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Meet Your Tour Guide

  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.

  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!

  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)

  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! 

  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

  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!

  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!