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THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC Volume LVI
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Issue 4
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November 10, 2023
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pepperdine-graphic.com
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follow us @peppgraphic
WHAT’S INSIDE... NEWS
usic
Borderline and Woolsey: five-year anniversary
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Pages A8-11
See B3
PERSPECTIVES
Staff editorial: parking at Pepperdine is a crisis Page A12
SPORTS
Basketball season returns with two wins Page B11
THE WAVES REPORT
MON: 4-5 FT
TUES: 3-4 FT
WED: 3-4 FT
THURS: 2-3 FT
FRI: 2-3 FT
WAVECAST.COM
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November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Good News: Keep calm and put a hoodie on Aubrey Hirsch Copy Chief
Nov. 10
Upcoming events...
The Music Man Pepperdine’s fall musical “The Music Man” will be in Smothers Theater starting Nov. 10. The show will run through Nov. 18.
Nov. 13 Building Hygiene Kits for our Unhoused Neighbors Community Engagement and Service and the Caruso School of Law will be making hygene kits for unhoused people in the L.A. area at 12:20 p.m.
Nov. 16 Panel Discussion on Food, Wellness, Sports and the Italian Mediterranean Diet Pepperdine Libraries and International Studies and Languages Division will present a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 20 Thanksgiving Break Seaver College classes will be on break the week of Nov. 20.
I’ve always loved fall not only because it’s a precursor to the holiday season but also because it means crisp autumn air and crunchy leaves all over the sidewalk. It means Sunday night football and cozy days inside. Plus, it means pulling out jeans, sweaters and — most importantly — hoodies. There’s something calming about the way a hoodie feels. It’s as soft as a blanket on the inside, and it just rests on your shoulders, a little fabric-shaped reminder that everything is going to be OK. Because hoodies are so soft and comfortable, they give the wearer feelings of safety and security, which can help them to be calm, especially when experiencing anxiety, according to Optimist Minds. I have found, after a long and stressful day, nothing boosts my mood more than discarding whatever outfit I have put together and trading it out for some sweatpants and a hoodie or crew neck. When I first moved to California, I always felt self-conscious about what I was wearing. It seemed like everyone around me was both incredibly beautiful and remarkably stylish. If I wasn’t wearing an $80 crop top or pristine Air Force 1s, I clearly didn’t belong. I experienced several instances in which a Californian asked me where I was from, and I could tell it was because
Photo by Aubrey Hirsch Me wearing some of my favorite hoodies throughout the fall semester. I got most of the sweatshirts I have for free from events or as gifts from friends.
my clothing was different from theirs. The result was that I started feeling guilty for wearing comfortable clothes and, at the same time, stressed that I couldn’t afford more “fashionable” ones. Putting on a hoodie felt like stylistic cheating. Soon, however, I realized that clothing choices are just that: choices. There are very few right or wrong decisions when it comes to style as long as a person is wearing something that makes them happy Hoodies make me happy. What I love about my sweatshirts is the fact that I’ve collected them over time from various friends, events and places that I’ve traveled. Every time I put one on, it comes with a memory, and that alone is enough to make me want to wear it.
My navy blue hoodie reminds me of home because of the Colorado flag printed on the front. The gray one reminds me of one of my closest friends because his sister gave it to me. I love the pink one too because I wore it so much last year that I associate it with my favorite memories from the fall semester. Fall in California shows up a little later than it does in Colorado, and it looks a bit different. But I’ve learned to look forward to the freezing wind because the colder weather means more excuses to wear something that genuinely makes me calmer and happier — and that’s something we should all do a little more often. aubrey.hirsch@pepperdine.edu
“Pepperdine Graphic Media (PGM) is an editorially independent student news organization that focuses on Pepperdine University and the surrounding communities. PGM consists of the digital and print Graphic, a variety of special publications, GNews, Currents Magazine, social media platforms and an Advertising Department. These platforms serve the community with news, opinion, contemporary information and a public forum for discussion. PGM strengthens students for purpose, service and leadership by developing their skills in writing, editing and publication production, by providing a vehicle to integrate and implement their liberal arts education, and by developing students’ critical thinking through independent editorial judgment. PGM participates in Pepperdine’s Christian mission and affirmations, especially the pursuit of truth, excellence and freedom in a context of public service. Although PGM reports about Pepperdine University and coordinates with curricula in journalism and other disciplines, it is a student (not a University) news organization. Views expressed are diverse and, of course, do not correspond to all views of any University board, administration, faculty, staff, student or other constituency.”
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November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Duck, duck, Jeep: Students share in the simple act of kindness Rachel Flynn Staff Writer Jeep owners have embraced the trend of “ducking” the cars of fellow Jeep owners. A small act of kindness that began in 2020, has waddled over from Canada and expanded throughout the 50 states, according to an article by Parade. The movement, which began with a simple post on Facebook in 2020, has since gained 89,000 followers and continues to grow, according to the duck duck Jeep Facebook page. Pepperdine students said their Jeeps have been ducked on and off campus. “The surfer duck is my favorite because it’s so mellow,” junior Liam Zieg said. “I thought it was funny because I got ducked in Columbus, Ohio.” Driving around Pepperdine’s campus, it’s hard not to notice the little yellow rubber duckies basking in the sunlight on students’ dashboards. There are a variety of ducks: spotted ducks, football-themed ducks, sock monkey ducks — and the list goes on. One may already be familiar with the informal greeting known as the “Jeep Wave,” where Jeep owners wave to one another in passing. Being ducked is a newer tradition. Zieg said his excitement over the “Jeep Wave” and ducking inspired his decision to buy a Jeep. duck, duck Jeep began when a woman named Allison Parliament placed the first yellow rubber duck on the door handle of a Jeep in Ontario Canada, in 2020, according to an article from Reader’s Digest. The duck was sporting a tag that read, “Nice Jeep!” The ducking enthusiast club got its start when Parliament posted on Facebook a photo of her ducking a Jeep. Within his first week of becoming a Jeep owner, Zieg said he purchased a 25-pack of yellow rubber ducks from Amazon. He got straight to work ducking every Jeep he saw, beginning in Columbus, Ohio. The secret to success in getting ducked, Zieg said, is large parking lots. Last weekend, sophomore Christina Carroll said she was in Agoura Hills when she walked out of a nail salon and was surprised to find a mini green gift tucked in her door handle. She was startled until she realized it was a green rubber duck. The duck wore a tag rubber
banded around its neck that read, “You’ve been ducked.” The tag encouraged Carroll to post it to her social media, she said. Carroll said she had never heard of ducking prior to this experience. She followed the hashtag — #duckingjeeps — written on the tag and found so
many posts of people Zieg said he sharing their ducking surprise. gifted Paytas with a little rubWhile at Trader Joe’s, Zieg ber duckie. Paytas told Zieg she met celebrity Trisha Paytas, a had no idea about the tradition YouTuber, singer and media and asked if she was supposed personality, in the parking lot. to pass it along. Zieg explained “Wait, she drove the Jeep to her that anyone who receives and not the Rolls Royce,” Zieg a duck can pass it on, or they said to his friend with him that can keep it. day. “I’m gonna give her a “I was like, ‘Come on, Triduck.” sha, keep it,’” Zieg said.
Photo courtesy of Olivia Schneider Liam Zieg shows off his rubber duck collection on campus Oct. 5. A new tradition among Jeep owners consists of placing rubber ducks on fellow Jeeps, commonly known as “ducking,” according to an article by Parade.
Junior Marla Steel said she learned about ducking Jeeps from her cousin while on a summer vacation in Nantucket. Her cousin was excited about purchasing a rubber duck in Nantucket to gift to one of her high school friends in New Jersey, Steel said. When Steel arrived back in Malibu, she said she was working at Vuori in the Malibu Country Mart when she found a rubber duck surprise in the handle of her Jeep. The duck was wearing a tag that said, “You’ve been ducked.” “I didn’t pass it on because I thought the duck was too cute,” Steel said. Simple acts of kindness and making people feel welcome where they are — that is what ducking Jeeps represents, according to Parade. “I think it brings people together in that way, and it makes you feel like, ‘Oh my gosh, someone thought about me,’” Steel said.
Photo courtesy of Christina Carroll Christina Carroll’s first Jeep ducky sits on her door handle Oct. 1. Carroll now keeps her little green duck in her center console.
Photo courtesy of Olivia Schneider This piece of paper often accompanies the rubber ducks left on Jeeps. It has an explanation as to why rubber ducks are being placed on your Jeep.
rachel.flynn@pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Pepperdine avoids solar energy Ali Levens Former Senior Climate Change Reporter Editor’s Note: The reporter for this story graduated from Pepperdine in April 2023. All reporting in this story was conducted by May 2023. Installing and utilizing solar energy is a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be more energy independent. Renewable energy experts propose many routes for Pepperdine to achieve a greener energy supply. Pepperdine was on the forefront of sustainability efforts with its implementation of the water reclamation system in 1972, according to the Center for Sustainability. Yet, the University has not implemented a campus-wide renewable energy system similar to its water reclamation infrastructure, based on information from the Center for Sustainability website. Despite its susceptibility to various climate impacts, Pepperdine does not take a stance on climate change to encourage debate, according to past Graphic reporting. Utilizing solar energy is a “critical” way for Californians, including Pepperdine, to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and be more energy independent when faced with climate change impacts, said Severin Borenstein — professor at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, faculty director of the Energy Institute at Haas and board member of the Board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator. “If we’re going to actually reduce carbon emissions from the electricity system, and then reduce carbon emissions from other uses by electrifying things, we’re going to need a huge amount of renewable energy,” Borenstein said. “And in the California area, the best source is solar.” Chief Operating Officer Phil Phillips said Pepperdine does not produce its own solar energy due to wildfire risk and cost of implementation, according to past interviews with the Graphic. Additionally, Chris Doran — professor of Religion and Sustainability and founder of the Sustainability major and minor — said other reasons may include insurance risk and the relationship with the University’s power provider, Southern California Edison. “Pepperdine, consistent with
its history, continues to invest in the sustainability and energy efficiency of its campus,” wrote Nicolle Taylor, vice president and chief business officer at Pepperdine, in an April 24 email to the Graphic. Pepperdine’s Relationship with Renewable Energy Taylor wrote the University considers its energy sourcing, usage and conservation as well as its power, which serves as a “self-sufficient restoration” for emergencies. “The University continues to demonstrate a holistic and evolving understanding of energy usage and a collaborative commitment to maximizing energy efficiency,” Taylor wrote. Taylor wrote the University participates in Southern California Edison’s Clean Power Alliance, in which about 50% of electricity comes from renewable energy sources. “[Edison’s CPA] is a more reliable and sustainable option for a greater amount of generated alternative power, coupled with a significant reduction in fire risk,” Taylor wrote. Doran said the University does not seem to ask basic questions about broadening the energy sources the University uses in the first place, such as potential solar installation locations, the role solar would provide for the power grid or ways to be more energy independent from Edison. Communities with a microgrid — or multiple local renewable energy supplies — can increase their energy resilience,
Photo by Lucian Himes | Spring 23 Photo Editor A solar panel array sits atop Webster Elementary School in Malibu in April. Severin Borenstein, professor at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, faculty director of the Energy Institute at Haas and board member of the Board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator, said solar energy is essential for the state to meet its reduced greenhouse gas emission objectives.
according to the Environmental Protection Agency. “It’s just sad that we have a lack of creativity when it comes to thinking about these things,” Doran said. “I’m not really sure why we wouldn’t want to be more energy independent.” The Eden Project, a sustainability-focused first-year house that opened in 2015, is the only structure on campus that boasts solar panels, according to the Center for Sustainability. Taylor wrote the University “investigated a small array to power a single-source element” via a plant wall in Eden. Doran, a main proponent for the opening of this house, said he has “no idea” if the Eden rooftop solar panels are still in use eight years later. “I would be shocked, actually, if it [Eden PV system] was still in use, in the sense of producing electricity for free,” Doran said. Taylor did not comment about the status of the solar panels on Eden. Doran said implementing the solar panels was a part of the original Eden Project plans, and that there was no pushback from the University about in-
stalling rooftop solar panels. The University has invested some of its endowment into renewable energy funds, according to the Energy webpage, and Taylor did not elaborate on this. Fire and Insurance Risks Installing solar energy can diversify one’s power grid to be more resilient against wildfires and public safety power shut offs, said Doran and Jerry Vandermeulen, fire safety liaison for the City of Malibu and retired firefighter. Vandermeulen did not comment on Pepperdine’s solar use specifically. “Having a renewable energy grid — a microgrid of sorts — and battery storage only allows us to be more resilient during those times,” Doran said. There are also many risks that solar panels pose, Taylor wrote. “Solar panels are extremely challenging in high fire severity zones like our region and can render properties uninsurable when installed because of the increased fire risk: blown debris caught under panels, inability to turn off power gen-
Photo by Lucian Himes | Spring 23 Photo Editor Roofstop panels sit atop the Eden House in April. Nicolle Taylor, vice president and chief business officer at Pepperdine, did not specify whether the solar panels are still in use after its installment in 2015.
eration in emergencies, etc.,” Taylor wrote. “This reality pushed us to consider other ways to access alternative energy sources.” The solar panel industry, also known as the photovoltaic industry, is “pretty heavily regulated,” Vandermeulen said. “There’s a very, very, very small incidence of that happening [panels catching fire],” Vandermeulen said. Inspectors must do an in-person inspection and many city departments, including the fire department and fire company, must sign off on it, Vandermeulen said. “There’s a lot of checks and balances through the fire department, through building and safety, and everything has to be done to specifications of the electrical code and all that, so they [solar panels] are actually pretty safe,” Vandermeulen said. When there is a public-safety power shutoff, Vandermeulen said solar panels will continue to generate electricity but are cut off from the circuit, as a safety mechanism. To prevent one’s roof catching fire, Vandermeulen said to ensure the gap between the roof and the panels is free of debris, such as highly-flammable pine needles. Additionally, Vandermeulen said homes with rooftop solar panels must leave room for firefighters to move around or cut a hole in the roof if there is an internal fire structure to release the hot air and smoke. The state of California requires roofs to be made of the least-combustible materials possible — known as a Class A Roof — and solar panels and its mounting hardware must also match the combustible rating of the roof, Vandermeulen said. The Solar Rights Act of 1978, and its amendments state homeowners associations and local governments cannot “unreasonably restrict” individuals from installing rooftop solar panels, according to the Energy Policy Initiatives Center. “Everybody has the right to put solar on their house,” Van-
November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media nothing variable,” and could consider providing a portion of it themselves, Beattie said. “If we have the ability to put the money in place and build the infrastructure for it, it’s never going to be perfect, but it’s certainly better than having blackouts,” Doran said. Green Energy and Southern California Edison
Infographic by Ali Levens An infographic comparing the costs of Pepperdine’s total investment for its new large-scale complex, The Mountain, with renewable energy improvement projects at other educational institutions.
dermeulen said. “Cities can’t drag their feet on it.” Doran, who has lived on campus for about 14 years and whose wife served as the president of the Baxter Faculty Residences Homeowners Association, said the University turned down the push for faculty to install rooftop solar on their residences because it would be incompatible with their insurance. Taylor did not comment about solar and faculty houses. Additionally, Doran said there was discussion several years ago about Pepperdine potentially installing solar panels onto an outdoor parking lot covering at Drescher. Taylor did not comment about installing solar panels over a parking lot covering at Drescher. Cost of Installation If Pepperdine were to install its own solar panels, Borenstein said the University would have to consider two methods: utilizing federal tax credits and cutting out Edison entirely. “When universities install solar, they are avoiding paying those [power provider] prices,” Borenstein said. Borenstein said installing batteries and cutting the metaphorical cord is a way to become independent of a power provider, but it would be “incredibly costly and incredibly complicated to live with.” Doran said the cost of solar energy is “far more competitive,” which is why it has gained popularity among homeowners. “For a number of years, California and the federal government had programs to help assist and subsidize the cost of those
things, so I’ve been curious about whether we actually investigated what the cost formally was,” Doran said. Taylor did not comment about the economic benefits associated with installing on-campus solar panels. In terms of federal tax credits, Borenstein said universities may have a “more complicated time” because of their nonprofit status. With this method, a third-party company may own the solar panels and take the tax credit. Because Pepperdine has a great deal of indoor space, Pepperdine would require a great deal of solar panels, which is a “space and cost problem,” said Graham Beattie, assistant professor of Economics at Loyola Marymount University. “Assuming everything went smoothly, they would be in the red — they would be losing money on the deal for the first 10 years or so — and then start gaining money,” Beattie said. This may be saving the University more money in energy costs from the power provider, but Borenstein said other customers who use the same provider may face more financial burden because the costs — without Pepperdine’s financial input — are redistributed into their bills. Timing, Beattie said, is another point of consideration. If Pepperdine had installed solar panels a few years ago, Beattie said the panels would not have been as efficient; however, as soon as an organization commits to solar energy, it can “start reaping the benefits faster.” “[If it’s] assumed that there were no environmental benefits, it’s not a terrible investment,” Beattie said. Pepperdine producing its own energy should not be an “all-or-
Another method to have more beneficial environmental effects without the associated cost of installing solar panels would involve Pepperdine paying “a little bit extra” for Edison to deliver 100% renewable energy from their sources, Beattie said. “It would effectively function like an environmental, charitable giving by the University because they would be getting the same product and paying more for it to get it, just in a greener way,” Beattie said. Borenstein said going in this direction will not impact costs for other customers, as installing one’s own solar panels would. In terms of rates, Borenstein said the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is aware of the rate problem — the rates are much higher than the actual cost of producing and delivering the electricity. Borenstein said the CPUC is redesigning rates, which may make “solar less financially rewarding.” In 2021, Edison’s power content label — the breakdown of energy sources — offered between 31.4% to 100% of renewable energy across its four sourcing options, according to the California Energy Commission. Solar power was the largest contributor for each of the renewable categories. Edison’s regular operations ranks No. 97 out of the 151 listed power providers in California. Edison declined to comment about large businesses transitioning to greener energy or specifically about Pepperdine’s energy status. “Having the ability to be more resilient and not just rely on Southern California Edison seems, to me, a worthy goal,” Doran said. The Clean Power Alliance is a Community Choice Aggregation — programs that purchase electricity in place of investor-owned utilities — that serves the Malibu area with 100% green power, according to the CPA. “The fact is that your utility [Edison] is pretty darn green, the CCA that you could access is pretty darn green,” Borenstein said. “You’re not going to get much greener, if any greener, by installing rooftop solar.” In terms of the University’s carbon footprint, Borenstein said Pepperdine should focus on its energy consumption. Pepperdine could implement programs to reduce energy, post signage that explains not to waste energy or be more transparent in campus energy use in halls or buildings. “If Pepperdine really wants
to make a difference, the first thing they should focus on is energy efficiency and reducing their use of energy,” Borenstein said. “Universities are just massively wasteful.” Other Schools and Solar Local schools such as Malibu High School and John L. Webster Elementary School, have rooftop solar panels, said Austin Toyama, sustainability coordinator for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Toyama said SMMUSD has solar panels on seven elementary schools. The district began a solar power purchase agreement in 2013, where the district received energy credits and offsets for those seven energy systems transported back to the grid. SMMUSD also installed district-owned solar panels on Malibu High School. Toyama said transitioning was especially important since it was in the district’s sustainability plan to utilize 100% renewable energy by 2020. “The ‘why’ is the big thing,” Toyama said. “The fact [is], it’s in our sustainability plan, and we consider ourselves to be a leader in sustainability in public schools — and all of the environmental reasons.” Toyama said the district had support from high school students, community members and organizations to go 100% renewable. In terms of cost, Toyama
Having the ability to be more resilient and not just rely on Southern California Edison seems, to me, a worthy goal. Chris Doran Professor of Religion and Sustainability said the district will pay about $30,000 to 40,000 more per year to transition to all renewable sources. He said the district pays an average of $1.3 million per year for electricity, which is about a 3% increase in their electricity bill. On the university side, LMU has about 90,000 square feet of solar panels, which produce 1.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, according to Green LMU. This project cost $4.5 million but was offset by rebates through partnerships with the Southern California Gas Company, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and solar company PowerLight, according to Green LMU. LMU’s actual cost was
A5 $325,000, and this solar installation saves LMU an average of $210,000 a year, according to Green LMU. Commitment to renewables continues into one Churches of Christ university, as Abilene Christian University — a Churches of Christ university in Abilene, Texas, and President Jim Gash’s alma mater — runs entirely on renewable energy and is a member of the Green Power Partnership, according to the report. ACU is one of 41 U.S. colleges or universities that run on 100% or more of renewable energy. Pepperdine’s Historical Ties to the Oil Industry Two of Pepperdine’s most generous donor families — Frank and Blanche Seaver of Hydril and Richard Scaife of Gulf Oil — gained their wealth from the oil industries, according to Dean Emeritus of Seaver College David Baird’s book “Quest for Distinction: Pepperdine University in the 20th Century.” Hydril manufactured specialty parts for oil drilling machinery, Baird wrote in the book. Baird wrote in the book that Frank wrote Pepperdine College into his will before he died in 1964. He gave $26,360 and his widow, Blanche, gave $160 million. Scaife’s gifts totaled more than $9 million through 1978. Blanche also offered to donate 164 acres of her own property in Palos Verdes to Pepperdine, and Scaife agreed to contribute $500,000 in stock. Borenstein said oil was not recognized as an environmental problem 100 years ago because nobody understood their use led to greenhouse gas emissions, and today the “vast majority” of people recognize climate change is anthropogenic, even those who are involved in the oil and gas industries. “[If] a university that was enriched based on the production of fossil fuels — not that they’re guilty of anything necessarily — they might feel more responsibility for doing something about it, now that we all have become aware that this is a real environmental problem,” Borenstein said.
ali.levens@alumnimail.pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Students, institutions combat burnout Ava Heinert News Staff Writer Viviana Diaz Guest Contributor Go to class, go to work, do homework, socialize, take exams, eat, sleep and repeat. College students and health and wellness experts said college burnout should be addressed on personal as well as institutional levels. Burnout negatively impacts student’s mental well-being and academic performance, creating unhealthy habits and a life of imbalance, said Sharleen O’Brien, associate dean and director of the Health and Wellness Department at the University of California Santa Barbara. The Resilience-Informed Skills Education Program at Pepperdine University and the University of California, Santa Barbara UCSB ’s Health and Wellness Program are both actively tackling the issue of burnout through hosting events and providing accessible mental health resources. “Burnout is when you keep going back, and you’re like, ‘I got a second wind, I got a third wind, I got a fourth wind,’” O’Brien said. “There’s a point where you don’t have another wind, and things start to deteriorate in your life rather than get better.” The Problem College burnout is the development of chronic stress over an extended period of time, according to Malvern Behavioral Health. In a National College Health Assessment study in 2017, 80% of college students reported feeling overwhelmed and 40% of those respondents said this feeling prevented them from functioning, according to Malvern Behavioral Health. Pepperdine Alumnus (‘23) Josh Sullivan said burnout occurs for him toward the end of the semester, and it comes in the form of general academic frustration. “These are periods of academic frustration, not wanting to be active in the classroom, not wanting to complete projects — things of that nature,” Sullivan said. A Graphic poll of 51 students found that 88% feel they have experienced burnout. Lily Nunn, junior at UCSB, said for her, burnout is a lack of motivation. “I feel like it’s not going to class,” Nunn said. “Sometimes, it’s just hard to motivate yourself to do something.” Burnout is most prevalent for students toward the end of the semester, Sullivan said. “That’s representative of pretty much every college student,” Sullivan said. “By the time you get to the end of the semester, you’re just done, and you want it to be over, and you don’t care.” With numerous social opportunities and academic responsibilities, there are a lot of things competing for a student’s time, O’Brien said. Students often struggle to find time to rest and recharge. “Burnout comes when students are still trying to find that balance between
how much of their alone and rest downtime do they need,” O’Brien said. “And what are they willing to give up in order to get some of what they need to replenish themselves?” As a student, Nunn said, it can be difficult to balance everything on her plate. “It can be really hard transitioning, figuring out how to balance going to class, doing your homework and then just taking care of yourself too,” Nunn said. “That’s a lot of burnout; you get kind of numb on wanting to try hard.” Junior Sports Medicine major Brynn Quesenberry said her classes are demanding and difficult to balance. She said she feels forced to sacrifice doing well in one to do well in another. “I feel it the heaviest because a lot of my classes are taught in such a way where, in order to be fully successful in them, it needs to be your number one priority class,” Quesenberry said. “So, when I’m trying to juggle prioritizing these different classes at the same time, it gets to be a lot.” How Students Combat Burnout Individually It is important for him to set hard boundaries and break up his day, Sullivan said. He said he does about four hours of solid work, but after he reaches his limit, he decides to shift gears and do something else he enjoys. “I will never stay up late studying things; I won’t do work after 7:30 p.m.,” Sullivan said. “So, let’s cook a meal with friends, or let’s go play volleyball, or let’s veg out on the couch.” Sleep is the most important part of living a balanced life, Sullivan said. “I spend a lot of time really trying to live a balanced lifestyle, but it’s hard, and it requires a lot of conscious effort,” Sullivan said. A productive day is dependent on a good night of rest, Quesenberry said. She often hangs out with friends or watches a TV show to unwind before bed.
“By the time you get to the end of the semester, you’re just done, and you want it to be over, and you don’t care.” Josh Sullivan Seaver College ‘23 Alumnus “The biggest thing I try to do is ensure that I’m going to bed at a good time,” Quesenberry said. “I tend to not allow myself to take a break until I’m at a good place with my work, and I know that’s not always realistic.” Nunn said she spends time outdoors to combat burnout. She said the natural and scenic environment at UCSB is especially helpful. “I’m like a plant,” Nunn said. “I need to photosynthesize. Last year, my
Ava Heinert | News Staff Writer Pepperdine students study for finals in Payson Library on April 16. A Graphic poll of 51 students found that 88% reported that they have felt burnout.
dorm had this huge lawn in front of it, and I would just read a couple chapters of my textbook outside, and that really motivates me.” How Pepperdine is Combatting Burnout: RISE One of the ways Pepperdine is trying to help students during times of stress is through the implementation of the RISE Program. Connie Horton, vice president for student affairs, said she created RISE in 2019, after witnessing the struggles of college mental health, following the Borderline shooting and the Woolsey Fire. The program ultimately helps students learn skills that help in building resilience whether that be through a six-week course of material or through a variety of events on campus that focus on the six dimensions the program follows such as physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, service and life skills. For first-year students, RISE required a mandatory six-week course with the HUB for Spiritual Life’s Chapel breakout groups that follow along with the six dimensions. After sending out surveys after the students took the course last fall, their feedback was, overall, positive, Horton said. “When we were freshmen, it was required to do the RISE breakout group first semester, and I thought that really helped,” Quesenberry said. RISE uses surveys to assess student responses to the program. RISE Director Lee Gobir said RISE assesses the feedback of their events through surveys and ask questions to know what events are benefiting students. She said the survey is on a oneto-seven Likert Scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree, and they take the average of the responses. “We have both qualitative and quantitative data that we choose to survey people who have gone to an event,” Lee Gobir said. Seven out of seven is the most common response, but the average ranges from 5.21 to 5.41, Horton said. The survey asks if the students have learned strategies from the course to help them in their daily lives, if they have applied those skills and if they have shared some of what they have learned with others, Horton said. Horton said seeing the positive responses from students brought her joy. “I was pleased with that; if people feel like they’ve learned it, at least intellectually, and they’re applying it, and they’re even talking about it,” Horton said. “It gives me some hope.’’ It is good to have a community space
to discuss the challenges of everyday college life with other students going through the same experiences, Quesenberry said. “I feel like a lot of people don’t utilize RISE or know too much about it,” Quesenberry said. The Pepp Post poll found that almost 60% of students are not aware of the on-campus resources available to them. RISE also has resilience coaches that could help students focus on combating negative thoughts as a whole as well as ones that come from burnout, Horton said. RISE coaching happens on campus in the RISE office at the student’s convenience or on Zoom, Lee Gobir said. RISE coaching is proving to be successful with graduate school students, and she hopes that more undergraduate students will take advantage of the resource, Gobir said. “I would really love for more of our undergraduate students to access coaching because it’s a really unique experience,” Lee Gobir said. When students start to feel burnout, they should take it as a cue rather than a sign of doom, Horton said. “I would go to the RISE things even to sort of check in with yourself and all of those six dimensions,” Horton said. When students begin to feel exhausted from college burnout, they shouldn’t feel intimidated by it, Horton said. “Don’t be alarmed when you have those feelings,” Horton said. Burnout can actually be a good thing, Sulllivan said. It depends on the individual, but for some, it signifies hard work and a semester of academic accomplishment. “In my mind, I think those feelings of burnout aren’t always a bad thing,” Sullivan said. “A lot of times they represent having worked really hard for something and nearing the end of your energy that you’re able to give to a certain project or a certain semester.” As a whole, Horton encourages students to follow the six dimensions the RISE program highlights to check in with themselves at a time of burnout. Horton said that, for the spiritual aspect, it is important for students to practice gratitude when thinking the worst about finals and assignments. She said she hopes they realize they have a strong support system at Pepperdine. “I have the opportunity to attend a school, where I have faculty who care about me, who are excellent in their area, where there’s all kinds of support available,” Horton said. Burnout can feel isolating, Quesenberry said, and having social events to fight it would be beneficial.
November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media “I feel like, when I’m feeling burned out, I also feel really isolated,” Quesenberry said. “I tend to isolate myself when I’m burned out. So, having more of a community-oriented thing would probably combat that.” Focusing on the social dimension when experiencing burnout is important because making time for friendships, even when students would rather work alone, is helpful, Horton said. “You’re really busy, but take some time to be with friends,” Horton said. “Take time, even if it’s studying with friends or walking with friends, when you’re needing to be busy.” Social support is beneficial when dealing with stressful situations and shows improvement in “better psychological well-being compared to those who have less social support,” according to an article from the Psychology and Research Behavior Management journal. Something as simple as calling a friend or going to a workout class when students feel burned out is beneficial, Lee Gobir said. “I promise it’s going to contribute to bringing you up, boosting your mood so that you’re not hitting rock bottom and feeling so burnt out and exhausted,” Lee Gobir said. UCSB Health’s Wellness Program Burnout is larger than a single student and needs to be acknowledged on an institutional level, O’Brien said. “When we talk about burnout in a workplace, we’re not
just looking at what is the individual doing to manage their own emotional and psychological well-being,” O’Brien said. “We’re also talking about what are the structures that support a student in taking care of themselves.” The UCSB Health and Wellness Center celebrated its nine-year anniversary in June. O’Brien said she advocated for physical space on campus for years, and the University granted the Health and Wellness Center a location on campus 2022.
“You can just sit there and know that you’re in an environment where there’s a bunch of supportive adults and peers who want to support you in finding balance.” Sharleen O’Brien, Associate Director of the Health UCSB The drop-in center provides a space for students to unwind and join the health and wellness team for some rest and relaxation, O’Brien said. “You can just sit there and know that you’re in an environment where there’s a bunch
of supportive adults and peers who want to support you in finding balance,” O’Brien said. Meditation can be a great resource for fighting burnout, according to The Health and Wellness Center. “The students love the meditation,” O’Brien said. “We have a space in the back, where we do all of our programs, but it’s also a space where students can lay down and take a nap.” The wellness center had a successful first year, and she is very pleased with the students’ responses so far, O’brien said. “I’m just now starting to see how students are responding to it, but they really love it,” O’Brien said. “They really need it.” The Counseling and Psychology Center (CAPS) and the Health and Wellness Center also provide a selection of stress relievers during finals week, Nunn said. “We have massage chairs and egg chairs and therapy dogs,” Nunn said. “Therapy dogs are always here during finals week; those are my favorite.” Sophia Campion, UCSB alumni and former sleep intern, said UCSB provides spaces of peace like nap stations in order to combat burnout. “The ways they [UCSB] confront it [burnout] is just holding events like the nap station that encourage students to take a break,” Campion said. Campion leads the station at UCSB for students and invites them to come to take a nap, relax and have a good time. They have a seven-week sleep challenge that gives stu-
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Infographic by Ava Heinert
dents tips on how to track their sleep schedule, what they’re putting in their body and how their diet affects their sleep. It also lets students learn more about their own sleeping habits, according to UCSB Health and Wellness page. Prior to working at UCSB, O’Brien was in clinical practice and specialized in sleep. O’Brien said, when she arrived, UCSB did not have a sleep program in place, and she felt they needed to connect students with education on the tips and rules of sleep hygiene. “We would create a sleep challenge that basically goes into the content of helping students understand why those rules are in place and letting them decide what fits for them,” O’Brien said. The sleep challenge is not
about solely changing one’s sleep but also raising awareness about healthy sleep habits, Campion said. “Just having the knowledge, even if it is not necessarily always put in place, is good for students,” Campion said. Sleep could directly impact burnout and how well students are able to perform, O’Brien said. “Mood is the first thing to go when you’re overtired and cranky,” O’Brien said. “So, we really want students to be thinking about the amount of sleep that they need to feel their best.”
ava.heinert@pepperdine.edu viviana.diaz@pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
From 2018: Timeline of events
November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Photo by Araceli Crescencio
From 2018: Alumna recounts Borderline shooting Annabelle Childers Pepp Alumna (‘22) Editor’s Note: The following is a recount from freshman Annabelle Childers, who was at the Borderline shooting. The story was originally published in 2018. 10:15 p.m. – We first arrive at Borderline and walk to the front door. I drove Hattie Pace and Janie Souza, and, as we walked to the door, Janie realized she had forgotten her driver’s license. We headed back to Pepperdine, Janie picked up her I.D., and we made our way back to Borderline. 11:10-ish p.m. – We walk toward Borderline for the second time. We enter the front door and turn to the right to the front desk area and pay to get in. I call Allison Lee, my friend who had been there for a little while, and see where they are inside. She tells me they are near the dance floor, and we make our way over to them. Janie and I go to dance, which we are struggling with because we had never learned the dance they were doing. After failing at that song, Chris Brown’s “Turn Up the Music” began playing, and we were even further out of our league because the dance was even more complicated. Laughing, we made our way off the dance floor and returned to stand with our friends behind a half wall/countertop that looked out onto the dance floor. We had only been there for a minute when we heard the first series of gunshots. *pop. pop. popopopopop* I vividly remember a loud
noise and then eerie silence. I dropped to the floor and crawled behind something. I saw my roommate, but she didn’t see me. She continued crawling toward the back of the restaurant, and I didn’t follow. A man had put his arm around me keeping me down and telling me I was OK and everything was going to be OK. The room was silent except for sounds of glass shattering in increments. Then the second round of shots began. That second series of shots seemed to spur movement in us, because we realized we couldn’t stay put. The guy with his arm around me got up and ran, and I turned my attention toward where the people around me were running. I got up and ran after them, and I remember coming to a window. There was still a large piece of glass in the top right corner, but the center of the window had been completely broken. I remember looking down and seeing a barstool on the ground among a pool of glass. I saw girl working to get up off the ground after taking the jump badly. I remember thinking I was nervous, looking at the 6-foot drop, and then I heard “JUMP!” and the third round of shots went off. I don’t remember the jump or running through the parking lot. All I remember is that I made it to my car. I hopped into the front seat, looking around to see if any of my friends had headed in my direction. I saw cars peeling out of the parking lot, but I stayed put, afraid that I would hit someone or something. In two minutes, the parking lot went from a crazed mess to a silent wasteland.
11:20 p.m. – I call Hattie, my roommate, twice, and it goes straight to voicemail. I start breathing heavy and tears begin to fall. I call my friend Allison next, and she answers. She’s crying, and so am I. She was in her car and had driven away from Borderline. We were desperately trying to locate everyone in our group to make sure everyone was OK. We had located everyone through text, and then Allison said I should call my mom. I call my mom, and by this time I am crying hysterically, and I can’t breathe well. I’m terrified that the shooter is in the parking lot. She answers the phone, and I am completely incoherent. I work to gain some composure and control of my voice, and she eventually finds out what is going on. Police have begun to show up at Borderline, and they offer me little comfort. I’m terrified that if I get out of the car, the police will see movement and think I could be the shooter. I tell my mom that, and we decide that I should call 911. I call them, which results in nothing. I tell them what car I’m in with hopes that they will tell an officer, and I can get out safely, but she simply tells me to stay put or try to exit the parking lot in my car. The exit was barricaded by police cars. I hang up and call my mom back. I go off and on in phone calls with my mom as I also talk with my friends over the phone checking in to make sure everyone is OK. 12:10 a.m. – I have to get out of the car. I’m starting to have another panic attack because I don’t want to continue being alone. I’m on the phone with my mom, and she finally
says that I can leave the car, so I hang up with her on the phone. I run out of the car with my hands up, and a man runs to me, picks me up and carries me behind a police car. Another man picks me up from behind the police car and escorts me to an area with around 20 police cars to where I am safe. I stand there for a while, in the middle of many flashing lights. All of the police have headed toward Borderline, and I’m still scared and still alone. I start walking toward the gas station where I see other people. As I walk, I see Ashley Fricker, who I had not known was at Borderline. I run to her and we hug for a while, later telling each other our stories. In the time that followed, we were asked for statements by the FBI, and we began to play a waiting game. Two of my friends who had been stuck in the bathroom were rescued by the police, and we waited with them for two hours. Around 2:30 a.m., we were cold and decided the area wasn’t going to clear out anytime soon. The freeway was blocked off, but we decided to walk down the street to an area where we could meet up with our friends who had run far enough to not be caught up in the aftermath of the shooting. 2:45ish a.m. – We make it to our friends and begin to drive back to Pepperdine. My car is still in the parking lot of Borderline. Allison Lee drives four of my friends, and her dad drives four of us to campus. 3:15ish a.m. – We get back to campus where we are directed to the HAWC. Inside the HAWC, we are greeted by
our Resident Director and two counselors. 4:45 a.m. – I climb into bed and go to sleep. 6:45 a.m. – I wake up. The day after the shooting, I went to the Pepperdine Counseling Center with Tanner Provencher, Allison Lee, Jake Nichols and Hannah Kate Albach, all friends who were at Borderline. We talked to a professional trauma counselor who told us all of the ways that people react to trauma and what we could expect for the future. We learned that everyone processes trauma differently and our reactions could take different or multiple forms. So far, I have felt very numb to a lot of things. I don’t cry much, but I feel really tired a lot of the time. Talking to lots of people for extended periods of time is really draining at this time, which is a surprise because it has never been hard for me in the past. I don’t like dark places or loud noises, but I wouldn’t say that fear is solely dictating where I go or what I do. The trauma specialist said that we may feel OK in this moment, but things might grow harder as life goes on.
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November 10, 2023 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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From 2018: Pepperdine heroes fight the flames Nicola Wenz Pepp Alumna (‘19) Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in 2018. More than 100 firefighters, including the strike team and hand crew, responded to the Woolsey Fire at Pepperdine University, according to Mark Lauren, Pepperdine lieutenant of Fire and Life Safety Preparedness. Around 2.5 million gallons of water and one million gallons of flame retardant were used in the Helitack and Bomber Air assault to contain the fire, according to the Cal Fire Incident Command. How much more water and flame retardant used in suppression operations is unknown. In a phone interview with Lauren, Pepperdine Fire Inspector and Specialist Jason Jensen, Pepperdine Communications Manager Cesar Lopez and Pepperdine Lieutenant for Patrol Luis “Q” Quiroz, each one described their own experiences with the Woolsey fire — what happened the moment they received the “call to action” and how Pepperdine prepared them to ensure absolute safety for all. What was it like to get the “call to action?” Lauren – The planning really starts before the incident really [begins], and that is the red flag warning monitoring the national weather service, tracking the fire weather conditions in advance. Pre-planning is critical from our operational standpoint. When I first became aware of [the fire], I already responded to the Borderline incident and was at Thousand Oaks at the Reuni-
fication Center. I went right from that incident to the Woolsey Fire incident; there was no time to decompress. Jensen – Once learning about the fire, working in the fire division, it is part of our responsibility and also our interest to stay on top of any information and what is happening when fire is in the area. I talked to Mark [Lauren], and we discussed the potential for the path for whether we thought [the fire] would get to campus or not, what was happening, whether it was growing and started to work out a plan as far as who would go to the command post and what our process would be. Lopez – During [a] red flag warning event, we tend to pay attention to the Blue 8 radio frequency of the LA County Fire [and] monitor any brush fire or structure fires in the area. Around two in the afternoon on Thursday, we overheard over the radio that there was a fire off the 118 near Woolsey Canyon, and so, from that moment forth, me and the other dispatchers in the communication center were tracking all activities related to the fire and were reporting on details. Quiroz – We have a protocol whenever we have a red flag warning to go ahead and establish a modified schedule for everyone on patrol. So we had established that for our Friday where we had 12 on and 12 off, and that was it. We were ready Friday morning. When the fire approached Pepperdine, what was it like for you? Quiroz – We came up with a plan and decided we were going to work as a team. Once the fire was in our backyard, that’s
Photo courtesy of Luis Quiroz
when we began to use all our training and just jump on it. Jensen – We were still monitoring at that time. The fire was still a couple canyons over as we were watching it, and then I was just planning in my head how I would approach the campus and what I expect the fire activity to be. So we were coordinating with Q [Quiroz] and his group. We basically had two different groups of fire departments, and we came up with a tactic of where we were going to start and modify that as the fire conditions needed. As it then first approached campus, it was very hot and very windy, a pretty extreme fire behavior. And then, well, we just went to work. What were your thoughts when you saw the fire? Jensen – Based on my training and experience, although it was extreme, at no time did I think we were in a compromised position. Campus had a very good plan as far as the brushing goes and as far as the way it is laid out, if a fire is supposed to come through. We relied a lot on our training and working together. Everybody did a great job, communicated well and worked well. How long did you stay on campus? Were you able to reach out to family members? Lauren – I never went home. I assumed the role of the incident command post. I was initially in Thousand Oaks and was transferred to Camarillo and worked as the liaison for the university with all the different fire agencies, law enforcement and infrastructure services. I worked hand-in-
hand with those same agencies as far as the repopulation procedures [go] to get everyone back into Malibu. Jensen – I was able to reach out to my family probably once or twice a day and talk to my kids. That was nice. Lopez – I reached out to my family as well. I let them know that I was very busy at Public Safety and that I was limited on how often I would be reaching out to them. It gave me piece of mind letting them know I was fine. Quiroz – I was either texting or trying to give my family a phone call once a day to let them know I was fine. *All officers stayed at the Malibu campus from Thursday Nov. 8 until Friday, Nov. 16, and Lauren stayed at the command post for the entire week. What was the hardest part for you during this time? Lauren – I think as a born and raised resident of Malibu, having gone through four previous fires, to [then] go through this again … the devastation that is going to follow it and [affect] so many friends, families and business owners that live in this area … is the hardest part. As far as our plan andthe concern for the students and the community here, I felt confident in our pre-planning and working with all the other stakeholders on campus. There are so many layers of consideration, care and contingency to ensure the community is well-served. Jensen – I’d have to say the hardest part was the back-toback situation with the Borderline incident — not fully being able to process that as a community or a department and then right into the fire mode, which is a completely different emergency management mode.
That was pretty tough. Lopez – I think one of the more difficult tasks during this event was the volume of calls we were receiving in dispatch from dozens of parents, calling concerns for the safety of their sons and daughters. Some of the parents were very emotional, so we reassured them, letting them know their sons and daughters are safe. In some cases, they couldn’t get into contact with them, so we would dispatch Public Safety officers to conduct welfare checks on the students to make sure that the students [were] fine and in turn reach out to the parents and telling them they are okay. From the moment the fire hit, we were getting calls after calls after calls, and it started 24 to 48 hours earlier with the Borderline event. Quiroz – I think the hardest part was [students] not knowing how the fire was going to act. I mostly wanted to make sure the students didn’t go into panic mode. I wanted to assure them that everything was fine, sheltering them in place to Firestone Fieldhouse and the cafeteria, stopping by and just saying hello to them. How has Pepperdine trained you for moments like these? Lauren – We have all the tools here and the commitment, the facts, the training — everybody’s heart is in this. This is a choice and not an obligation; we feel compelled. It is a privilege to serve and an honor to protect.
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November 10, 2023
The Graphic
pepperdin e - graphic .com
PERSPECTIVES
Staff Editorial: Parking at Pepperdine is a crisis
THE PGM STAFF Executive Editor Abby Wilt
Managing Editor Samantha Torre
Special Edition Editor Graphic Staff Editor’s Note: PGM staff members decide on the topic of a Staff Ed together. The staff as a whole provides opinions and content included in this Staff Ed to provide thoughts about and shed light on solutions for happenings at Pepperdine.
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epperdine University’s picturesque campus is undoubtedly a sight to behold. However, the campus is not without one big drawback — there is simply not enough parking to accommodate the needs of the students, faculty and staff. The Soaring Cost of Fines The fines for parking violations have skyrocketed from a reasonable $10 to a staggering $400 if towed. Such a steep increase seems more punitive than corrective, especially when students are struggling to find legitimate parking spots. General parking violations such as parking in an area “designated for others” is a violation worth $50, except in case of an event where the fine is $65, according to DPS’s fine schedule. For parking in fire lanes, the fine is $75, and for fire hydrants, it is $100. If a vehicle is impounded, the cost, which DPS passes on to the owner of the vehicle, can be anywhere from $200 to $400, according to DPS. Inadequate Maps and Directions Navigating the maze of parking restrictions on Pepperdine’s campus are often unclear and misleading. Students find themselves parking in the wrong spots unwittingly, only to return to hefty fines. Clear, up-to-date maps and signs are crucial to preventing unnecessary parking violations. When the University needs a parking lot cleared, DPS places signage with a 72-hour notice minimum, Steinbrenner wrote. However, what if a student leaves a car on campus during the weekend? Students shouldn’t worry about their car not being there when they get back. Rising Gas Prices
California is known for its high gas prices, and the constant need to circle the campus in search of parking not only wastes valuable time but also drains already stretched budgets. Students report spending up to 30 minutes circling campus in search of a parking spot, often giving up and returning home in frustration. This not only affects their academic performances but also their mental well-being. Confusing Dispute Options Allowing students to challenge their tickets is essential for a fair and just system. Steinbrenner wrote there have been no changes to the appeals process, and the instructions are on the printed ticket. “Certain violations are not able to be disputed, such as Fire Life Safety/red zone violations or parking in a space reserved or designated for others (guests of the University or certain departments such as Facilities),” Steinbrenner wrote. Construction: The Mountain Project The ongoing construction for the Mountain project at Pepperdine has further complicated parking. Students are left with dirty cars, limited parking in the baseball lots and the frustration of not knowing where they can park. Towing Students Towing students’ vehicles should be reserved for severe violations such as parking in handicap spots or blocking fire hydrants. Students are already under financial stress, and the threat of towing only adds to their anxiety. Towing should not be a solution when parking options are so limited. “If a vehicle is parked in a no parking zone or space, DPS attempts to call the registered owner and have them move their vehicle before it is towed,” Steinbrenner wrote. “If a vehicle is not registered, that limits the ability to contact the owner. As a last resort, the vehicle will be towed, and the owner is charged for the tow fee of $275.”
While calls are appreciated, DPS could be calling while a student is in class — interrupting the student’s education. Shuttle Service The University’s shuttle service, meant to alleviate parking woes, can become overloaded during rush hour, and in some cases, not have the space to pick up all students at the stop. Students should not have to rely on a shuttle service that doesn’t meet their needs when rushing to class after circling for parking. Solutions for a Brighter Future To rectify this situation, Pepperdine should: 1. Significantly Decrease Ticket Prices: Reduce parking fines to a more reasonable level to ease the financial burden on students. 2. Implement Parking Lines for Parallel Parking: By creating parking lines, the university can maximize the use of available space and accommodate more vehicles. 3. Revise Parking Regulations: Reevaluate the placement of red lines and other parking restrictions to provide students with clearer guidelines. 4. Reinstate the Right to Dispute Tickets: Allow students to dispute parking tickets, fostering a fair and just system. 5. Improve Planning: Pepperdine must plan better for parking options that can accommodate its growing population. The parking crisis at Pepperdine is reaching a breaking point, and Pepperdine needs to take immediate action. By reducing fines, improving maps and implementing fair policies, the university can alleviate the burden on its students and create a more positive campus experience for students — it is their home, after all. It’s time for Pepperdine to prioritize the well-being and convenience of its students in this parking predicament.
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Marley Penagos
DEI Team Editors: Joseph Heinemann Marley Penagos Assistant Editor: Madison Luc
Advertising Team Ad Director: Victoria Snapper
News Team News Editor: Beth Gonzales Senior Reporter: Emily Chase News Assistant Editor: Millie Auchard News Assistant: Ava Heinert News Staff Writer: Rachel Flynn
Life & Arts Team Life & Arts Editor: Yamillah Hurtado Life & Arts Assistants: Maximilian J.S. Pohlenz Samantha Wareing Life & Arts Staff Writers: Timothy Gay Emma Ibarra Amanda Monahan
Perspectives Team Perspectives Editor: Victoria La Ferla Perspectives Assistant Editors: Fiona Creadon Madison Luc Perspectives Assistant: Faith Oh Perspectives Staff Writers: Arik Chu Kylie Kowalski Laury Li Caitlin Murray Alyssa Johnson Adri Sahakian Comic Writer: Luke Franklin
Sports Team Sports Editor: Tony Gleason Sports Assistant Editors: Alex Clarke
Joseph Heinemann Sports Assistant: Justin Rodriguez Staff Writers: Dylan Chai Vincent Chu Nina Fife Isaac Kim Nick Shea
Digital Team Digital Editor: Gabrielle Salgado Social and Multimedia Producer/Editor: Christina Buravtsova Digital Assistant Editor: Milena D’Andrea Digital Assistants: Andrew Kim Video Editor: Hunter Dunn
Copy Team Copy Chief: Aubrey Hirsch Copy Editors: Abby Choe Libby Hill
Photo Team Photo Editor: Mary Elisabeth Assistant Photo Editors: Perse Klopp Lindy Smith Staff Photographer: Emma Ibarra
Design Team Lead Designer: Skyler Hawkins Assistant Lead Designer: Will Fallmer Assistant Designer: Emilia Lekhter
Art Team Art Editor: Jackie Lopez Staff Artists: Mary Palumbo Sarah Rietz Adri Sahakian Ade Zepeda
Podcast Team Head Podcast Producer: Joe Allgood Podcast Producers: Nancy He Amari Venzor
Abroad Team Abroad Correspondent: Alicia Dofelmier
Jackie Lopez | Art Editor
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November 10, 2023 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media
SIP & S AV OR Alfred Coffee vs. Blue Bottle Jackie Lopez | Art Editor
Ayurveda offers timeless healing wisdom Victoria La Ferla Perspectives Editor Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic includes an advice column based on new topics and different writers’ thoughts. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer. As an experienced traveler with a profound curiosity for the unfamiliar, when I was in India, I gained a desire to immerse myself in a culture where Ayurveda is not just a buzzword but a way of life. What I discovered during my time there left an indelible mark on my understanding of healthcare, well-being and the intricate interplay between the mind, body and spirit. Ayurveda, which translates to “knowledge of life,” is not merely a system of herbal remedies and massages; it’s a profound philosophy that resonates with the soul of its practitioners, according to Hindu American Foundation. Amidst the spice-scented air in the center of Mumbai and the natural landscapes in the countryside, I learned wisdom is revered above all else. One of the core principles of Ayurveda is the belief that health is a balance between the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, according to Vogue India. These doshas are like the threads of a cosmic fabric, woven together to create a visual understanding of our physical and mental health. In my quest to understand these doshas, I underwent a thorough consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who carefully observed my lifestyle and imbalances. The personalized recommendations I received left me in awe of the deep understanding that Ayurveda has about individuality and holistic wellness.
The Ayurvedic approach extends beyond just treating symptoms; it delves into the root causes of illnesses. It is not just a remedy but a holistic regimen that encompasses dietary changes, herbal supplements, yoga and meditation. My journey into Ayurveda also included skilled practitioners rejuvenating me with massages and treatments. These practitioners have an innate understanding of the body’s energy system. These treatments weren’t just about relaxation; they aimed to restore balance within my body, enhancing its ability to heal itself.
It’s a way of life that doesn’t end with a prescription but opens doors to a lifetime of selfdiscovery and self-care that is in my power rather than the hands of pharmaceutical companies. Victoria La Ferla Perspectives Editor
Among these treatments, one stood out with its unique and remarkable benefits: the hot oil drip therapy, known as “Shirodhara.” This ancient Ayurvedic practice involves a steady, warm stream of herbal oil pouring onto the forehead.
The sensation is heavenly — a cascade of warmth that soothes the mind and envelops it in a constant feeling of relaxation. Shirodhara is said to balance the doshas, alleviate stress and clear the mind, which made it a profound experience, and it gave me mental clarity afterward. In India, Ayurveda isn’t just a medicinal system; it’s a way of life. It intertwines seamlessly with spirituality, culture and the rhythms of nature. It’s a way of life that doesn’t end with a prescription but opens doors to a lifetime of self-discovery and self-care that is in my power rather than the hands of pharmaceutical companies. While modern medicine has undoubtedly brought immense benefits to my life, Ayurveda serves as a reminder that wisdom from the past still holds profound truths. Ayurveda encourages me to see health as holistic — where my physical, mental and spiritual well-being are intricately connected. Ayurveda’s timeless lessons transcend borders and cultures, reminding me that the oldest traditions can often provide some of the most enduring solutions. My time in India immersing myself in Ayurveda was a transformational experience. Ayurveda is a treasure trove of knowledge, and my journey has only scratched the surface of its infinite wisdom. The Ayurvedic Institute and EkhartYoga can offer various resources to learn more about Ayurveda.
victoria.laferla@pepperdine.edu
Victoria La Ferla | Perspectives Editor Transparency Item: This is a food and beverage column that rotates writers and is based on new locations each week. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer. Blue Bottle Coffee and Alfred Coffee both hold a special place in my stomach, but one truly hits all the marks on how I rank coffee shops — quality, consistency, creativity and overall vibe of the location. The iconic “But First, Coffee” slogan greets you as you enter the trendy, hip ambience of Alfred Coffee in the Malibu Country Mart. Alfred prides itself on its carefully sourced beans and creative concoctions. Its “Alfred’s Matcha Latte” is a staple, offering a smooth matcha flavor profile. I add a pump of vanilla for taste; otherwise, it’s a bit too earthy-tasting for me. From lavender-infused matcha lattes to matcha cortados, their menu caters to all matcha lovers. I prefer tea and matcha to coffee because the after-effects are much less intense, and I don’t notice the drop-off of caffeine like I do with coffee. I will endure the post-caffeine shakes only for Alfred’s “World-Famous Vanilla Iced Latte.” It truly is a classic and consistently satisfying. Blue Bottle, located in the Cross Creek shopping area, embraces minimalism and sustainability. It is known for their high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha. Its menu features classic matcha lattes, matcha cappuccinos and matcha pour-overs, perfect for matcha purists. My go-to is a hot oat milk matcha. I have never had to add flavorings or anything else; the baristas at Blue Bottle make their matchas to perfection. Blue Bottle serves each cup of matcha with a white foam design poured in the middle of the pool of green in front of you. Every sip tastes like a warm hug. I have to slow myself down
to not chug the whole drink in 10 seconds. Alfred tempts me with its assortment of pastries, including chocolate croissants and, my favorite, the Rico Breakfast Burrito. These pastries are fresh, flaky and flavorful, and the employees always ask if I want my pastry warmed, which makes all the difference. Blue Bottle takes a minimalist approach to pastries. While it offers options like seasonal scones and croissants, it also has a breakfast menu that makes your mouth water. The choice between Alfred and Blue Bottle boils down to personal preference. Alfred Coffee provides a trendy atmosphere with creative creations, and their “World-Famous Vanilla Iced Latte” is a must-try. Its outdoor sitting area is a great spot to catch up with a friend, which I have taken advantage of on many occasions. Blue Bottle, on the other hand, offers a pure, minimalist matcha experience. Whether you’re seeking Instagram-worthy moments or meditative matcha sips, Blue Bottle truly caters to my taste. Sitting outside their shop, I feel calmness all around me and savor every moment there. It is the winner in my book. If you don’t want to choose between them, indulge in the best of both worlds.
victoria.laferla@pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Ade Zepeda | Staff Artist
Make Adobe apps affordable Laury Li Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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ith technological development today, digital devices and software have been prominent productive tools. However, while some are required for offices and classrooms, they can be over college students’ budgets. Pepperdine offers students free access to multiple digital news subscriptions and office software if they sign up via school email. But, that doesn’t include Adobe Creative Cloud. Creative Cloud includes access to online storage and over 20 creative applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro. In 2013, Adobe stopped providing Creative Suite in boxed version and changed its to subscription-only, according to The Washington Post. The regular price for a Creative Cloud license is $54.99 per month for individual accounts, according to Adobe’s website. The educational discount is an annual contract that charges $19.99 per month for the first year, $239.88 in total and $29.99 starting from the second year, which sums to $359.88 a year. It is not cheaper to purchase a monthly license under $20 for one semester. Adobe charges a cancellation fee after the first 14 days of purchase, which is 50% of the remaining contract obligation, according to the current subscription policies. Seaver students enjoy a student offer with an exclusive discount for annual access that expires Aug. 1, of the following year. The license costs $150 if bought at the beginning of the school year and $75 if purchased in the spring semester, according to the student license website. “We used to have device licenses,” said Sara Fernandez, associate director of production operations and former technology liaison between the Communication Division and the
IT department. “We purchased licenses and put them on those lab computers [in the Center of Communication and Business],” Fernandez said. “Well, Adobe no longer does device licenses. They stopped that completely with COVID.” In 2019, Adobe introduced Shared Device Licensing to replace Device Licensing, according to the University of Colorado Office of Information Technology. The old device-based licensing allowed users to access Adobe programs on shared devices anonymously. With the new named user licensing, users must log in before using the software, though subscriptions are not required. Institutions can update the licenses. Yet, after 2019, lab computers in the CCB don’t have shared device licenses anymore. Students need to pay for their own individual licenses instead. Fernandez explained the possible reasons for substituting the license for the Communication Division in an Oct. 10 email to the Graphic. “The lab classroom’s computers [in CCB 242] were out of date and were not replaced,” Fernandez wrote. “So, they were turned into regular classrooms.” An individual license grants students more flexibility in time and location, especially for hybrid classes during the pandemic. Fernandez said she also negotiated with Adobe for the discounted Pepperdine student license after the department ceased to provide device licenses. Currently, 18 lab computers at Pepperdine have renewed shared device licenses which allow free access to Creative Cloud. This includes 12 computers in the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), two on the first floor of Payson Library and four in iLab in the Drescher Library. Classes that include graphic design and video production are often offered in the CCB or the Cultural Arts Center (CAC). However, neither the computer lab in the CCB nor the digital art lab in the CAC provides free access to Creative Cloud. Those taking art classes who need to
access Adobe programs are charged for the license plus a digital art studio fee of $60, according to the Seaver academic catalog. Adjunct Art Professor Katherine Bates teaches graphic design. She said the digital art studio at Pepperdine has a generous range of equipment and services for students taking the class, including iMac machines, printers and Wacom tablets for borrowing, but students need to pay for their Creative Cloud licenses. The device limit forbids individual accounts from launching software on multiple devices simultaneously, according to Adobe policies. It is inefficient to share individual accounts among multiple users. Due to its dominance in the creative field, one barrier to switching from Creative Cloud to other programs is that it will slow down progress when collaborating with peers using Adobe programs, according to Forbes. For all the jobs she has done as a designer or director, Bates said all the files have to be in PostScript (.ps) format, a vector graphic file developed by Adobe, and there is no alternative. California universities have different policies regarding students’ Adobe licenses. Since February 2021, UCLA has allowed all full-time students and concurrently enrolled extension students to obtain free access to Creative Cloud with a school email. At the University of Southern California, Creative Cloud services are available on computers in three computing centers on campus. Free access is also available to students majoring, minoring or taking classes for the semester at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Cal Poly Pomona offers all students a $30 annual subscription option for Creative Cloud. In spring 2021, Pomona College provided free licenses of Adobe Photoshop to students working on-campus jobs or taking classes that required it. For now, students seeking financial assistance on class-required software are directed to the Student Care Team (STC) by filling out an online form titled “Request for computer resources assistance,” Bates linked in a Sept. 18 email to the Graphic. Britney Summerville Brannan, director of Student Care Team case management, said the SCT helps students with various concerns, including housing, food, transportation and course materials. The SCT aims to provide “acute or short-term assistance,” Summerville Brannan wrote in an Oct. 12 email to the Graphic. “Acute or emergency assistance aims to relieve a student from an unexpected hardship that compromises their ability to continue their education or is needed to support their well-being.” Summerville Brannan said that the case manager will assess the level of emergency, identify long-term solutions and refer them to on and off-campus resources available during the meeting with the student. Creative Cloud is a productive tool for business enterprises to generate profit, but that is not the case for most college students. Though Pepperdine has its annual Seaver students discount, there is further room to make Adobe software more financially accessible.
yuting.li2@pepperdine.edu
Kylie Kowalski Perspectives Staff Writer
Planning is essential Transparency Item: This is an advice column that rotates writers and is based on new topics each week. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer. Hey Waves, I have recently switched from my paper planners to the digital Google Calendar and am very pleased with the results. Almost my entire life is now digital, so I no longer find purpose in keeping a paper calendar and planner. Beyond the psychological benefits of planning, many digital tools have become just as effective as paper ones in their organizational abilities. They are often more accessible as well, according to Atto. I am very forgetful, so I love that I can bring my planner on my phone with me wherever I go. It helps me to not miss important events or forget my to-do list. Both physical planners and online calendars can be helpful in aiding students with time management, prioritizing tasks and managing stress levels, according to Psychology Today. Google Calendar, the iPhone calendar app and many other planning apps allow for color coding, planning for exact times and simple reordering of events. They allow for checking off to-do list items and are developing increasingly similar features to those that were created with physical planners and calendars. Paper planners and calendars are still helpful. I used them for years, and my parents still do. They are useful because writing things down is essential for memory, according to the National Library of Medicine. They can also be helpful in case technology fails or for less technologically savvy people. Planning is important for students, especially those who are busy and have a lot on their plate. Knowing when exams, club meetings and other important events are can help students not to forget to study or miss important occasions. Planning also helps students stay organized, which can translate to less stress in the long run and help in achieving goals, according to CareerWise. Different tools can be useful for different individuals, but my advice is to use at least one tool for organizing and decreasing stress.
With care,
Send your questions to PGM via email: peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com
November 10, 2023 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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Explore Malibu’s best running spots Kylie Kowalski
Perspectives Staff Writer Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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is flat and has a beautiful ocean view, Davis wrote. Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said that it is best to park along PCH because the parking lot is expensive.
unning is my favorite way to exercise and unwind in nature. When I moved to Malibu for college, I made it a goal to try as many different, local running trails as I could. For junior cross-country runner Eden Mittelsdorf, finding ideal running locations for her training is a necessity. Jennifer Davis, 2023 Los Angeles Marathon finisher and Pepperdine alumna (‘22) also relied on Malibu trails and paths during her training, she wrote in an email to the Graphic on Oct. 3. Here are their favorite places to both train and run for fun.
Malibu Road
Zuma Beach
Malibu Creek State Park
Mittlesdorf said her top running spot is Zuma Beach. Zuma can get quite busy during the daytime and on the weekends, so it is best for an early morning run, Mittelsdorf said. Zuma Beach is best for interval, easy or short runs because it
Mittelsdorf loves this trail because of its amazing views of the creek and mountains, she said. Because this spot is right in the Santa Monica Mountains, it has an incline and can be tricky for beginner runners. Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said this
Malibu Road is simple to get to from campus. It is popular among Pepperdine students and boasts hundreds of beautiful Malibu homes. “I love looking at all of the houses and seeing friends along the way,” Mittelsdorf said. Out and back, Malibu Road totals just about five miles, beginning at Ralphs grocery store. Personally, I love Malibu Road because I love looking at the unique designs of each house. Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said Malibu Road often has a lot of construction.
Ade Zepeda | Staff Artist spot is very hilly.
imity to the water.
Chesebro Canyon
Sycamore Campground
Mittelsdorf recommends this route in the mornings. “You go through several different biomes when running here,” Mittelsdorf said. Keep in mind: This trail is a 25-minute drive from Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, according to Google Maps.
Sycamore Campground is Mittelsdorf’s favorite spot for a long run. It starts right on the coast but heads into the canyon. This run is very flat and fast. Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said she likes this trail because, like Chesebro Canyon, this route has many different terrains. It can seem difficult to find the ideal running spot for each person’s individual needs, but Mittelsdorf and Davis have Malibu students and locals covered.
Broad Beach Davis recommends Broad Beach as best for easy, short runs with a slight incline. This spot is in Point Dume, just over 10 minutes from campus. I love Broad because it is right across from Vintage Grocers, the perfect place to pick up breakfast after a run. Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said she likes Broad Beach because of its prox-
kylie.kowalski@pepperdine.edu
Appreciate handmade items, practice creativity Madison Luc
Perspectives Assistant Editor Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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magine a world in which everything was the same — every person driving the same car, wearing the same clothes, eating the same food and smiling the same way. There would be no creativity, no art, no life — at least, not in a way that celebrates people as individuals. The picture of humans as a hive species, or of a single mind, destroys the unique identity of each individual. Creativity is the essence of what it means to be human. There is something heartwarming about receiving a handmade gift. It’s the person who made the gift that makes the moment special — a person who is thoughtful, caring and spirit-filled. Before machines, everything was handmade. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, household goods became more common and affordable, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. While this trajectory cut down on labor and made items more accessible, it also led to the wastefulness of single-use plastic packaging and fast fashion. The constant demand for more, newer, better all the time led to the rise of consumerism and upgrade culture,
according to Los Angeles Magazine. As manufacturing and technological industries continue to expand, society may be losing appreciation for handmade goods, prioritizing cheaper prices over a commitment to quality. At the same time, people’s desire for more personalized products has driven demand for handmade goods and processes. “In an increasingly technologically advanced age, the demand for handmade goods has never been higher,” wrote Adam Wytz, a professor at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, in the book “The Power of Human.” Handmade gifts are unique because they reflect their maker. A handmade sweater cannot be found mass-produced in a store, and just like a homecooked meal, it is made with a special ingredient: love. One way I exercise my creativity is through crochet. My grandma introduced the craft to me when I was 7 years old. Every time I learned to make something new, I was filled with excitement. My own two hands created something out of what seemed to be nothing — a skein of yarn and a hook. I shared my excitement with anyone I could get to listen. For special occasions like birthdays and holidays, I made crochet gifts for family and friends. At the age of 9, I began to sell finished crocheted objects at community craft fairs and later created a small business selling finished hats, scarves
Adri Sahakian | Staff Artist and hair accessories. Every person has a unique blend of creative gifts, and creating things helps us unlock them. Some create works of art, like paintings and sculptures, to be displayed and treasured in both homes and museum galleries like the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art. Others compose meaningful music and perform plays for private and public audiences alike. Still others use mathematics to solve problems and innovate, creating architectural and engineering feats or sophisticated computer programs. Even now, with school, work and social obligations, I make time to create. After a long day of taking in fact after fact, bombarded with new information to learn, my brain is tired.
A tactile activity like crochet or writing helps to ground me while I process thoughts and organize ideas. In the Christian creation story, God is undoubtedly a maker. His ability to create does not end with Himself; He gave people this ability when He created humans. Genesis 1:26 says, “God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.’” As people made in God’s image, humans are designed to be creators and makers, thinkers and dreamers. Let’s embrace what it means to be handmade and showcase the creativity and beautiful diversity of mankind.
madison.luc@pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media
True crime highlights flaws in justice system Faith Oh Perspectives Assistant Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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ome people prefer listening to music to wind down at night. Some prefer light reading or perhaps a nice cup of tea. And then there are those who snuggle soundly into their pillows as a speaker describes the dismemberment of a corpse in vivid detail. True crime podcasts explore the gruesome and surreal facts and theories about crimes that happened in real life. My personal go-to dose of violence is the “Rotten Mango” podcast, with host South Korean social media influencer Stephanie Soo. I was drawn to not only the content of the podcast but also Soo’s humorous yet respectful approach to each story. Soo maintains an open mind and offers empathetic viewpoints in her commentary, particularly toward victims whose actions the public has harshly criticized Although I never tried falling asleep to true crime, I often enjoyed listening
as I did homework. I even indulged in the “Rotten Mango” podcast while decorating Christmas cookies. And of course, I linked my phone to earbuds to avoid any strange looks. A question others such as myself may have wondered is why people are so attracted to the topic. I doubt anyone would desire to experience the same horrors they listen to. “A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that women are more likely than men to choose true crime media,” according to The Daily Universe. Reasons for this may include the fact that women may find greater relatability to being in dangerous situations in everyday life. “Women accounted for roughly 70% of serial killers’ victims between 1985 and 2010, and many of the crimes had sexual motives,” according to MagellanTV. Women may find comfort in the educational aspects and mental preparation that listening to true crime provides. “It [Consuming true crime] could be like a dress rehearsal,” said Dr. Sharon Packer, a psychiatrist as well as an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,
Sarah Rietz | Staff Artist in an interview with Decider. “Like the old-fashioned fire drills or air raid drills, they had to keep practicing in case a devastating event happened, and they expected it to happen.” To be honest, if I were to get caught in such a dangerous situation, I don’t trust my luck or nonexistent street smarts to escape unscathed. But implementing certain preventative habits has helped me attain a small but greater sense of autonomy. “On some level, symbolically, it’s like you found the loophole,” psychotherapist Dr. Krista Jordan said. “Like, ‘Really? Maybe I can cheat death.’” True crime cases may also provide some sense of justice for the listeners, according to MagellanTV. To this point, I can understand the possible satisfaction when it comes to learning about the consequences condemned upon the perpetrator. However, I have also heard several cases where the negligence of police
resulted in prolonged suffering or avoidable death as well as disconcerting sentences that did not match the severity of the crime. Personally, the resolutions of true crime stories provide not satisfaction but rather a sense of understanding about the flaws within different justice systems. While ignorance may be bliss, as some may understandably prefer when dealing with these difficult topics, I appreciate the insight I gain through the podcasts. Although the fascination with true crime may still appear strange to some, they can rest assured that the common listener indulges in this seemingly morbid hobby out of a natural curiosity and entertainment, not from malicious intent.
faith.oh@pepperdine.edu
Stop mobbing Taylor Swift Fiona Creadon
Perspectives Assistant Editor Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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eing a fan of Taylor Swift is trendy again. Any long time Swiftie will tell you that, not all that long ago, a significant portion of the internet was trying to cancel Taylor Swift, largely due to an edited video of her seemingly consenting to a lyric about her in the Kanye West song ‘Famous,’ according to The Hollywood Reporter. This leads us to the present day, in which Swift is on a break from the Eras Tour, which is her largest tour to date — spanning five continents. This newfound spotlight, which is likely the largest it has ever been for Swift, is exciting but not without its challenges. It has sparked disturbing habits from fans and the public toward Swift. With the way social media works, it is easy to spread news almost instantly. People use Instagram and X — formerly known as Twitter — to announce sightings of celebrities like Taylor Swift. These posts can be shared quickly, and all of a sudden, hundreds of people are standing outside of Swift’s recording studio, home or, most egregiously, the rehearsal dinner for the
wedding of her longtime friend Jack Antonoff. Swift is no stranger to this behavior and not-so-subtly expressed her disapproval in her documentary, saying in reference to fans gathering outside her house, “This is my front yard, and I’m highly aware of the fact that [fans waiting outside her house] is not normal,” Swift said in “Miss Americana”. One of the few times Swift has ever potentially alluded to her frustration toward people harassing her in public comes in the form of lyrics from the song “The Lakes,” which was the bonus track on Folklore, Swift’s eighth studio album. In the song, she writes, “I’m not cut out for all these cynical clones/ These hunters with cell phones.” I believe the reason Swift has yet to make a public statement about this tactless habit from some of her fans is due to the fact that her music has always been very personal, and this can create an exaggerated sense of closeness between her and her fans. Many fans think they know about all the inner workings of Swift’s life and thus have a right to see her, connect with her, etc., according to a BuzzFeed article. This, in its essence, is the definition of a parasocial relationship. It is undeniable that Swift has always cared deeply about her fans. She has sent fans Christmas gifts, made donations to fans during the pandemic and even hosted secret sessions for
Jackie Lopez | Art Editor her albums “1989,” “Reputation” and “Lover.” These are gatherings she hosted at her houses to give fans an opportunity to meet her, listen to her albums prior to their releases and take photos with her. However, as a society, it is important to firmly draw a distinction between being a fan and being a stalker. Recently, it seems that line has blurred. It is not acceptable to show up at a place where you believe someone might be, celebrity or not. If this was done to a private citizen, it would be considered stalking. Because Swift is a public figure, all sense of decorum has gone out the window. Not only is the constant pursuit of Swift’s whereabouts highly inappropriate, but it can become very dangerous for both Swift and her fans. This is because a large crowd of people or cars chasing after someone is not conducive to a normal public en-
vironment and creates chaos. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to take a moment to stop a celebrity to say hello or express your appreciation for their work. However, Swift is of a level of fame that anywhere she goes, she is likely to encounter dozens, if not hundreds, of fans. Swift can no longer be easily accessed, and we have to accept that as fans. Let’s give her the gift of going to a restaurant, a friend’s party, her place of work or even her home without feeling like she is being hunted down. Taylor Swift has always made an effort to make her fans feel seen and appreciated. Let’s pay her back by respecting her privacy.
fiona.creadon@pepperdine.edu
November 10, 2023 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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RANT: Fizz app harms users
RAVE: Fizz app aids students
Adri Sahakian Perspectives Staff Writer
Fiona Creadon Perspectives Assistant Editor
Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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n 2021, two Stanford students created an app called Fizz with similar functions to the Yik Yak app. Fizz allows college students to log in with their school emails and create anonymous posts to share with their school communities. Students can also reshare posts they enjoyed and upvote and downvote posts, similar to Reddit. When major events occurred on campus, from the terrifying false alarm shooting to Chris Pratt’s 9/11 speech, students immediately flocked to Fizz to discuss with one another. Some made jokes for a lighthearted perspective, while others gave their two cents and opened the floor for others to share their opinions. It’s definitely a lot of fun seeing the craziness unfold on the app. I know I’ve spent a good amount of time sobbing-laughing over posts as my friends and I did our daily scroll-through of the app. However, Fizz can create a toxic environment. Its anonymity is a major contributing factor to this. Being anonymous opens doors for cyberbullying and other hateful comments towards different social groups. These students can say what they want without ever having to take responsibility for their actions, according to The Amherst Student. I’ve come across articles about multiple cases of cyberbullying on the app. One is that of a student at Seattle University, who claimed students on Fizz refer to him as the “chess man” and constantly discuss his whereabouts and take secret photos of him. These comments also extend to
singling out members of the school community. A student from Rice University shared what it was like seeing her name pop up in Fizz posts, saying, “It was just weird to think that random people walking around Rice are talking about me.” I recall a moment when my sister had her 15 minutes of fame on Fizz, when a screenshot of her Snapchat story was in someone’s post. It was exciting she got noticed, but it also felt odd. Her username was in the open for everyone to see; it felt like a violation of privacy. Personal information could end up in the hands of the wrong person. Yet, the target wouldn’t know, due to the anonymity factor. This ends up creating a dangerous situation for the victim at hand. Those on Fizz should think about what they post on the app and take into consideration the feelings of any individual they may want to post about.
Adri Sahakian | Staff Artist
adri.sahakian@pepperdine.edu
Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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ast fall, the social media app Fizz launched on Pepperdine’s campus. Initially, students were skeptical of it because there was already a college-targeted app called Yik Yak that was popular among students. It seemed unlikely that something could replace Yik Yak, but Fizz was undeniably more sophisticated, giving users the ability to retweet posts, create polls and post pictures. Not long after its launch, Fizz became the main school-centered form of social media, and Yik Yak faded away. About a year in, many students have issues with Fizz. Despite the efforts of dedicated moderators, it can still be used as a way to target certain students in, at best, an attempt at vigilante justice and, at worst, borderline bullying. While the negative online discourse is inexcusable, it is also not the intention of the app, and the majority of users should not carry a stigma that is indicative of only a small portion of those who are active on Fizz. Additionally, there is something very unifying about having niche jokes as a community that are the product of the specific experience of attending Pepperdine. Any time something happens at Pepperdine, whether it be good or bad, someone will immediately post on Fizz for everyone to hear about. That can be a fun way to spread news like President Jim Gash making the halfcourt shot at Waves Weekend. Or, in a scarier time, Fizz was a way to mass inform people that the active shooter call Aug. 30, was inaccurate.
That was how I, along with many other students, tried to discern what was happening before we got a second call from Pepperdine explaining that it was a false alarm. Fizz plays a major role in fostering community at Pepperdine, which is an important aspect of college. It is imperfect, as all social media is, but at the end of the day, it provides entertainment and information to students at Pepperdine in an easily accessible way.
Ade Zepeda | Staff Artist
fiona.creadon@pepperdine.edu
BIG WAVES COMIC Art by Jackie Lopez | Art Editor Written by Luke Franklin | Comic Writer
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November 10, 2023
The Graphic
pepperdin e - graphic .com
LIFE & ARTS Latinx community shares pride in heritage
Yamillah Hurtado Life & Arts Editor Though Hispanic Heritage month ended Oct. 15, community members said the reality of being Latinx plays a pivotal role in their identies and experiences — both within their own community and in predominately white spaces such as Pepperdine. The term “Hispanic” refers to someone who was born in or descends from a Spanish-speaking country, while the term “Latinx” refers to someone who was born in or descends from a Latin American country, according to Exploratorium. Communication Professor Diana Martinez was born in Ecuador and emigrated to the United States with her family when she was 6 years old. Finding her identity in being Ecuadoran and a U.S. immigrant was challenging, she said. “Being Latino is a process, and it doesn’t have to be complete any one day,” Martinez said. “As a matter of fact, that incompleteness is part of the experience, us searching for identity.” For Hispanic and Latinx students and staff, finding their identity and searching for belonging hasn’t always been easy, they said. But, as they have learned more about their culture and their history a sense of pride has overcome them, and they said they have learned to love and celebrate their identities. Wrestling With Identity and Fighting for Belonging As a daughter of immigrants, senior Priscilla Gonzalez said her parents instilled in her a deep sense of pride for her Mexican heritage. Despite this pride, there is a sense of yearning for belong-
Ade Zepeda | Staff Artist ing that is unique for children of immigrants, Gonzalez said. She has found herself in a tugof-war between two identities. “The identity of being Mexican American gets lost,” Gonzalez said. “[There’s] a constant need of trying to fit into a culture that you can’t fully fit into.” Sophomore Thalia Markowski is Polish, Russian, German and Jewish on her dad’s side and Puerto Rican and Venezuelan on her mom’s side. Having mixed heritage, Markowski said finding confidence in her identity was a challenge. “It’s a constant juggle between the two identities,” Markowski said. With her thick, curly hair and tan skin, Markowski said she always noticed she was different from the rest of her family and her friends at school. Daniel Rodriguez, Religion and Hispanic Studies professor and the divisional dean for the Religion and Philosophy De-
partment, said he has found a lot of young Latino Americans feel both their parent cultures have rejected them. Rodriguez said he has seen this play out in his own life when Americans ask him where he’s from, despite living in the States his whole life, and when Mexicans immediately point out that he is not one of them. As a third-generation Latino of Mexican ancestry, Rodriguez said he grew up in a predominantly Latinx community in Pico Rivera in L.A. County and then moved to Fresno at the age of 16. “[It] was a shock in many ways but was the best thing that ever happened to me in some ways,” Rodriguez said. “It was when I first realized that I was a minority.” Once Rodriguez started his family, he moved to Mexico and lived there for nine years. During his time there, he said he felt like an outsider as a Mexican-American. In the first
two years, Rodriguez said he often asked God why he was sent there. “God said, ‘You need to understand the idiosyncrasies of your people,’” Rodriguez said. “‘You need to understand where you came from, culturally, linguistically, spiritually. You need to understand it.’” Rodriguez said his experience in Mexico prepared him to support Latinx students who wrestle with their identity. A common misconception among the Latinx community, students and staff said, is that there are certain requirements one has to meet to claim to be Latinx. “Why are there criteria for [Latinadad]?” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez said that being Latinx is more than checking off boxes. It’s a learning process. “It makes it so hard for people to feel like they belong in that identity,” Gonzalez said. “It’s like they don’t belong anywhere.”
For Markwoski, those markers were a high tolerance for spicy food and speaking Spanish fluently. She said because she doesn’t meet these expectations, she often feels like she isn’t allowed to call herself Latina. “I don’t feel enough,” Markowski said. For Gonzalez, having Spanish as her first language and being fluent in it is a way for her to connect to her culture but has brought its own set of challenges. Gonzalez said her primary school placed her in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, separating her from the rest of her peers. From a young age, she was often the translator during parent-teacher conferences, which she said forced her to grow up faster than everyone around her. “It was a lot of things that wouldn’t happen in a typical childhood,” Gonzalez said. “But I also wouldn’t have it any other way because it made me who I am.” Gonzalez said growing up in a predominantly white community, she was always aware that she was different from her peers. Martinez recalls the moment she realized there was a whole other language outside of Spanish that she didn’t know but would have to learn to live in the States. “I went from a space where I felt like I was the same level intellectually and socially with my peers, versus having been in a situation where all of a sudden [I was] worried that people would see me as unintelligent [because I didn’t speak the language,]” Martinez said. Martinez said she often wrestled with both her Ecuadoran heritage and her desire to assimilate into American culture but realized the two identities could coexist. “You are 100% whole and
November 10, 2023 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Photo courtesy of Thalia Markowski The four generations of Venezuelan women in Thalia Markowski’s family pose for a picture. Markowski said she is proud of her Latinx heritage.
100% good exactly as you were created and as you speak and as you engage with the world,” Martinez said. The Latinx Experience at Pepperdine Coming to Pepperdine magnified the feeling of being an “other,” Gonzalez said. “And you notice it not just in your peers but in faculty,” Gonzalez said. “Sometimes, you’ll get into more difficult topics, and you feel like everyone is staring at you or everyone is walking on eggshells.” Gonzalez said the lack of diversity within Pepperdine faculty and staff is disappointing. As a Hispanic Studies major, Gonzalez said she’s enjoyed learning about her history but finds it ironic that the professors teaching her don’t share that history. Latinx people in higher education are like “unicorns,” Rodriguez said.
Photo courtesy of Priscilla Gonzalez Senior Priscilla Gonzalez sports an Argentine soccer jersey in Patagonia during her time studying abroad in spring 2022. Gonzalez said it was meaningful for her to be surrounded by a Latin culture during her time abroad.
“One of the things that I wish changed — and it’s more challenging, so extremely challenging, to change — is diversifying the faculty,” Rodriguez said. “It is much, much, much harder than diversifying students.” Applicants have the odds stacked against them, Rodriguez said. Various factors like living expenses in Malibu, expectations of simultaneously conducting research and pub-
lishing and income push candidates toward other opportunities. “There are some internal challenges that compete [against] those really good qualified people who are of color and who embrace our mission,” Rodriguez said. While Rodriguez acknowledges there is much room for Pepperdine to improve in diversifying its community, when comparing his time as a student to now being a professor at Pepperdine, he said he’s proud of how far the University has come. “I got here, and it wasn’t the school that it is now,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez came to Pepperdine as a student in 1975 after attending a junior college in Fresno. He said he was the first ever Latinx vice president of the Student Government Association. He said he takes pride in Latinx students succeeding and holding positions of influence on campus. Because of the small Hispanic/Latinx community at Pepperdine, Martinez said it is important for Latinx faculty to come together to support the Latinx student body. “[We need to be] finding ways to find each other on campus and go to events and show up and be there to celebrate milestones,” Martinez said. Being at Pepperdine, Markowski said she doesn’t always feel accepted. Markowski said it’s been a challenge to feel a sense of belonging on campus and in London — where she is studying abroad for the 202324 academic year — because of the difficulty of finding fellow Puerto Ricans and Venezualans. “It’s been an interesting experience, [trying] to feel whole and to feel at home,” Markowski said. In times like this, where Latinos find themselves in predominantly white spaces, Martinez said it is important for people to search for ways they can fill their “cultural tank,” to feel a sense of belonging. She said it is a beautiful thing to show up in a space that feels familiar and where one feels accepted in who they are. To combat the feelings of isolation, Markowski said she’s searched for community
through other aspects of her identity, specifically her religious identity. She said she’s found a diverse Christian community on campus that has fed her desire for culture. “I’ve met so many different people [in the Latino diaspora] through church, and that’s what’s been grounding me most of all in feeling secure as an outsider to California, as an outsider to Malibu,” Markowski said. Gonzalez said she believes Pepperdine should do more to celebrate students’ cultures. She said it’s discouraging to see that the Latinx Student Alliance is the only group on campus hosting events for Hispanic Heritage Month and wishes the University at large would do more to include Latinx students. “Why isn’t anyone asking us for our opinions, or what they could do better, or how to welcome us more into this space?” Gonzalez said. “Because we’re very clearly here, and we belong just as much as anyone else.”
ing on to [our culture] and able to pass on [the culture],” Martinez said. Gonzalez feels responsible for passing down her culture to her children one day, she said. “I’m the generation that can stop it [the passage of culture], and that’s so scary,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a burden that I feel to have to carry on the culture. And I want to, but it’s a lot.” Though daunting, Martinez said she has made it her mission to be intentional in passing down her culture to her children — such as relating topics her children are learning in school to parts of Ecuadoran culture. Martinez wanted to enroll her son in a dual language school as a means of maintaining that part of her heritage, she said. Martinez has found success in passing down her culture to her children. She said hearing her children proclaim their identity as Ecuadoran brings her joy. “I want them [my kids] to maintain their culture,” Martinez said. “Language is a part of that.” Celebrating Who They Are
Photo courtesy of Priscilla Gonzalez Gonzalez, as a toddler, poses in her family’s hometown in Mexico. Growing up, Gonzalez said her family took a trip to Mexico every year in September.
The Graphic reached out to the Office for Community Belonging but did not get a response in time for publication. Gonzalez studied abroad in Buenos Aires during the 2022 spring semester and said she felt a deeper sense of belonging there than in Malibu. She said it was encouraging to see students embrace a Latino culture because she had never seen that on the Malibu campus. “I was with Pepperdine students who were embracing a Latino culture, who were embracing the Spanish language,” Gonzalez said. “They [students] were more open-minded and willing to accept this part of the world and these different cultures.” Passing Down Culture to Future Generations As immigrants, Martinez’s family needed to figure out how to assimilate to American culture while still maintaining their Ecuadoran culture, Martinez said. “Looking back and connecting the dots, I actually realized how much we were really hold-
Holidays are a special time for many Latinx students and staff because it’s a time where they said they participate in cultural traditions. For Gonzalez, Christmas Eve is a special day because that’s when her family’s celebrations take place, as opposed to Dec. 25, she said. Markowski’s favorite family holiday tradition, she said, is making a Puerto Rican dish called “pasteles.” Pasteles are banana-leaf treats made of masa filled with meat and vegetables, according to Delish Dlites. When making pasteles, Markowski said each family member has a specific role. “The fact that we all had our hands on the same meal was so special,” Markowski said. A family tradition she loves is watching the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Growing up in New York — the city with the second highest population of Puerto Ricans, according to Lehman College — Markowski said it was easy for her to find people who shared the same culture as her. “[My family gets] super hype and [we] like waiving our flags and screaming at the television when we see people we love and know,” Markowski said. “I feel like [the parade] is a very New York thing.” Markowski said she loves celebrating her Latinx culture and takes pride in being both “Boricua,” or Puerto Rican, and Venezuelan. Every year in September, during the week of Mexican Independence Day, Gonza-
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lez said her family would take a trip to Mexico. The city her parents grew up in would hold a celebration filled with carnival games and traditional food. Gonzalez also said, being in Malibu, she misses all the Mexican food her mom makes and wishes there were places nearby where she can taste a piece of home. “That has definitely been the hardest being away from home because I can’t make what my mom makes,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez’s mom also exposed her to a lot of traditional Mexican music growing up, and Gonzalez said it’s nostalgic for her. Gonzalez listens to this music whenever she is missing home. Like Gonzales, Markowski said she connects with her culture through music. “We know how to commune, we know how to make music, we know how to dance,” Markowski said. “There’s something very special about a shared experience of all growing up in a similar way.” Being multicultural, Markowski said she’s found joy and pride in tracing back her roots and pinpoint all the places and people she came from. “It’s not a singular identity. It’s not a monolith,” Markowski said. “Being Latino is an amalgamation of so many different cultures and perspectives and parts of the world.
Photo courtesy of Thalia Markowski Sophomore Thalia Markowski smiles with her parents and younger brother in New York City on December 2022. Being half white and half Latina, Markowksi said finding her identity was challenging.
yamillah.hurtado@pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor Top Left: ‘The Music Man’ actors including seniors Jackson Murrieta and Kayla Bryant cheer. Top Right: Senior Hannah Sedlacek looks down at Murrieta. Bottom: ‘The Music Man’ actors including Murrieta, Sedlacek and Bryant and junior Spencer Williams dance across the stage at the Nov. 8 dress rehersal in Smothers Theater.
‘Music Man’ magic aims to connect Pepp Beth Gonzales News Editor With sets decorated down to the tiniest detail and old-fashioned movie credits rolling on the big screen — Pepperdine Theatre credits of course — before the show’s start, Pepperdine’s Theatre Program brings the classic golden age musical, “The Music Man.” The musical opens this weekend at Smothers Theatre, and is playing Nov. 10-12, and Nov. 16-18, with shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m. This show has a massive cast with star senior leads as well as a message of hope and love for the audience to take home, senior lead actress Hannah Sedlacek said. “In this show, it has been fun to tell a sweet story with these heartwarming, charming characters — and it’s funny, there is dancing and it’s a big spectacle,” Sedlacek said. Pepperdine’s fall musical brings the audience the classic story of boy meets girl: a boy likes the quiet girl in town; she rejects his advances; she sees how he brightens and cheers up the town — and her life. They fall happily in love and celebrate the joy and community music brings. This is what the “The Music Man” is all about. The theater program got right to work, holding auditions during the first
week of the fall semester. The cast list was revealed that weekend, and they headed straight to practice the following Monday, Sedlacek said. As senior theater majors, Sedlacek and co-star Jackson Murrieta said they are are emotional, yet proud, to be bringing “The Music Man” to life as their last Pepperdine musical. “It is the dream every theater girl has: to be the lead your senior year,” Sedlacek said. “It has been so fulfilling, and I have grown so much during my time at Pepperdine.” Kelly Todd, director, choreographer and visiting professor of theater, said when choosing the fall musicals, the faculty desires to give their students a well-rounded education in their four years. This senior class has participated in the pop/contemporary music of “Mama Mia,” the complexity of Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” and now, the classic show-tune style of “The Music Man.” “When people leave this show, I want them to think of how amazing the leads are,” Todd said. “I knew they worked really hard for all these years, and they deserve it. I’m excited for them to be seen.” The story focuses on traveling salesman/conman, Harold Hill — played by Murrieta — who plans to sell instruments to the small-town Iowa residents
with the intention of running away before his end of the deal is made. However, he ends up falling for the snobby librarian Marian Paroo — played by Sedlacek — and creates a marching band for the boys in town, spreading the love of music and song to all, Sedlacek said. This show features a large cast, even highlighting some of the faculty’s own children, Todd said. “They [the children] bring so much life to the show,” Murrieta said. This cast paints the stage in their pastel costumes, striped suits and feathered hats with large musical numbers such as “Marian The Librarian,” “Shipoopi” and “Wells Fargo Wagon.” This show also has soft and slow ballads that speak volumes through lyrics such as, “There were bells on the hill, but I never heard them ring, no I never heard them at all, til there was you,” in the lovers duet, “Til There Was You.” With all these large numbers, Sedlacek said she had prior dance experience but was very excited about all the complex and upbeat numbers throughout this musical. With the intensity of voice, dance and acting in this musical, she tended to focus on the singing and really dove head first into this musical when she found out it would be the headline this fall. “This is a role I would not have been
able to play when I first got to Pepperdine,” Sedlacek said. “So, I feel this is a culmination of all the work I’ve done here. I am very connected to it, and I am excited to show my family, who has never really heard me sing like this before.” Both Todd and Murrieta said their favorite number is “Shipoopi” — the larger than life dance number following the intermission where Hill shows Paroo and the whole town how to let their hair down and dance their way through life. “It’s all a lot of work, but it really pays off in the end, it is such a blast, and we have such great leadership and faculty,” Murrieta said. Murrieta said he feels like this musical and its feel-good nature is needed during this time in the community. From white-horse princes, under the oak-tree kisses, to holding hands on moonlit bridges, the cast said the smiles and laughs they see in the audience during “The Music Man” makes all the work rewarding. “I hope that people have fun,” Sedlacek said. “I hope they leave with a pep in their step and a song in their heart.”
beth.gonzales@pepperdine.edu
November 10, 2023 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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Bryant, Sedlacek, Murrieta, Williams and other actors take the stage at Smothers Theatre on Nov. 8 during their dress rehearsal for ‘The Music Man.’ The actors dance, sing, crawl and stomp in a joyful display of friendship and community.
Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor
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November 10, 2023 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Musical Gem: Griffee Mapps evolves as a DJ Emilia Lekhter Assistant Designer Amid the stunning backdrop of Pepperdine’s picturesque campus, one student is making waves of a different kind. Meet junior Griffee Mapps, the young and talented DJ who is turning heads and igniting dance floors with his electrifying beats. Balancing textbooks and turntables, Mapps’ passion for music takes center stage. Playing at venues around the Malibu area, Mapps captivates fellow students along with the local music scene. “It’s supposed to be fun,” Mapps said. “Engaging with the audience — dancing with them, hyping them up and talking to them — makes it a much more memorable experience for everyone.” Mapps’ journey into DJing began during his first year at Pepperdine. Brett Linder, a recent graduate and Mapps’ big in Alpha Tao Omega, who had donned the DJ mantle for their fraternity events in the past, in-
spired Mapps, he said. Linder and another graduated fraternity brother — Bennett Kidder — guided Mapps, leading to the curiosity that quickly evolved into a burning desire to master the art of spinning tracks. Kidder gifted Mapps his first DJing board, Mapps said. “Having them pass that down to me was really cool and an inspiring moment,” Mapps said. “It felt like I was being passed down a treasure.” The passing of knowledge and equipment symbolized a continuation of a legacy — a torch carried forward from one generation to the next — Mapps said. Mapps’ musical influences paint a vivid picture of his sound. Artists like Fisher, Crystal Lake and Hippie Sabotage have woven their magic into his musical tapestry, shaping his distinctive blend of EDM and house music. “It’s fun to watch Griff DJ [be]cause you can tell how passionate he is about this part of his life,” junior Ella Woods said. “It’s exciting to see how
Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor Junior Griffee Mapps smiles for the camera while mixing music in Aviator Nation Dreamland on Aug. 22. Like he is every night, Mapps is ready to entertain.
much he has grown and all the new opportunities he is getting as a result.” For Mapps, DJing is more than just mixing tracks — it’s about forging connections. The cyclical exchange of musical euphoria is what fuels his performances, Mapps said. When it comes to crafting a set, his creative process is an intricate dance of adaptation, Mapps said. He meticulously tailors his selections to the ambiance of the venue, ensuring a seamless fusion of retro and contemporary sounds. Mapps said his tight-knit group of friends’ eclectic tastes and genuine love for music fuel
a constant exchange of tracks, fostering a community where unique sounds flourish. “I would say all of my friends are very tasteful in their music choices,” Mapps said. “We all love music, and our taste is unique.” Mapps’ friends said they are very supportive of his DJing journey. “Griff always has great energy, but when he’s DJing it’s cool to see how other people feed off his energy too,” junior Zoe Vaughn said. “He plays great music, but it’s also just him that gets everyone excited to be there.” Mapps’ journey is one
of growth, connections and shared experiences. With every beat, he brings people together, crafting moments that resonate long after the music fades. As the sun sets over the Pacific, Mapps’ music continues to light up stages, hearts and dance floors, solidifying his place in the ever-evolving world of DJing.
emilia.lekhter@pepperdine.edu
Lindsay Hall sings to connect with God Amanda Monahan Life & Arts Staff Writer Junior Lindsay Hall said she gains something more out of her Pepperdine experience than just the academics. Hall, a third-year from Staten Island, New York, has expressed herself musically during her past three years at Pepperdine primarily through leading worship. Hall’s history in singing goes back a lot further than her time in Malibu. She has been singing since she was 5 years old, but her most prominent memory occurred at age 7, she said.
What started as a curious walk turned into Hall singing Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” on stage and getting played on Radio Disney’s radio station. From this point on, singing was a larger part of her life than she had realized, Hall said. When she turned 12, Hall’s parents recognized her natural talent and enrolled her in singing lessons. These did not seem to sit too well with young Hall, as she only lasted two months, she said. “I was a really stubborn little kid,” Hall said. “At this point, I’d already known how I liked to sing and didn’t like someone telling me, ‘Do it like this.’”
Olivia Schneider | Staff Photographer Junior Lindsay Hall prays during a music break while singing at the Well on Oct. 4. Hall said she took the time to connect to God and really focus on what He was saying to her in that moment.
After partaking in countless plays and holiday caroling productions, Hall’s music journey took a turn. In high school, she said she found interest in joining the worship team at her local church. Upon arriving at Pepperdine, Hall had her singing hopes set high. During New Student Orientation, she attended an event about worship and the Christian aspect of campus, she said. At the end, she recalls the speaker informing the crowd that if they were interested in anything worship-related, to come talk to them about the Well. “It took a lot of courage, but I went up and introduced myself, and the rest is history,” Hall said. Her first year, Hall sang for the Well three times which she said really helped in building her confidence. When her sophomore year rolled around, her relationship with singing was entirely elevated. Upon arriving in Heidelberg, Germany for her semester abroad, Hall said she was quickly faced with a culture shock: Christianity and religion were not as integral as they were in the United States, especially compared to Pepperdine. “My best friend Monica and I went to a church in Germany and felt incredibly uncomfortable being in that vastly different setting,” Hall said. Because of this lack of religious community, Hall said she made it her mission to create a space for other kids to worship. Junior Jonah Wong said he was pleased to find out he would be in Hei-
delberg with Hall and that the two of them would have the opportunity to lead house church. “To me, Lindsay represents the one who will leave the 99 for the one,” Wong said. “She has a heart to care for the outsider — the one who strays away — and this is reflected in more than just her voice, but in her actions as well.” During her time in Germany, Hall said she took on yet another new musical path: songwriting. While she was abroad, Hall said she started writing songs out of nowhere. Despite not finding success in the past, she said she has found a lot of encouragement within it and doesn’t expect to write a hit on the first try. Now that she’s back in Malibu, Hall said she still finds enjoyment in worship-centered singing and said it’s now her main focus. “When I’m feeling really into my faith, singing is the perfect way to display that,” Hall said. As Hall’s roommate and best friend, junior Monica Kinzie said she feels fortunate to be a part of Hall’s singing journey. Hall’s relationship with singing has strengthened her relationship with God, which Kinzie said all her friends can see. “She talks about singing in such a way that it is a gift from God, and she makes every effort to glorify Him to the best of her ability,” Kinzie said.
amanda.monahan@pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
A reader’s guide to ‘Sex and The City’ Fiona Creadon Assistant Perspectives Editor Transparency Item: This is the opinion and perspective of the writer. “Sex and the City” is widely regarded as one of the most popular T.V. shows of all time and had a strong influence on the fashion of the early 2000s. It went on to have two movie spin offs and a sequel show called “And Just Like That…” which was fairly well received in its own right. If you are wondering whether you are a Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte or Miranda, this is for you. Carrie If you find yourself to be leading a very exciting, potentially main character-esque life, you might be a Carrie. They are highly creative in all aspects, whether that be their style, writing or approach to life. Carries also have a certain social commentator element to them. They are observant and often analyze social situa-
tions and their surroundings, as shown in the way Carrie catalogs her friends’ escapades in her column. The pitfall of Carries is their inability to see toxic traits in both themselves and their partners. This is evident in Carrie’s drawn out, on-and-off boyfriend Mr. Big, one of her central love interests in the show. If Carrie Bradshaw were in her late 20s today, she would be into TikTok as a form of documenting her life and would occasionally pop onto BeReal if she was really feeling her outfit — which would, of course, be all the time. Samantha Samanthas are the life of the party. They are fiercely independent and open minded. This is shown in their efforts to experiment with different relationship dynamics. Samanthas are straightforward. They are unafraid of asking for what they want, and this confidence leads them to almost always get their way. This can become problematic at times, because Samanthas can be judgmental to those who are not as receptive to new ideas.
They also look down on those who prefer to subscribe to a more traditional mindset, like when Samantha continually criticizes Charlotte’s view of dating to marry which Samantha does not believe in. If Samantha Jones were in her late 20s today, she would be a big fan of Snapchat, both for sending scandalous pictures and showing off her cool work events. Charlotte Charlotte York is the most classic, old-money girl T.V. has ever seen. She is a hopeless romantic and traditional to her core. Charlottes are big appreciators of the arts in any form and love a good game of tennis. They are self-proclaimed relationship people. They are also the type to have had a vision for their wedding since they were 7 years old and keep a list of baby name ideas. Charlottes are perfectionists, and this leads them to get overwhelmed by work or school. This also leads them to be inflexible because they are stringent rule followers, which is why they need spur-of-themoment friends to push them
out of their comfort zone. Charlottes are extremely loyal to their friends and great confidants. If Charlotte were in her late 20s today, she would achieve a highly aesthetic Instagram using extremely elaborate Pinterest boards. Miranda Miranda Hobbes is the epitome of a girl boss. Mirandas are extremely driven and have an enviable work ethic. They are highly intelligent and very witty. If you are the mom of your friend group, chances are you are a Miranda. Mirandas are pragmatic to their core and always consider logic over emotion, which can sometimes lead them to unintentionally hurt other peoples’ feelings. Mirandas are very good
Jackie Lopez | Art Editor friends because they value honesty over anything else and are good at communicating their feelings. Mirandas can sometimes feel insecure about their decision to prioritize work over romance, but this ultimately leads them to find great success in work and put a lot of their remaining time into their friendships. If Miranda were in her late 20s today, she would claim to not have social media but occasionally utilize her burner account to stalk her exes. No matter which of the four women you relate to the most, just know that they are all iconic in their own way and were all essential to the success of “Sex and The City.”
fiona.creadon@pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Women’s Soccer suffers heartbreaking loss Joseph Heinemann
Sports Assistant Editor Pepperdine Women’s Soccer lost to Gonzaga, 3-1 Saturday Nov. 4, at Tari Frahm Rokus Field. This game decided the WCC Champion of the 2023 season and broke the tie in the standings between Gonzaga and Pepperdine. This is Gonzaga’s first-ever WCC championship in the history of the Women’s soccer program. “I’m really proud of them,” Head Coach Tim Ward said. “We’ve won seven of our last nine games. We’ve watched another team celebrate a championship. Not last year — we weren’t playing for it — but it hurts.” The game started off competitive, with both teams pressing the defense early in the game. In the third minute, Gonzaga broke away early by cutting in between the defense and putting in an early goal. “We always stay faithful to our mission,” Ward said. “To the program and to each oth-
er. And today, we talked about that in the locker room, and again, the girls put their hearts and souls out there.” After the goal, Gonzaga continued to press Pepperdine’s defense. Despite redshirt sophomore Taylor Rath’s save in the 13th minute, the Waves conceded another goal in the 18th minute. Gonzaga sophomore forward Giana Riley curved a penalty kick to score the goal.
And, at the end of the day, this is a soccer game. Karina Gonzale Sophomore Midfielder
“We looked a bit slow,” Ward said. “And I think that’s it for those of us that have played sports. That’s a bit of nerves, maybe a little bit of anxiety.” Falling down 2-0, the Waves
Denver Patterson | Staff Photographer
Pepperdine and Gonzaga prepare before their championship game Nov. 4, at Tari Frahm Rokus Field. The Waves would go into the second half down 2-0 to the Bulldogs.
fought back and added more pressure on offense. Over the next 10 minutes, Pepperdine landed four shots on goal and pushed momentum in their favor. While Pepperdine continued their attack, they could not get on the scoreboard before the end of the half. “Even in times like this, when obviously it’s sad, but we help each other, and we always know that there’s a new day to look forward to,” sophomore midfielder Karina Gonzalez said. “And, at the end of the day, this is a soccer game.” In the second half, Pepperdine made a run at catching Gonzaga after redshirt fresh-
man midfielder Kyra Murphy scored a goal in the 57th minute. “I saw Tori [Waldeck] getting the ball on the outside, and I knew to go on the back post because most of the defenders never watch the blind spot,” Gonzalez said. “I knew a lot of times the balls go through, so I was like, ‘I’ll get the trash.’” Though the goal added a chance at tying the game, which would give Pepperdine the championship, a third goal by Riley would seal the fate of the game. The game ended 3-1. While Gonzaga has guaranteed entry into the NCAA tournament, Pepperdine still
has qualified based on their performance during the season. “The reason we were playing really well down the stretch is we found our collective fitness,” Ward said. “We found our identity. We got a lot of our playmakers back in the side, and hopefully, they will consider the run we’ve been on.”
joe.heinemann@pepperdine.edu
Hot shots: NBA season solidifies Lebron James as GOAT Dylan Chai Staff Writer If it was not clear before, it is certainly clear now. LeBron James has been dominating the NBA for as long as most undergraduate students at Pepperdine have been alive. Entering his 21st NBA season, the fans still expect nothing less than James leading the Lakers to another championship. Never in history has a player in their 21st season been expected to carry such a heavy load by basketball fans around the world. These outrageous expectations alone should speak volumes to the NBA world of his greatness. Why do we expect so much from him? It’s because there has never been a basketball player like LeBron James. This season will only further solidify him as the greatest player to ever grace the NBA floor. He shows no signs of slowing down, and he continues to win the Lakers games early into the regular season. Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham said James would be on a minutes restriction throughout the season as a precautionary measure for his health, according to The Athletic. This restriction would allegedly hold him to around 28 minutes per game, but James is currently averaging over 35 minutes per game, according to ESPN. The Lakers quite literally cannot win games with James on the bench, and the 38-year-old continues to take
over games like he’s the youngest player on the floor. To put this into perspective, these are previous season stats for a few NBA legends in their 21st NBA season, according to Basketball Reference: • Vince Carter: 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists per game. • Dirk Nowitzki: 7.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.7 assists per game. • Robert Parish: 3.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists per game. • Kevin Garnett: 3.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists per game. Meanwhile, these were James’ last season averages according to Basketball Reference: 28.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists per game. There is no doubt that James will continue to produce at a high level, and entering his 21st season, this will only solidify his GOAT status. Before this season, Vince Carter was the highest scoring player in their 21st year, with 7.4 points per game. But, more than surpassing his season averages, James is already averaging 9.3 points in the fourth quarter alone, according to Stat Muse. Let that sink in for a moment. On top of him being arguably a topfive player in year 20, there are very few NBA players in history who have even made it to their 21st season, so James’ longevity is truly unprecedented. James has been one of the best players in the NBA from the moment he entered the league in 2003, and in 2023, we are still talking about him
in MVP conversations, according to NBA.com. Earlier this year, James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabar’s seemingly unbreakable record. James has been criticized throughout his career as an unwilling clutchtime scorer, an unreliable jump shooter, a passive leader and much more, according to Bleacher Report. But what is there to argue now? If the objective of basketball is to score the ball, then LeBron James is the greatest scorer of all time.
Jackie Lopez | Art Editor James was in the prime of his career 20 years ago and is still in the prime of his career right now. If there was a timeline made for a hypothetical career of a player with averages like his, it would not have even seemed realistic before LeBron James. It’s not too late to board the train if you’re not a believer in James yet, because the reign of the king is not ending anytime soon.
Dylan.Chai@pepperdine.edu
November 10, 2023 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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Meg Brown leads the way with energy Tony Gleason Sports Editor Leadership, enthusiasm, skill and work ethic. Those are the words teammates and coaches of Meg Brown, Pepperdine Women’s Indoor volleyball senior middle blocker, said have led her to dominating the court since her freshman season. Brown has been a key member of the women’s indoor volleyball team the past few years, earning All-WCC First Team honors twice, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Members of her team said Brown is a leader to new members of the team while also having an unmatched energy level. “It was obvious from day one that she’s a Wave,” said Scott Wong, Pepperdine Women’s Indoor Volleyball head coach. “From the volleyball side of things, she just was a great volleyball player. She had all the right tools.” Brown said she instantly fell in love with volleyball after her older brother recommended it to her. Having lit the fire during her sophomore year of high school, Brown also began to realize she had the potential of becoming a DI athlete. Brown has around 10 cousins who went on to play sports at the Division I level, which created an environment that pushed Brown to her best, Brown said. “It was just fun to have that competitive environment growing up,” Brown said. “Me and my brother and my sister were always super competitive with each other and pushing
each other to be better.” During the recruiting process, Brown said what made Pepperdine stick out was her first phone call conversation with Wong, when he spent more time getting to know Meg as a person than asking about volleyball. Brown said the other coaches she spoke to only asked her about volleyball, so being asked about her whole life proved the people at Pepperdine saw her as more than an athlete. “So, that was super important for me with choosing a school is that I was going to have a good relationship with those people and know that they were going to invest in me as a person,” Brown said. From the coach’s point of view, Wong said her volleyball abilities and personality off the court made it clear from the start he wanted Brown to play for Pepperdine. “The rest of the recruiting wasn’t evaluation,” Wong said. “It was more ‘how do we get her to come to Pepperdine?’” Brown made her collegiate debut in the 2020 season, during which she was named the WCC Freshman of the Year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 season was pushed back from fall 2020 to spring 2021, according to Pepperdine Athletics. How the team handled the adversity that came with the pandemic made her realize from the start Pepperdine was where she was meant to be, Brown said. “A lot of [collegiate] teams had some tension or disbanded because of all the trials and tribulations that they were go-
Photos courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics Meg Brown, Pepperdine Women’s Indoor Volleyball senior middle blocker, celebrates with freshman setter Brynne McGhie in a match at Firestone Fieldhouse in the fall 2023 season. Brown played for the U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team in 2023.
ing through,” Brown said. “But our team that year got so close because we were really the only people we could see during COVID.” Brown said one of her favorite moments from her entire volleyball career was making it to the second round of the NCAA tournament and playing against Baylor in her freshman year. “That was such an amazing experience, and [so was] getting to play against the former National Player of the Year [Yossiana Pressley], who was just an incredible volleyball player,” Brown said. “Then, the following year, coming back and beating Baylor in preseason was just a good cherry on top.” This past summer, Brown played for the U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team, according to Pepperdine Athletics. This experience showed her she had what it took to compete at the high level while also improving her performance and leadership skills, Brown said. “I definitely was able to
Meg Brown, Pepperdine Women’s Indoor Volleyball senior middle blocker, goes for a serve in a match in Firestone Fieldhouse in the fall 2023 Season. Brown earned All-WCC First Team honors twice.
get more creative about what my shots look like on a bigger block,” Brown said. “And just the competitiveness that I can bring in my leadership as a senior this year — trusting that I know what to do, and I can help younger girls do the same.”
The rest of the recruiting wasn’t evaluation. It was more ‘how do we get her to come to Pepperdine?’ Scott Wong Women’s Indoor Volleyball Head Coach
Wong said one thing people don’t notice from watching Brown on the court is her genuine way of loving and connecting with people. Wong has a list of funny moments or stories about Meg he refers to as “Meg Moments.” One of Wong’s favorite “Meg Moments” was when Brown convinced the whole team to start singing a Coca-Cola jingle when the team was playing in the Diet Coke Classic in 2022, Wong said. “She has that ability with those relationships to be able to get people to do things that are just classic,” Wong said. “There’s not much shame behind her either. She is just who she is.” Emma Ammerman, Brown’s roommate and senior outside/ opposite hitter, said Brown’s high levels of energy help carry the team. “Obviously, on the court, she’s a stud,” Ammerman said. “We rely on her to score us a lot of points, but she also carries a big energy load. When
she’s up, we’re up.” Brown said she remains enthusiastic on the court because it helps her put less pressure on herself while also helping the team. “It helps me be less hard on myself,” Brown said. “I can’t do anything as a middle without a good pass or a good set. So, I’m really reliant on my teammates, and because of that, I just love pouring into them.” Brown has continued to produce on the court each season. She led the team in points and had the sixth highest single season hitting percentage at .365 in 2022, according to Pepperdine Athletics. With each new year, though, Wong said Brown has improved not only as a great athlete but as a great leader. One thing Brown has done differently each year is look for ways to help the team beyond her on-the-court performance, Brown said. “Going into your sophomore year is just playing your best for your team,” Brown said. “As you’re transitioning into an upperclassmen, it’s how can I help the girls that are now freshmen and sophomores feel comfortable playing with an older girl who’s been here for four years” Brown’s leadership has evolved from just setting an example, Wong said. “It’s pretty cool to see the progression from ‘watch me’ to ‘this is what we have to do,’” Wong said. “A little more direct, more verbal and in doing it in a way that is received, not just a one dimensional thing.”
anthony.gleason@pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Jesse Smith reflects on historic career Nina Fife Sports Staff Writer Jesse Smith is the only Pepperdine graduate to appear in five Olympic games, according to Pepperdine Athletics. He won silver in the 2008 Beijing games and has served as captain of the U.S.A. Water Polo team since 2017, before stepping into a high school coaching role in 2021, according to The Coronado Times. Former coaches and team members said Smith was one of water polo’s most naturally gifted athletes, making waves in the water since he first started competing. He began playing with the Junior National Team in 1997. Smith graduated from Coronado High School in 2001, as a two-time San Diego Union-Tribune Player of the Year and three-time CIF champion, according to Pepperdine Athletics. “Pepperdine was a unique place where I could grow into the person I wanted to be,” Smith said. Smith earned accolades from the start of his Pepperdine career according to Pepperdine Athletics. He earned All-American second team honors as a freshman in 2001. Head Coach Terry Schroeder said Smith’s matchup with Tony Azevedo and Stanford University was one of the biggest points of his college career. Smith helped the Waves defeat Stanford in 2002, scoring five goals and shutting down the water polo legend in Azevedo, according to Stanford Athletics. “Jesse was the best player in the pool, and we could see this
dominant player both offensively and defensively,” Schroeder said. “It was definitely a moment where he realized he could be the best player in the game.” Smith’s performance against Stanford during his sophomore year ended up being a sign of things to come throughout his time at Pepperdine, eventually named to the All-American first team in 2002, 2003 and 2005 by coaches nationwide. He was simultaneously named to the All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation for all four seasons, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Smith redshirted in 2004, to join Team U.S.A. at the Athens games, notching himself as one of the top American scorers with nine goals that year despite being the youngest player on the roster. The decision to leave Pepperdine to compete in the Olympics was not an easy one, but Smith said he felt the University supported him. Smith said that Pepperdine’s water polo was very taxing on the body and mind. Smith also credited the intense program with shaping him into the person and player he later became. “This creates opportunities for exceptional character building an exceptional skill that you can apply to other aspects of life. I took that to the national team and to the Olympics,” Smith said. Smith returned to Pepperdine in 2005, to finish out his academic and collegiate athletic career. He graduated with a degree in Economics and finished his Wave career with 213 goals, which was ninth best in program history, according to Pepperdine Athletics. “Jesse was one of the most
Photo courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics Former Olympian Jesse Smith plays in a water polo game for Pepperdine in 2003. He led the Waves in scoring in 2002, 2003, and 2005.
talented players to come out of here,” Schroeder said. “He played as good as anybody in the United States.” While reflecting on his career as a Wave, Smith said the people he met at Pepperdine were the most vital part of his success. “One thing I learned at Pepperdine is that having successful relationships with family and friends is probably the most important thing in life,” Smith said. He added the connections he formed at Pepperdine were what drove him to compete in five consecutive Olympic games. 2008 was a crucial year for the United States Men’s Water Polo team, winning their first medal since 1988, according to U.S.A. Water Polo. “Jesse was a big part of that Olympic year,” Pepperdine and Olympic teammate Merrill Moses said. “One of my favorite moments with him was standing up on that podium receiving our silver medal.” When talkng about the 2008 team, Smith said unity was key. No matter the outcome, be-
Photo courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics Smith, former Olypmian plays in a water polo game for Pepperdine. He competed for Team U.S.A. Water Polo from 2002 until 2020, serving as captain starting in 2017.
ing together as a team was the most important detail. “The best aspect of winning an Olympic medal is we are connected together because we accomplished something together,” Smith said. “It’s not always a victory, but we’re united in our efforts and common aspirations.”
Jesse was the best player in the pool, and we could see this dominant player both offensively and defensively. Terry Schroeder Men’s Water Polo Head Coach
The Wave trio — Schroeder, Moses and Smith — returned to the Olympic games in 2012. Smith and Moses had both graduated from Pepperdine at that point, and Schroeder said how unique it was to come back together on the international stage. “It was very special to coach them at the Olympic games,” Schroeder said. “It was full circle to have them at college and on the biggest stage.” Moses and Smith played again in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro games for their third Olympic performance together. There, Smith — who had already competed in three Olympic games — became the only Pepperdine alumnus to make a fourth Olympic appearance, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Smith’s persistance and work ethic are what make him such a strong player with the ability to compete at the high-
est level for so many years, Moses said. These qualities helped Smith etch his name into the Pepperdine Hall of Fame in 2017. “He was a great athlete and definitely one of the best to play here,” Schroeder said. Even after refining his legacy in the Pepperdine community, Smith continued to work hard in the world. He made his fifth Olympic appearance in 2020, becoming the only Pepperdine athlete and one of two U.S.A. Water Polo players to do so, according to Pepperdine Athletics and U.S.A. Water Polo. “It’s tremendous to have any Pepperdine athlete and alumni represent Team U.S.A.,” Moses said. “To have someone represent Pepperdine five times and be a team captain has a huge impact not only on the community but on water polo and our alumni base as well.” Smith has now taken on a new role in the water polo world. He has gone back to his alma mater and become the head coach at Coronado High School. Smith brings his champion mindset and professional experience back home to San Diego, according to Coronado News. “He’s definitely matured through his experiences,” Moses said. “He is going to be a great leader for the high school team and was a great leader for the Olympic team.”
nine.fife@pepperdine.edu
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November 10, 2023 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Up & comers: sophomores look to continue early success this year Justin Rodriguez Sports Assistant With the fall sports season ongoing, multiple Pepperdine athletes in their sophomore seasons said they are looking to take their game to the next level. This semester, three Pepperdine athletes look to build off of successful freshman campaigns: Adam Csapo, sophomore Men’s Water Polo attacker; Tatum Wynalda, sophomore Women’s Soccer midfielder and forward; and Jeneath Wong, sophomore Women’s Golf player. “I want to be a part of a Pepperdine team that was just g roundbreaking ,”Wynalda said. Adam Csapo: European Powerhouse Csapo was born and raised in Hungary, where he said he grew up watching his father and brother play professional water polo. “It’s really hard to think back on it because I felt like it came so naturally,” Csapo said, “My dad was a professional in Hungary, and my brother also played, so it was probably under their influence.” In Hungary, Csapo was a member of the Hungarian National Team system with the 2003 age-group from the age of 12, finding himself on the Junior National Team’s roster in 2015. Pepperdine jumped at the chance to sign him back in 2021, according to a Pepperdine Athletics article. Csapo made his Waves debut Sept. 3, 2022, against Whitter. Pepperdine won that game 34-5, and Csapo picked up not only his first goal as a Wave but his first four, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Csapo would go on to score 48 more goals during this season, amounting to a total of 52 — he finished the season second overall on his team. Csapo’s 2022 season statistics are as follows: 25 games played, 52 goals (second most) and 25 assists with 77 points (third most) on a .430 shooting percentage, according to Pepperdine Athletics. However, Csapo said his previous season’s stats don’t matter. He said it’s about how he can improve for the season ahead. “It’s about the team winning,” Csapo said. “Even though the stats look and sound good right now, I had a lot of down games. The goal is to play more games at a good level. It doesn’t have to be exceptional just as long as the team wins.” Last season, the team had a record of 13-14, going just 2-3 in conference, falling short
of their season goal of a GCC Championship. So far, this season, the team has already beaten their previous win tally with an overall record of 19-4, and Csapo said the team has a new goal in mind: an NCAA Championship. “Pepperdine’s goal is always to make it to NCAA [Championship], and with me being here, I want to make sure we can make it in the next few years,” Csapo said. “This year, we have a really good chance, and I don’t think it’s a big goal to say we want to win it all this year.” On top of a national championship, Csapo said he had a personal goal in mind that he’d like to cross off before his time at Pepperdine comes to a close: the Peter J. Cutino Award. “As I said, I’m not a stats guy, but this award goes to the best player in the NCAA every year, and it includes their team succeeding,” Csapo said. “I hope Pepperdine has a team and I get to a level where I’ll be able to win it one day.” Tatum Wynalda: Soccer Phenom Wynalda is a local who grew up through the canyon in Westlake Village. Her family has roots in soccer that dig deep into its rich history. Wynalda’s father, Eric Wynalda, played in three World Cups (90’, 94’, 98’) and scored the first-ever goal in MLS history. Up until 2008, he was the all-time leading goal scorer for the US national team. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004, according to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. For Wynalda, she said her family practically lives for soccer because her father had a lot of success and involvement within the sport. She said because of this, her father is one of the main reasons she plays the sport now. “My dad was the kind of person that said [I was] going to try soccer before any other sport,” Wynalda said. Luckily for her, it was the perfect fit, as she said she immediately fell in love with the
Photo courtesy of Adam Csapo Adam Csapo poses for a photo with his teammate and best friend, Attila Peto, after winning the U18 Hungarian Cup during the summer of 2021. That year, Csapo and Pelo would go on to compete in their first year of professional play as teammates.
sport. When it came to picking a school, Wynalda said Pepperdine was the best place for her, and she truly admired what the school had to offer. She made her debut Aug. 18, 2022, against CSUN, playing 43 minutes in her first game and scoring a goal on two shots, helping the Waves to an 8-0 win. The Waves finished that season with a 9-4-5 record overall, going 3-3-3 in conference play, which wasn’t enough to reach the NCAA tournament. However, this didn’t stop Wynalda, as she put up impressive numbers in her rookie season: 18 games played, eight goals (second most), 28 shots, 14 shots on goal and three assists, while tallying a total of 17 points (second most) with a .500 SOG% “I’m a pretty fearless player, and I like to play big,” Wynalda said. “Just take every moment for what it is, and just make the most out of my opportunities. That energy carried her through the season, and she said she quickly realized the advantage she had being a rookie. Coming into her sophomore season, she said she just as quickly learned how much information everybody had on her. “The greatest thing about coming in as a rookie is no one knows who you are, so they don’t really have a lot of dirt,” Wynalda said. “I very soon realized, this year, they know who I am.”
Photo courtesy of Tatum Wynalda Tatum Wynalda scopes the field against UCLA on Sept. 15. During Wynalda’s freshman season, she wore No. 28, but this year, she dons No. 11, the same number her father wore.
On top of her hopes of winning a championship, Wynalda said she also has a greater goal in mind. “I want to go further than any Pepperdine team has ever gone, which means passing the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament,” Wynalda said. “I want to leave this program knowing I laid everything on the line and, hopefully, have a legacy that I’m really proud of.” Jeneath Wong: International Star Wong, a sophomore Women’s Golf player, was born in Malaysia. She moved to Melbourne, Australia, and in her time there, she played amateur and junior golf. Most notably, she three-peated as the Victoria Junior Amateur Champion (20’-22’), won Australian Girls Amateur and Victorian Junior Masters (21’, 22’), repeated as Riverside Club Champion (20’, 21’) and won the Women’s Australian Master of the Amateurs, Portsea and Port Phillip Open Amateurs and Sukan (Sukma) Malaysia (22’), according to the Women’s Amateur Golf Ranking. She’s been playing golf since the age of 3, and similarly to Csapo and Wynalda, it was due to her father’s influence, Wong said. “I decided to play golf because my dad used to play when I was younger,” Wong said. “He always brought me to
the driving range, and one day, I just wanted to try it out, and ever since then, I just love the game.” Pepperdine signed Wong on Nov. 11, 2021, and she joined the roster in January of 2023. In high school, Wong won the Rising Star award for four consecutive years (17’-20’), and when Women’s Golf Head Coach Laurie Gibbs signed her, Wong was ranked as high as No. 115 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, according to a Pepperdine Athletics article. Now her highest ranking is No. 45, according to the Women’s Amateur Golf Ranking. Wong credits the jump in ranking with consistency. She drives a lot of her balls, keeping them in areas that give her the best field of play she said. “I hit it quite often to the fairway, to the greens,” Wong said. “That’s a strength to my game.” Wong averaged 72.72 strokes in her rookie season across seven events and 22 rounds. She found herself with six top 20 finishes, four being in the top 10; however, she failed to win an event, according to the 22-23 Women’s Golf Statistics. She also feels as if she has little to no weaknesses, and she said she hopes everyone who watches her play walks away knowing that, even though she may be small, she packs a punch. “I’m not at a disadvantage,” Wong said. “Even though I’m small because I’m only 5’1”, I can still play to the level of a person you would see double my size.” Wong said her big goal is to play in the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. In the meantime, she needs to take baby steps, and Wong said the goal for this season is to go back to the NCAA Championship, this time not walking away empty-handed. “This year, I want to try to win,” Wong said.
justin.rodriguez@pepperdine.edu
Photo courtesy of Jeneath Wong Jeneath Wong takes a swing at Grayhawk Golf Club in Arizona for the NCAA Championships on May 18. Her performance at the event earned her a spot on the WGCA Freshman of the Year Watchlist.
November 10, 2023
The Graphic
pepperdin e - graphic .com
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Photos by Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor
Junior guard/forward Michael Ajayi plays defense against a Concordia Irvine player at Firestone Fieldhouse on Nov. 6. Pepperdine has won 13-straight home openers.
Redshirt freshman guard Cord Stansberry dribbles the ball near half court at Firestone Fieldhouse on Nov. 6. Pepperdine beat Concordia Irvine 76-64.
Basketball season returns with two wins Tony Gleason Sports Editor
Both Men’s and Women’s Basketball opened up their season with victories at Firestone Fieldhouse. The men’s team beat Concordia 76-64 Nov. 6, while the women’s team beat UC Irvine 63-58 Nov. 7. Despite trailing at halftime 30-25, the men’s team rallied in the second half to secure the Wave’s 13th straight home opening win. Junior guard Houston
Mallette led the charge on offense, with sophomore and graduate guards Malik Moore and Ethan Anderson following with 26, 16 and 12 points respectively. Pepperdine Athletics dedicated the men’s game to the four Pepperdine seniors, Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Willian, who were killed in a car crash Oct. 17. All proceeds from the game went to a memorial fund that supports the four victims’ families, friends and
Pepperdine community. The women’s team bounced back from a 22-10 deficit after the first quarter to get their first opening night victory since 2020-21. New additions to the team who played a big role were graduate and junior guards Myra Gordon, Addi Melone and Emirita Mashaire with 17, 11 and seven points respectively. The men’s next game is Nov. 12, against Lafayette and the women’s is Nov. 11, against Caltech.
Junior guard Houston Mallette shoots a free throw in a game against Concordia Irvine at Firestone Fieldhouse on Nov. 6. Mallete had 26 points.
Graduate guard Ethan Anderson plays defense against a Concordia Irvine player at Firestone Fieldhouse on Nov. 6. Anderson had three rebounds and three assists.