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Meet Your Tour Guide

  Alex Paloglou

tour guide Alex Paloglou

Hometown: San Rafael, CA
Status: Junior
Major: Integrated Marketing Communication
Involvement: Psi Upsilon, Delta Sigma Pi, First-Year Resident Advisor  
International Program: Florence, Italy
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: Opportunities to grow. Since the first time I stepped foot onto campus, I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet a variety of different people coming from all parts of the world. Hearing their experiences, values, and spiritual beliefs has given me a whole new perspective to life that will stay with me past my graduation date.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: JUST DO IT. There are going to be times where you can either decide to play it safe or take a leap of faith. In my own experience, trying new things at Pepperdine has not only been a thrilling and exciting ride, but has opened the doors for me academically, socially, and professionally. Even if you don't know what the outcome may be, what's the worst that could happen?
Plans after Pepperdine: Not sure yet! The possibilities are endless and I'm excited to explore the digital media world within the next couple of years!
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Prince Street Pizza in the Malibu Country Mart!

  Alyssa Williams

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Status: First-Year
Major: Journalism
Involvement: Kappa Alpha Theta and WavePool Invest
International Program: Washington D.C. and Heidelberg, Germany
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the opportunities offered at the start of your Freshman year. Because of this, I know that I will be graduating Pepperdine with four years connections and experience in my work field. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: When you come in to college, open yourself to all the classes and opportunities the college has to offer. You never know what experience could put you on the course of your life! 
Plans after Pepperdine: I plan to work for a major news company in California, New York, or Washington, DC.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: The Getty Villa 

  Ayla-Elea Olsen Morales

Ayla Elea Olsen Morales
Hometown:
Guatemala City
Status:
First-Year
Major:
International Business 
Favorite thing about Pepperdine:
The close community.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves:
You will never be alone here at Pepperdine, and you will always have someone who can answer your questions. It’s just a matter of asking.
Plans after Pepperdine:
Traveling and working in an international company.
Favorite Spot in Malibu:
Buyo, Whole Foods, Boba Time.

  Caroline Rooney

Caroline Rooney
Hometown:
Fort Worth, TX
Status:
Junior
Major:
Economics & Applied Mathematics
Involvement: Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, Pi Beta Phi, Regents Scholar Program, Circle K Service Club, Global Justice Club, New Student Orientation
International Program: London, England
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: Pepperdine's strong community is apparent across campus. Whether it's seeing a friendly face on Mullin Town Square that can calm my nerves before a big exam, a classmate to offer an empty seat in Payson Library, or a faculty member inviting students for dinner in their home on campus, I feel seen at Pepperdine. Thanks to the close-knit community on campus, it took me no time to feel at home here in Malibu.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves:
Take advantage of the Seaver Core classes that you get to take. Some of my most interesting and favorite classes have been those outside of my major requirements, like Arabic and Religions of the World. Have some fun with them, too - during my time in London, I took equestrian lessons in Hyde Park!
Plans after Pepperdine:
Leverage my passions for people and problem-solving, potentially looking for a career in Higher Education while pursuing a graduate degree.
Favorite Spot in Malibu:
Besides Pepperdine's campus, I love to visit the sea lions at Point Dume!

  Casey Bechert

 tour guide casey bechert

Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Status: Sophomore
Major: Integrated Marketing Communications 
Involvement: The Well Welcome Team
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the tight-knit community. I have felt so welcomed and loved by each individual I have met. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Embrace change to the best of your ability! Transitioning to college is super intimidating, but the process is extremely rewarding. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and grow into this new season of life. 
Plans after Pepperdine: I hope to pursue a career in digital marketing, specifically with a company focused on health and wellness. 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Sitting in the blue rocking chairs behind Blue Bottle Coffee! 

  David Paduraru

david paduraru

Hometown: Roseville, CA
Status: First-Year
Major: Computer Science/Mathematics
Involvement: Office of Admission
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The friendly atmosphere.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Bring your car or become a good friend with someone who has one.
Plans after Pepperdine: The field of cybersecurity and securing networks.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Dead End Beach!

  Debora Soegiarto

Debora Soegiarto
Hometown: Encino, California
Status: Sophomore
Major: International Business Major with a minor in social entrepreneurship - scholar in the Social Action and Justice colloquium. 
Involvement: Resident Advisor over Eden - a first year house; E board over two campus clubs - Tri-Alpha, the first generation college student honors society (Vice President), and Blue and Orange Indonesian Society (VP of Administration); Also working at Waves on Call as student alumni affairs.
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The community - you can truly accomplish anything you put your mind too! Everyone is super driven, it’s inspiring and pushes you to be the best version of yourself. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Trust the process - be patient and confident in yourself, everything will come to pass!
Plans after Pepperdine: Pursue my MBA.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Ralph’s beach!

  Drew Sceville

Drew Sceville
Hometown: Oakdale, CA
Status: First-Year
Major: Business Administration
Involvement: ATO and Waves Worship
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The community.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Say yes to everything you never know what could come from it and the fun you could have.
Plans after Pepperdine: Law school or possibly wealth management.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Howdy's

  Dylan Minarto

Dylan Minarto
Hometown: Pomona, California
Status: First-Year
Major: Finance, Minor: Applied Mathematics
Involvement: Club Tennis, KCM (Koinonia Campus Mission), Pickleball Club, Running Club, Investing Club, Accounting Club
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The small campus size and tight-knit community.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Try everything!
Plans after Pepperdine: Work in investment banking and real estate.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Malibu Country Mart

  Eden Shimanek

Eden Shimanek
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Status: First-Year
Major: Political Science on the pre-law track.
Involvement: Student Government Association, NewsWaves
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The community.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: It’s okay to take breaks and take time for yourself!
Plans after Pepperdine: Go to law school and move to Washington DC to work in the law and politics industry!
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Malibu Pier!

  Foxx Felderstein

foxx felderstein
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Status:
First-Year
Major:
Integrated Marketing Communications
Involvement:
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity
International Program:
Florence, Italy
Favorite thing about Pepperdine:
The people! I have made so many friends that I will have forever in such a short period of time and I have enjoyed every second of being here.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Adapt, improvise, and overcome.
Plans after Pepperdine:
Don’t know yet but only time will tell.
Favorite Spot in Malibu:
Malibu Country Mart (Specifically SunLife and Broad Street)

  Isaac Bonilla

tour guide Isaac Bonilla
Hometown: Santa Ana, CA
Status: Junior
Major: Sports Medicine (Pre-Med)
Involvement: Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), Student Athletic Medicine Intern (SAMI), Pepperdine Ambassador Council (PAC)
International Program: Fiji and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The VIEW!!! However, the professors are what make Pepperdine the best because they want us to succeed. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Do not let the fear of failure stop you.
Plans after Pepperdine: I hope to become a sports chiropractor, have my own clinic, and work in the NFL or NBA.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Prince Street Pizza

  Isabelle Ignacio

Isabelle Ignacio
Hometown:
Long Beach, CA
Status:
First-Year
Major:
Sports Medicine (Pre-Health)
Involvement:
Pre-Med Club
International Program:
London, England
Favorite thing about Pepperdine:
The community! I have met so many generous people in such a short amount of time and have made so many connections. Pepperdine has quickly felt like home and I'm so excited to involve myself over the next four years!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves:
Don't be afraid to try new things! Pepperdine is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and reaching out to the community around you. You are constantly surrounded with support from others, take risks and have fun with it!
Plans after Pepperdine:
I hope to continue my education and become a Physical Therapist.
Favorite Spot in Malibu:
Any beach along PCH! It's so much fun being able to have direct access to the beach from my dorm on campus. I love going out with my friends whenever we have a free moment in our day or during the weekends!

  Jett Fukuda

Jett Fukuda
Hometown:
Irvine, CA
Status:
Sophomore
Major:
Sport Administration, Certificate in Conflict Resolution
Involvement:
Club Beach Volleyball, Intramurals, ATO
Favorite thing about Pepperdine:
The sense of community and belonging. I haven’t quite found anywhere else that compares to Pepperdine in its welcoming nature. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: You get what you give. Be involved, even if you’re scared. You will find what you’re looking for and everything you’ve dreamed of if you go out and seize the moment.
Plans after Pepperdine:
I would like to be an agent representing college athletes in the growing NIL market, as well as furthering Asian-American representation in American sports. 
Favorite Spot in Malibu:
The beach, duh! But specifically the beach when it’s hot outside and the water is slightly less freezing than normal and my friends are available. 

  Karina Kastelic

tour guide karina kastelic

Hometown: Denver, CO
Status: First-Year
Major: Economics and International Business
Involvement: Tri Delta sorority
International Program: Hauteville, Switzerland 
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The people are so nice here!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Try to soak up your time at Pepeprdine and in Malibu as much as you can!
Plans after Pepperdine: To have a job and hopefully get to travel!
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Alfred Coffee, The Malibu Country Mart, the beach, and Pepperdine, of course! 

  Lorenzo Mars

Lorenzo Mars

Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Status: Junior
Major: Screen Arts and Hispanic Studies Minor
Involvement: KWVS Radio, Creative Connection, Intramural Soccer, Latinx Student Alliance
International Program: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: Being able to get to know people in my classes, professors included!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Don’t be too hard on yourself! College is a time for lots of growth, so give yourself the grace to make mistakes and learn.
Plans after Pepperdine: Getting a job somewhere in the film industry, with the end goal of writing and directing romantic comedies.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: In the ocean at Broad Street beach, specifically at sunset.

  Lyla Plorin

Lyla Plorin
Hometown:
Nashville, Tennessee
Status: First-Year
Major: International Business Major 
Involvement: Involved in campus Greek life, Office of Admission, and hoping to get involved in the pickle ball club, as well as teaching Pilates at campus rec!
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: The location
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Although the college admission process can be so exhausting, I promise you will end up exactly where you are supposed to be. We are all so excited you are here and can’t wait to get to know you better!
Plans after Pepperdine: I hope to work in New York City or Chicago in the fashion industry as a international marketing specialist.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Malibu Country Mart

  Madison Johnson

Madison Johnson
Hometown: Ridgecrest, CA
Status: Sophomore
Major: Biology with German Minor (Pre-Medicine)
Involvement: Pre-Medicine Club Marketing Coordinator, Pi Beta Phi sorority, researcher in the Gomez Laboratory
International Program: Heidelberg, Germany
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is our loving community. It is such a joy to live alongside friends and learn from professors who are all so supportive, excited, and servant hearted. I have had the greatest time these past few years and I look forward to all the friendships, memories, and celebrations still to come!
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 plan to attend medical school where I will earn my M.D. or attend graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. and continue to do cancer research.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: The top of Point Dume has always been my favorite spot in Malibu! There is no better place to watch the beautiful sunset with friends.

  Malan Butler

tour guide malan butler
Hometown:
Berkeley, CA
Status:
Sophomore
Major:
Sports Medicine
Involvement:
Step Team, BSA, Pre-Med Club.
Favorite thing about Pepperdine:
My dance team!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves:
Get out there! We have so many organizations here on campus, and the connections I've built within them are some of my best ones. Enjoy your time here, get out of your comfort zone, and don't let your Malibu days go to waste!
Plans after Pepperdine:
After Pepperdine, I plan to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Favorite Spot in Malibu:
PCH! Best place to catch our iconic sunsets!

  Onyeka Nwanze

Onyeka Nwanze

  Ryan Woytowitz

Ryan Woytowitz
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Status: Junior
Major: Accouting
Involvement: Chess Club, Accounting Society, Psi Upsilon fraternity.
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the amount of opportunities there are to get involved on campus. There are so many clubs and groups that you can get involved with and it really brings together a sense of community.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Professors are so nice and easy going outside of the classroom and want to see you succeed.
Plans after Pepperdine: I plan to take the CPA exam to become a certified public accountant.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Ralph's Beach

  Sarah Beth Lentz

Sarah Beth Lentz

Hometown: Hudson, OH
Status: Junior
Major: Psychology 
Involvement: Pi Beta Phi sorority, First-Year Housing RA, Dance in Flight
International Program: Buenos Aires, Argentina and Hauteville, Switzerland
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: Definitely the people!! Pepperdine is filled with such genuine professors and students that truly care to get to know me as an individual. I always feel so seen and loved with every interaction I have on campus!
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Come into your college experience with an extremely open mind! You never know if someone you meet on a random day could become your best friend or if taking one specific class could alter what you want to do as a career. If you approach each day as a new start and dive in head first to all Pepperdine has to offer, you will truly get the most out of your time here!
Plans after Pepperdine: After graduation, I hope to be able to take some time to travel to new countries and see more of the world. I also plan to attend graduate school for Psychology in hopes of becoming either a Sports Psychologist or a therapist for young women.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Point Dume for sunrise!

  Sedrie Orantes

Sedrie Orantes
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Status: Junior
Major: Psychology Major with a Nonprofit Management Minor 
Involvement: Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Pepperdine Ambassadors Council (PAC), Housing and Residence Life (First Year RA), Circle K Service Club, 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. Time goes by so quick!
Plans after Pepperdine: I plan to continue my studies in graduate school while I prepare for a career 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!

  Sydney Packman

Sydney Packman

Hometown: Portland, OR
Status: Junior
Major: Sociology, Secondary Teacher Education Program 
Involvement: Surf Club
International Program:
Heidelberg, Germany
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: Study abroad programs, being within walking distance from the beach, and the community.
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: Get involved in everything you can, and study abroad!
Plans after Pepperdine: Teach high school history and become a school psychologist.
Favorite Spot in Malibu: Point Dume! I could sit there and watch the view for hours and hours. 

  Victoria Galeana

Victoria Galeana
Hometown:
Pico Rivera, Ca
Status: First-Year
Major: Journalism
Involvement: I am a member of the Waves Cheer Squad where we cheer for all of men and women’s basketball games. I’m involved in NewsWaves32 which is the student-run news broadcast show which goes live at 5 every Tuesday. I most recent joined the Office of Admission as a student employee. 
Favorite thing about Pepperdine: My favorite thing about Pepperdine is the tight-knit community and welcoming atmosphere, I love the people here and of the course the beautiful campus. Pepperdine is like no other place and i’m so grateful to be able to call it home. 
Words of wisdom for prospective Waves: My advice to you future Waves is to enjoy every moment of your senior year, time goes by so fast so make sure to be present. As you start to make those decisions on where to apply and commit to, the best advice I can give you is to follow your heart. You will end up exactly where you are meant to be. 
Plans after Pepperdine: I plan to go to Law School immediately after graduation and possibly join a Pro-Cheer team! 
Favorite Spot in Malibu: My favorite spot in Malibu would have to be the Malibu Yogurt and Ice Cream Spot right outside of campus! It has the best ice cream in town and is the perfect treat for after class!