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Meet the Student Ambassadors

Meet the Seaver College First Wave Ambassadors. Ambassadors are first-generation sophomore through senior students who connect with new first-generation students. If you'd like to connect with them, click on the link below. 

Ask an Ambassador

 

2024 - 2025 Ambassadors

Natalee Borum

Natalee Borum, first wave ambassador

 

Hi Waves! My name is Natalee Borum and I am one of your First Wave Ambassadors for the 2024-25 school year. We are all so happy that you are a part of the First Wave family – this is such a special community and we are excited to get to know each of you. It is my hope that in this community you will find resources for support, guidance, and encouragement to help you navigate through your college journey.

Personal Bio

Hi! I’m Natalee and I am currently a junior here at Pepperdine majoring in English and minoring in Creative Writing! I adore my major and minor so much–if you are thinking of picking up either of them please reach out, I’d love to talk to you about them :) I grew up with my two sisters in Chula Vista, a bordertown in southern San Diego. We were raised by two immigrants, my  wonderful parents, who I could not be here without. At Pepperdine I am on the E-Board of the Latinx Student Alliance, a staff member for Expressionists Magazine, and work at the Student Success Center! In these places I have found a second family at Pepperdine, and made friendships I didn’t know I needed. I absolutely love everything I am a part of here on campus, and I am so excited to join more organizations this next year. When I’m not studying or doing homework, I love reading, going to alumni park, crocheting, and running! I can’t wait to meet you soon!! Feel free to reach out and ask me anything!

 

Steven Cordova

Steven Cordova, first wave ambassador

Ayo Waves! 

I'm Steven, and it's a pleasure to meet you! I am truly honored to return and serve as your First Wave Ambassador for the 2024-25 academic year! Being a first-generation college student often means navigating unique challenges that others might not face. I remember what it was like to be in your shoes, and I'm here to support you in any way I can. My mission is to help you not only grow but thrive as you embark on this exciting new chapter.

 

Personal Bio

I'm currently in my fourth year at Pepperdine, majoring in Business Administration. While my career aspirations evolve from time to time, I'm currently passionate about International Marketing/Public Relations and Non-profit management.

I recently returned from studying abroad in Japan, which has been a highlight of my Pepperdine experience and, honestly, one of the best experiences of my life. I've also studied in Florence, Italy! Immersing myself in new languages and diverse cultures while exploring the world with my new best friends has been an incredible journey of self-discovery.

Originally from the Phoenix area in Arizona, I find Malibu to be the perfect oasis to escape the 120-degree dry heat. My additional on-campus involvements include being an RA, Pepperdine Ambassador, and RISE student lead. In my free time, I enjoy reading, swimming, lifting weights, and exploring new coffee shops and thrift stores. If any of these interests resonate with you, let's chat during one of my office hours! Hope to see you there!

 

Justin Foster

Justin Foster, first wave ambassador

Hi Waves!

I am Justin Foster, and I am excited to serve as one of your First Wave Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 academic year! Words like “hardship” and “obstacles” are all too familiar for first-gen students. How you choose to navigate these hurdles is a pivotal factor in your success, and I am determined to support you in any way I can along this journey. I am set on providing clarity and a strong foundation while cultivating a community in which we can not only relate but find comfort. The first year of college can be filled with adversity and various unexpected challenges. I hope to be a constant source of support throughout this time and help you thrive. We are all in this together. I can't wait to get to know you all! 

 

Personal Bio

I am currently a third-year student at Pepperdine majoring in Sports Medicine on the pre-Physical Therapy track. An important fact about me is that I am proud of where I come from-–Oxnard, California, a predominantly Hispanic town with limited educational resources but an abundance of heart, grit, and community. These values are central to who I am today. I am also an exercise enthusiast who loves going on runs, lifting weights, playing basketball, hiking, or engaging in anything else that involves being outdoors and moving around. I enjoy exploring new food spots in the L.A. area and spending time with friends. Additionally, I relish meeting new people and trying new things, as I am always seeking out exciting experiences.

If any of this has piqued your interest, or if you want to discuss anything else, please feel free to reach out. I would love to learn more about you too! 

 

Sofia Reyes

Sofia Reyes, first wave ambassador

Ayo Waves! My name is Sofia Reyes, and I am so happy to be serving as a First Wave Ambassador for the 2024-25 academic year! Seeing the resources Pepperdine offered for first-generation college students was a major catalyst in me choosing to attend, and I want to pay it forward and be helpful for my first-gen peers. Being first in your family to take on higher education can feel intimidating, but I hope I am able to share my experiences with you and make that journey less lonely. Being first-gen can definitely be full of struggles and first-times, but I promise there is also so much beauty and joy in this wonderful opportunity that you have. I hope to be a mentor, guide, friend, and resource for all aspects of your college experience!

Personal Bio

I'm a senior here at Seaver College double majoring in Film Studies and English, and minoring in Women's/Gender Studies. I am from Gardena, California and love my hometown of Los Angeles so much!

At Pepperdine, I am President of the Latinx Student Alliance and Feminist Club, and serve on the executive board for my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, and GSA. I am also part of Sigma Tau Delta (English honors society) and Tri-Alpha (first-gen honors society). I have a radio show called Basement Talk on KWVS with my roommate, and play intramural soccer. I work at the Office of Student Accessibility and the mail room on campus, and am on the Expressionists Magazine's staff!

I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, and it was genuinely the best time of my life (so please ask me about it)! In my free time, I like making short films, reading, and exploring L.A.!

  • Major: Film and English and Minors in Womens' Studies and Creative Writing
  • Email: sofia.reyes@pepperdine.edu
  • Office Hour: Wednesday, 12:00-1:00 pm