Meet Your Tour Guide

Hometown: Newport Beach, CA
Status: Sophomore
Major: Business Administration
Involvement: Golf, Basketball, Student Worker in the Office of Admission, Art Club
International Program: London, England Summer Religion Program

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

There is a strong sense of community that radiates throughout many aspects of the experience here at Pepperdine. This could be something as small as running into people on my way down to get food or at the library that I was not even planning on seeing that day! The professors are also really great about not only wanting the students to learn but they also really care about getting to know the students outside of the classroom as well!

Words of wisdom for prospective Waves

Always maintain a good balance in whatever you choose to do!

Plans after Pepperdine

Work hard at whatever it is I am doing after I graduate.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

The beach (of course)!

Hometown: Irvine, CA
Status: Sophomore
Major: Political Science & Sociology 
Involvement: Student Government Association, Office of Admissions Student Worker, Delta Delta Delta, Latino Student Association, Transfer Alliance

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

I am constantly amazed by the overwhelmingly supportive community at Pepperdine. No matter what situation you are in, someone is always willing to support you in any way you might need. I love walking around campus and seeing all the friendly faces of the tight-knit community!

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Whether it is Pepperdine or not, make sure you choose a university that is the right fit for you and fulfills all your needs. It is imperative you attend a school where you can really imagine yourself succeeding and ultimately calling it your home. Don't be afraid to focus on what you want and need, and make changes to make sure you get that - regardless of what the people around you think.

Plans After Pepperdine

I hope to attend Law School and work towards practicing Immigration Law in the future.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Cholada Thai Beach Cuisine.

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Status: Freshman
Major: Economics/Applied Math and Hispanic Studies Minor
Involvement: Pepperdine Concert and Chamber Choirs, Young Life
International Program: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The community. Everyone's willingness to have real, deep conversations and the constant encouragement that I receive from everyone around me has truly shaped my Pepperdine experience thus far.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Come to college being prepared to experience great amounts of change. You are going to meet so many unique, diverse people who will push you to improve and grow. Also, college is not going to go the way that you plan or expect it to, so just prepare to go with the flow!

Plans after Pepperdine

Graduate School of some sort.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Lily's Malibu (best burritos. yum.)

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Status: Senior
Major: Intercultural Communications
Involvement: Pi Beta Phi, Green Team, Campus Ministry
International Program: Heidelberg, Germany

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the community. It's incredible to be surrounded by so many students and professors each bringing unique perspectives and passions to the table.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you but make time to reflect and invest in your own personal growth. College can be a busy time and it's easy to overcommit. It's so valuable to find time every week to reflect on the things happening around you.

Plans after Pepperdine

Still figuring it out. I would love to move to D.C. or San Fransisco and work for a social enterprise.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Ralph's beach at sunset...or Cafe Luxxe

Hometown: Hacienda Heights, CA
Status: Senior
Major: Interpersonal Communication
Involvement: Student Government Association (SGA)- Freshman Class Senator, Housing and Residential Life (HRL) - First-Year Hall Resident Advisor, and Pepperdine Ambassadors Council (PAC)
International Program: Heidelberg, Germany (the most MAGICAL program!)

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

You can't go a minute without someone saying "hello" or genuinely asking about your day. Students, faculty, professors, and administrators all want to get to know you--- the real you! The desire to build a friendly and authentic campus is what makes Pepperdine so special.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Don't forget to say "thank you" to every person who has helped you along the way. Thank your parents/guardians for driving you all the way out here for a campus visit. Thank your teachers/counselors for writing your letter of recommendation. Thank your friends for being a source of encouragement. A little bit of gratitude goes such a long way!

Plans after Pepperdine

Working with students hopefully at a higher-education institution. Or traveling the world, listening to people's stories, and finding the spiciest foods. All of these options would make me feel like the happiest person!

Favorite Spot in Malibu

You'll find me at Lily's Burrito eating a Pastor burrito drenched in their delicious hot sauce.

Hometown: San Clemente, CA
Status: Freshman
Major: Integrated Marketing Communications
Involvement: Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and Club Volleyball Team
International Program: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

My favorite thing about Pepperdine is our professors and their passion for Pepperdine students.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

No matter where you end up, invest in the people around you who care about you, push you, and motivate you to be the best version of yourself. (Pepperdine is a great place for that!)

Plans after Pepperdine

I am aspiring to eventually become a travel journalist or an owner of my own business in the realm of creative arts.

Favorite Place in Malibu

Corral Canyon or Colony Beach

Hometown: West Monroe, LA
Status: Senior
Major: Philosophy
Involvement: Intermural sports, Philosophy club
International Program: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Kaikoura, New Zealand

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The community!

Words of wisdom for prospective Waves

Enjoy the present, it goes by fast!

Plans after Pepperdine

Uncertain, TBD! 

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Point Dume sunsets

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Status: Junior
Major: Economics with a minor in Applied Mathematics
Involvement: First Year Resident Advisor, Intramural Soccer, Economics Honor Society
International Program: Lausanne, Switzerland

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

My favorite things about Pepperdine are the people I have met and the friends that I have made during my time here. I am grateful to live in an environment full of motivated, successful, loving, and caring people that are constantly pushing me to be a better person myself. Pepperdine's students, faculty, and staff are a large part of the reason why this school is so great.

Words of wisdom for prospective Waves

My advice for any prospective college student is to picture yourself living at each school. What would a typical day look like? Could you see yourself as one of the students here on campus? Get to know the people and the area, and see if this is the right fit for you.

Plans after Pepperdine

After Pepperdine, I plan on pursuing some level of a graduate degree in Law, Business, Economics, or Education.

Don't stress about what you're going to do with your life. I came into Pepperdine undeclared, and I still don't have a clear idea of my plans after college. I do know, however, that Pepperdine is preparing me to be successful in whatever endeavors my future may hold. 

Favorite Place in Malibu

My favorite spot in Malibu, as cliche as it is, has to be the beach. It's a great place to take a walk, read, pray, think, and of course, hang out with friends. Whether its a sunset swim, a competitive game of Spikeball, or some quiet time of reflection, almost all of my Pepperdine highlights have happened at the beach.

Hometown: Portland, OR
Status: Senior
Major: Business Administration, Minor in French 
Involvement: Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, the Office of Admission, Housing and Residence Life, and Choir
International Program: Lausanne,  Switzerland and Switzerland French Intensive Summer Program

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The community is an amazing place where education, faith, and engagement are all fostered

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Take advantage of every opportunity! Try to say yes to things and be open to new activities and people even when they seem different.

Plans after Pepperdine

Excited to find a career and continue fostering friendships and relationships made at Pepperdine. I'm also hoping to travel a little before starting work.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

El Matador Beach

Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA
Status: Senior
Major: Economics and Political Science
Involvement: Alpha Tau Omega, Political Thought Forum
International Program: Heidelberg, Germany

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The abroad programs.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Cherish your time! Your 4 years here will fly by. Enjoy every second of it!

Plans after Pepperdine

Law School.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Malibu Seafood

Hometown: Maple Valley, WA
Status: Junior
Major: Political Science
Involvement: Resident Adviser for Freshmen, VP of Climbing Club, Surfing Club, Scuba Club and, Political Thought Club.
International Program: East Africa Summer Program

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

Have you ever surfed before dawn, rock climbed in the afternoon, and had a bonfire on the beach with ten of your closest friends all in one day? That was my Wednesday this week. As many adventures as Pepperdine has to offer, the friends that I experience them with will always be my first thought when I hear the word "Pepperdine." You can find mountains and surf all around the world. What you cannot find anywhere are my best friends, Luke and Jacob. Pepperdine attracts and accepts a certain caliber of individuals, providing the perfect environment to create deep community, or as I prefer, family.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Be the most interesting version of yourself that you can, pursue every passion to the fullest, and trust God in every decision. Ultimately, He has a plan for everyone that is so much greater than any that we could construct on our own.

Plans after Pepperdine

Law School or Naval Officer Candidate School, dependent on finances.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Can't say, it's a secret surf spot.

Hometown: Columbus, OH
Status: Junior
Major: Public Relations
Involvement: House Group, Coca-Cola Intern, Green Team, Songfest, Waves Effect
International Program: New Zealand and London, England

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The friends I see walking across campus and the amazing opportunities Pepperdine has afforded to me.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

The earlier you submit your application, this helps with not only the logistics of our office receiving all your materials but the peace of mind knowing you're done.

Plans after Pepperdine

Work as an entertainment Publicist.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Anywhere that I can get a good view, which isn't hard to do. Hiking to the top of the Santa Monica mountains is a personal favorite of mine.

Hometown: Pomona, CA
Status: Freshman
Major: International Studies (Political Science emphasis)
Involvement: Latino Student Association, Veritas Club, AO ministry, First-Gen club, Global Fellows Program
International Program: Florence, Italy and Washington, DC

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The ocean view every morning that greets me as I walk out of my dorm. 

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Make the effort to pour into the relationships around you. It is easy to be swept up in the busyness of our own schedule, our classes, our dreams that we stop thinking about one another. Yes, college is an exciting time for you, but remember that it isn't all about you. Call your parents, ask them how THEY are rather than only updating them constantly with how YOU are. Life is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling when our productivity isn't solely measured by how we served ourselves today (finished homework, got that workout in, aced the interview) but how we served others. In essence, be intentional with your relationships, resources, and mentors.

Plans after Pepperdine

Not sure exactly yet. Plan to apply for the Fulbright National Geographic Fellowship and I intend to go to graduate school. Possibly law school.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Ralph's beach (two minutes down the road and right across PCH).

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Status: Freshman
Major: English - Writing and Rhetoric, Philosophy
Involvement: Mock Trial, Freshman Class President, Black Student Association,  Student Government Association Student Irritants Committee, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-law Fraternity
International Program: Summer Florence GE Program, DC Program, and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The friends that I have acquired while being here.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Enjoy your senior year with your friends and family. It's a great and exciting time in your life, so be present and live life to the fullest.

Plans after Pepperdine

I plan to go to law school, get my JD, and then work for a law firm.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Malibu Yogurt

Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Status: Sophomore
Major: International Studies (Political Science emphasis)
Involvement: Greek Life (Pi Beta Phi), New Student Orientation Leader
International Program: East Africa Summer Program

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The community! Pepperdine students and faculty are invested in one another on a deep level and genuinely look after one another. The people are what make Pepperdine the special place it is!

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Try to keep your panic to a minimum. I wish that I would have enjoyed the process more than I did, instead of freaking out over admission decisions I didn't have control over. Trust the plan that is in store for you! Everything will work out.

Plans after Pepperdine

I'm really not sure. Hopefully grad school at some point. Open to suggestions!

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Whole Foods or Ralph's beach

Hometown: Gainesville, GA
Status: Junior
Major: Organizational Communication
Involvement: Pi Beta Phi, Mosaic Church volunteer
International Program: Lausanne, Switzerland and East Africa Summer Program

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The endless opportunities! I always feel encouraged that whatever I want to pursue, Pepperdine will get me closer to making it a reality. In my previous two years here I have traveled to 18 new countries, been an anchor on the local news, met people that have mentored me in all areas of life, and sometimes I run into Patrick Dempsey at the farmers' market! No matter how small or big my goals are, Pepperdine has undeniably gone above and beyond to create a place for me to grow into the person I want to be in order to do the things I want to do.

Words of wisdom for prospective Waves

Don't worry! I know the college search is stressful and intimidating, but everything works out the way it is supposed to in the end and you will end up where you belong!

Plans after Pepperdine

I want to go into full-time ministry or work at a non-profit humanitarian organization.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

The spot on the road in my neighborhood that overlooks Zuma beach and the ocean.

Hometown: Austin, TX
Status: Junior
Major: International Studies, Political Science Emphasis
Involvement: International Programs- Intern, Pepperdine Ambassadors Council- Media Coordinator,  Kappa Kappa Gamma, Office of Admission- Intern, New Student Orientation Leader, and Regents Mentor.
International Program: Lausanne, Switzerland

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The professors! Almost every single one of my professors has completely changed my life. I feel so valued, challenged, and supported on a daily basis.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Taking a lot of AP courses in high school really helped me with my college applications! I was able to boost my academic resume, as well as get some of my general education requirements out of the way before I even came to college. If you get the chance, I encourage you to challenge yourself and take those honors courses in high school, as it will definitely help you out later on!

Plans after Pepperdine

Law School or a career in advocacy!

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Running on Zuma beach at sunset.

Hometown: Oak Park, CA
Status: Junior
Major: Organizational Communication
Involvement: Great Books Colloquium, Step Forward Day, Club Convocation, Office of Admission Student Worker

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The close community of faculty, staff, and students who constantly support one another.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

In deciding where to attend, focus on what you want out of your college experience. The search process can feel very stressful, but you're going to end up where you're supposed to be, and you have lots of support from us!

Plans after Pepperdine

Work in organizational development or consulting and possibly go to grad school.

Favorite Spot in Malibu 

Whole Foods!

Hometown: Alpine, UT
Status: Senior
Major: Business Administration
Involvement: Investing Club, Housing and Residence Life, and the Office of Admission
International Program: Florence, Italy

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The unique mentorship between faculty and students.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Think about who you want to be, not just what you want to be.

Plans after Pepperdine

Beginning a career in consulting, finance, or project management.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

Westward Beach!

Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda
Status: Sophomore
Major: Psychology, Computer Science Minor
Involvement: International Student ambassador, Nourish club, Black Student Association

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

The warm and welcoming professors, faculty and staff.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Have faith that every opportunity and diversion in your journey to college (and life in general) will lead you to where you are meant to be!

Plans after Pepperdine

Graduate school

Favorite Spot in Malibu

The drive on PCH towards Point Dume (west of Malibu) where the highway opens up to a full view of the ocean!!!

Hometown: Houston, TX
Status: Freshman
Major: Biology
Involvement: Black Student Association
International Program: Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

Wait, there are so many wonderful things about Pepperdine that it's kind of hard to just pick one! I feel like a ton of people would probably talk about the great relationships/friendships that they have obtained as a result of attending, but aside from that, I feel like my favorite thing about Pepperdine is probably the numerous unique opportunities that they provide their students with.

Words of Wisdom for Prospective Waves

Ayo, Prospective Waves! I'm so excited you've decided to consider Pepperdine as an option for where you will begin your college journey! A word of advice for you is: Although the transition to college may be permeated with a myriad of trials and tribulations, do not be discouraged. God has destined you for greatness! :)

Plans after Pepperdine

I plan on attending Medical School as a means of furthering my education to ultimately reach the goal of becoming a Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

My favorite spot in Malibu would probably have to be Zuma Beach! I think it's amazing that we practically have a beach in our backyard, so that any time we want to go and study, play beach volleyball, or even just relax on the beach, it's RIGHT there. :D

Hometown: Cerritos, CA
Status: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science and Philosophy
Involvement: AEI Executive Council, No Lost Generation
International Program: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Favorite Thing about Pepperdine

My favorite thing about Pepperdine University are my dearest friends and professors. Believe me when I say that an overwhelming amount of encouragement and love resides on this campus.

Words of wisdom for prospective Waves

Have no expectations. Forget everything you've heard or watched about what college life is! Come with an open heart and mind. Make your mistakes. Embrace your lessons, but most of all -- GROW!

Plans after Pepperdine

I hope to pursue a Juris Doctorate degree and work in either cybersecurity or criminal justice.

Favorite Spot in Malibu

The Sandbar Patio is often secluded, allowing you to enjoy beautiful sunsets, a slight breeze, and just time for yourself!