan to go to law school and continue traveling! 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: My favorite spot is definitely Ralph’s Beach! The best days are spent being productive with classes and work, then ending the evening with Prince Street Pizza on the shore while watching the sunset.