How College Students Spend Their Summers

Picture this: it’s the first day back to school. You probably have your outfit laid out right next to your bed, backpack full of fresh school supplies, and you’re ready to take on a new school year.

If you’re anything like me, you have also prepared for the most commonly asked question on that fateful day. What did you do over the summer?

If your heart sank while trying to remember everything you did for the past few months, relax, friend. I will not be asking you that question in this blog! 

Instead, I asked a few current Pepperdine students what their summers looked like this year! I want to give you a glimpse of what your summers could look like as a Pepperdine Wave, and show you the unique opportunities that could fill your schedule in a few years. Let’s read about 3 current students and see what they were up to these past couple of months!

These responses were lightly edited for length and clarity.

Kelly Figueroa

Year: Rising Sophomore
Major: Integrated Marketing and Communication (IMC) and Religion
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Hey Kelly! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. What would you say is the main way you spent your summer this year?

Hi Chelsea! This summer I was mainly focused on my internship. I worked as a media intern at Homeboy Industries, where I got to combine my passion for media with meaningful work in my community. Through this internship, I was able to grow both creatively and professionally while contributing to an organization that makes a positive impact.

Wow, what a cool opportunity! Are you hoping to work for an organization like Homeboy Industries after your four years at Pepperdine?

After I graduate, I hope to find a meaningful career where I can continue giving back to my community and use my creativity every day. This internship has really shown me that my passions can go hand in hand, and it has opened my eyes to so many new career opportunities.

That’s awesome. And what about other summer activities–what did your daily life look like when you weren’t working at your internship?

On those days, I would take a quick walk with my family every morning before watching the World Cup games! Throughout the day, we went to the park or made new recipes at home. I usually ended my day watching my favorite reality TV show, “4 Brides.”

So fun! Was there a certain way you incorporated rest into your summer?

Honestly, I just made sure to not stay up too late at night since I had an early commute to my internship with Homeboy Industries!

Makes total sense. Did you get to catch up on any hobbies during your free time this summer?

I got back into creative crafts, especially sewing! I also spent time listening to podcasts and reading Substack newsletters. Basically, all the things that I wish I had more time for during the school year!

Ooh, I love a good podcast! I am so glad you made time for your hobbies and fun activities too. Finally, what is something you’re looking forward to once the semester starts back up?

I am most looking forward to seeing my college friends back on campus. And even though I am from Los Angeles, I can’t wait to be right near the beach again!

Thanks, Kelly!

Let’s take a look at our second student on the list.

Nicholas “NJ” Davtyan

Year: Rising Junior
Major: Sports Medicine on the pre-med track, Minor in Art
Hometown: West Hills, CA

NJ, what’s going on! I hope you had a great summer. Can you walk me through what a typical day in your life was like from May-August?

Hey, Chelsea! For sure. I would usually wake up around 6:30 AM, get ready for my day, and go to Pepperdine to start my shift at the Office of Undergraduate Admission. I usually worked from 9:00 AM -3:00 PM, sometimes till 5:00 PM, then I’d go home and work on my paintings or apply for internships, This summer, I also shadowed an orthopedic surgeon in Beverly Hills every Monday and Thursday.

Wow, you had lots of activities going on! Can you tell me more about the professional opportunities you were working on?

Being a tour guide for the Office of Undergraduate Admission has been a huge breath of fresh air. I’ve been able to grow in my communication and hospitality skills, which are essential qualities for someone who wants to become a physician. Also, being able to shadow an orthopedic surgeon has been extremely eye opening because I've never stepped into the field in the way that I did this summer! All of this helped me get a peek of what I want to do in the future, since I have built some experience in the medical field.

That’s great, NJ. Did you take any classes this summer?

Yes, I took Math 150, Calculus 1. This helped me get some requirements out of the way. I also took medical assistant classes. I'm hoping to pass the exam before school starts so I can work part-time as a medical assistant and get more clinical experience during the school year.

With all of these responsibilities, how did you find time to rest?

Simply by just taking my time. I tried my best to have a balanced summer schedule so that when school starts back up, I am already in the habit of studying and working. I also really didn’t want to “rest” by scrolling on my phone or watching TV for hours, so for me rest looked like putting my head down on the pillow and taking a good nap!

Nothing beats a good nap. Did you pick up any new hobbies or catch up on your favorite entertainment?

I was really into the World Cup! I just love seeing global competition where communities get together. For me that was the most important watch on my list.

I love this World Cup theme that I’m seeing in this blog! What are you looking forward to when school starts in the fall?

I'm looking forward to joining new clubs, like the Pre-Vet club. It'll be a great opportunity for me to get a better understanding of the different professions in the medical field. I'm also looking forward to being involved with the Creative Steps dance classes again! That's where we'll have dance classes every Wednesday for adults with disabilities, and it's just another great way for me to have fun and gain a form of real world medical experience while still being on campus.

Thanks, NJ!

Last but not least, let’s check out what our third student was up to this summer.

Ariana “Ari” Ahumada-Stevens

Year: Rising Senior
Major: Sports Medicine
Hometown: Oxnard Shores, CA

Ari! I’ve gotta know, what was your summer vibe these past couple of months?

Hmm, I would say career-focused, on the academic grind, and community service were my main summer vibes!

Nice! Could you tell me more? What did your daily summer routine consist of?

This summer was filled with academic- and career-oriented extracurriculars! A typical day included waking up to go for a walk or run in the morning before heading to a local dental office to shadow. Depending on what the procedure schedule looked like, I was there between 4-6 hours, 2-3 days a week. Before heading home, I would stop at the Pepperdine pickleball courts for a quick match with friends or an early dinner at Zinqué! My evenings were filled with studying for the Dental Admission Test and finishing up summer classes.

Sounds like a fun and jam-packed time! Can you tell me more about your career-focused extracurriculars this summer?

Though I spent most of the summer working as a tour guide in the Office of Undergraduate Admission, I took a break to focus on dental internships and nannying for a family in the area! Dental school is right around the corner, which is why I prioritized clinical experience during this summer.

Also, I went on my third medical and dental service trip to Guatemala! After starting the Malibu Medical Brigade Chapter in 2024, I found purpose in serving others in countries that lack proper healthcare resources. I look forward to bringing more students and changing lives for the better!

That is amazing! Working, internships, and taking classes over the summer looks like it can be a lot to manage. How did you make time to rest over break?

Every day living by the beach is filled with rest and recovery! Prioritizing family time and scheduling social outings with friends is a great way for me to unwind after a busy week.

Did you pick up any new hobbies or catch up on things you didn't have time for during the school year?

I started learning how to hand knit and soap carve in order to improve my hand dexterity before applying to dental school! I am also hoping to finish knitting a large throw blanket before the start of the school year!

Ooh, cozy! Finally, what’s something you are looking forward to when school starts soon? 

I'm so excited to meet new students, attend major classes, and enjoy my last year at Pepperdine! It is a bitter-sweet milestone and I am forever grateful to call Pepperdine home.

Thanks, Ari!

Pepperdine students are well-known for having well-stacked plates, and this rings true even in the summer time! From shadowing professionals in their field, getting ahead in classes, to participating purpose-driven internships, these are just a few examples of the opportunities you could step into if you become a Pepperdine Wave.

For the remaining weeks of this beautiful season, we hope you HAGS!