#pepperdineishome

[seaveradmission]

Pepperdine is Home: Alyssa Boyer

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. This spotlight is on a student from our International Studies and Language division.

Alyssa Boyer, Junior at Seaver College

Major: French and International Studies

Hometown: Brentwood, California

What were you looking for in a college?

My main priority when I was looking at potential schools was whether or not I could study abroad. That was something I had wanted to do since I was little. Other than that I had wanted to be on one of the coasts and to have a college town vibe.

How did you know Pepperdine was the school for you?

I knew Pepperdine was the school for me because of International Programs. It was easier, by far, to study abroad at Pepperdine than any other school I looked at.

How has this played out in your Pepperdine experience?

I just spent my sophomore year abroad in Lausanne, Switzerland so Pepperdine has definitely helped me achieve some of the goals I had coming in. Through that I have met some amazing people and I have also learned a lot about myself and the world. It has also contributed greatly to my happiness here.

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

My advice is to just try to know for sure what you want out of a school, because I know how stressful and hard it can be to choose one. If you know what you really want though, you'll end up where you're supposed to be. And if where you want to be is abroad for a year then Pepperdine would be an amazing choice.

[seaveradmission]

Pepperdine is Home: Jamie Wagner

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. This spotlight is on a student from our Business Administration division.

Jamie Wagner, Freshman at Seaver College

Major: International Business

Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania 

What were you looking for in a college?

A small, but not too small, school that could challenge me and offered unique international opportunities.  A community in which I could grow both academically and spiritually. 

Describe the moment you knew Pepperdine was the perfect school for you:

I came to visit during finals week of all weeks and met the director of the international programs and he described to me what sounded like the perfect international experience.  I also met with a financial adviser who prayed with me and my family before we left just further assuring me that this would be the place for me.  Then, before we left, someone had left over caf points and bought my lunch for me which definitely just closed the deal.  

How has Pepperdine helped you grow professionally, personally and spiritually?

I have been able to make many new friends who are able to challenge me both personally and spiritually.  I have been able to continue growing in my faith and have formed relationships with people who I can talk about it with.  The small size of classes has also allowed me to truly engage in my learning.  There are opportunities every month to engage in the "job world" and meet people from top companies and get my resume out there.  

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

If you aren't looking for a close-knit school that will allow you to grow in so many new ways, then Pepperdine isn't for you.  But if you are looking for a new challenge, a second family, and opportunities that can change your life, Pepperdine should definitely be on your radar!

[seaveradmission]

Pepperdine is Home: Lauren Davila

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. Our third spotlight is on a student from our Humanities and Teacher Education Division.

Lauren Davila, Senior at Seaver College

Major(s): Creative Writing and English Literature 

Hometown: Claremont, California

What were you looking for in a college?

As a first generation college Latina, I knew I was looking for a college atmosphere that would be welcoming to me as a prospective student. I also wanted somewhere close to home, as I am very close to my mom and my little sister and wanted to be able to go back and visit whenever I wanted. I didn't know what to expect from college, but I just wanted it to be somewhere I could thrive both academically and spiritually.

Describe the moment you knew Pepperdine was the perfect school for you:

I participated in the Youth Citizenship Seminar held at Pepperdine the summer of my Junior year (before even starting the undergraduate application process). This week was the first time away from home and I found an oasis of peace here at Pepperdine that let me know I was in the right place.

How has Pepperdine helped you grow professionally, personally and spiritually?

Pepperdine has let me grow in so many ways, both spiritually and personally, by allowing me to voice my opinions and try to make a difference in the Malibu community. By learning to juggle multiple jobs, work at Pepperdine Graphic Media as the Associate Editor, double majors, participating in my spiritual community at Our Lady of  Malibu, and developing life-long friendships, I have become a well-rounded woman who is ready to continue her academic endeavors after graduation in a few months.

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

My advice to students would be to reach out to current Pepperdine students and professors and inquire about life on campus. Reach out to organizations, clubs, journals, even spiritual communities you may be interested and start a conversation. Pepperdine can be your home away from home if you allow it to be, so open yourself up to the wonderful opportunities available to you here in Malibu.

[seaveradmission]

Pepperdine is Home: Imia Hawkins

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. Our first spotlight is on a student from our fine art division.

Imia Hawkins, Senior at Seaver College

Major: Theatre and Media Production

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

What were you looking for in a college? 

When I was looking for a college to go to I was searching for a place that made me feel comfortable, welcomed, and safe.

Describe the moment you knew Pepperdine was the perfect school for you:

I realized that Pepperdine was the school for me when I was on the campus tour. They talked about the small class sizes, and the fact that you can start your major classes when you are a freshman, and NSO is like an event created to make sure the students and their parents have an easy transition into this phase of life. And I remember my parents asking me over and over again why I wasn't asking the tour guide questions, or talking to other prospective students, or even smiling. Honestly, I couldn't do any of that because I was so shocked that all the things I wanted actually existed in one school. It was surreal, and at the time I couldn't find the words to explain that to them, so they left that day thinking we wouldn't be returning to Pepperdine any time soon. 

How has Pepperdine helped you grow professionally, personally and spiritually?

I worry about everything. And the one thing that my major, my personal experience, and my spiritual experience over the past four years has taught me is that worrying solves nothing. Both my media production classes and my theatre classes encourage us to dive in head first, and figure the rest out as we go. The same happened with my personal and spiritual life, there were a lot of unknown factors going into my junior year, and there was just no time to worry. I just had to trust that God would be there to catch me if I fell, and He always was! 

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

I would say that college is an experience, so don't base your decision on the beach, or the class sizes, or the pretty library that will be there soon. Base your decision on whether or not you can see yourself enjoying, and inevitably, finding your place in the Pepperdine experience as a whole.