Pepperdine Graphic 2-18-2021

THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC VOLUME L

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ISSUE 11 |

February 18, 2021

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pepperdine-graphic.com

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Pepperdine Lets Go of Convo Staff ASHL EY MO W R EADER NEW S EDI T OR Convocation staff members Gus Peterson and Anneleise Graf were let go days before the start of the spring 2021 semester. Administration has yet to comment on the staff’s departure from Pepperdine but promises more information in the coming months regarding spiritual life programming.

Pepperdine let go of the Convocation Office’s full-time staff members, Convocation Director Gus Peterson and Administrative Coordinator Anneleise Graf, on Feb. 6, days before the start of the spring semester.

In an email to the Graphic on Jan. 17, Connie Horton, vice president for Student Affairs, wrote that spiritual life is being “reimagined,” resulting in staffing changes and certain positions being “phased out.”

Peterson shared on his Facebook page that he was no longer Director of Convocation at Pepperdine after being laid off, but did not specify when or why his employment status changed.

“Student Affairs and Spiritual Life Programs leadership are currently working to assess and enhance the spiritual life offerings for the 2021-2022 academic year as part of Pepperdine’s commitment to the spiritual development of our students,” according to a statement from Pepperdine administration emailed to the Graphic on Feb. 15.

University Chaplain Sara Barton did not confirm whether the Convocation staff are no longer employed by Pepperdine but reaffirmed that Student Affairs and Spiritual Life Programs are in the midst of “strengthening and enhancing” spiritual life offerings for students, Barton wrote in an email to the Graphic on Feb. 9.

Barton’s office oversees both Convocation and Student-Led Ministries.

Pepperdine suspended the Convocation requirement with the transition to remote instruction in March, though the Spiritual Life Office has continued to provide resources for students throughout the past year.

Pepperdine administration told staff at a March President’s Briefing that there would be no furloughs through the end of the 2020 fiscal year, which ended July 31.

At an Aug. 11, President’s Briefing, President Jim Gash informed staff that if the University decides to “engage in some sort of furlough,” the individual would receive at least 30 days’ notice.

At an Aug. 26, President’s Briefing, Gash updated staff that there would be no furloughs or layoffs through January 2021.

“We will evaluate at that time again where things are, always evaluating the financial health, always trying to ensure we protect our people to the greatest extent possible,” Gash said at the Aug. 26, President’s Briefing.

“I ask you to hold me accountable, and I will continue to tell you what we’re deciding and why we’re deciding that.”

At a Nov. 11, President’s Briefing, Gash extended the commitment against furloughs or layoffs of U.S. employees due to COVID-19 as a cost-saving measure through spring 2021.

Staffing changes within Spiritual Life Programs, Horton wrote, are unrelated to COVID-19 and the pandemic’s impact on the University.

At this time, the only other confirmed furloughed staff from Pepperdine are staff at International Programs locations in Florence, London and Lausanne.

In the newly released Seaver 2030 strategic plan, Pepperdine shared that “the College and the University will reconsider the goals of convocation and its role in students’ spiritual development,” according to the website.

Pepperdine students have criticized mandatory Convocation and the Convocation program as a whole, with calls for Convo to be reinvented or done away with entirely.

“As the departments evaluate the next steps that will shape the future of convocation and other spiritual life programs, Student Affairs and Spiritual Life Programs plan to share more information with the community in the next few months,” according to the administration’s Feb. 15, statement.

ashl ey.m ow r eader @Pepper dine.edu

Pepp professor announces campaign for CA governor mil es c am pbell new s ass i s tan t Pepperdine School of Public Policy Visiting Professor and former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced his campaign for California governor Feb. 1.

Faulconer arrived at SPP for the 2021 calendar year as a visiting professor of community leadership and government innovation. As his role at SPP begins, Faulconer’s campaign for California Governor is also heating up as the movement to recall current California Gov. Gavin Newsom continues to gain traction.

“I’m running for governor because it’s time for a California comeback,” Faulconer wrote in an opinion piece for the San Diego Union-Tribune. “Our state, so full of promise, has become the land of broken promises. And the promise-breaker-in-chief is Gov. Gavin Newsom.”

A member of the Republican party, Faulconer gained experience as an elected official

through serving two terms as mayor of San Diego from 2014 to 2020. During his time as mayor, Faulconer gained recognition for his “ability to utilize creative, cross-sector approaches to public policy issues,” according to his biography on SPP’s website.

Faulconer served as mayor of San Diego for eight years, a city that had only 24% Republican voter registration during the time of the election. He “successfully united people of all parties and backgrounds within the city of San Diego,” according to his campaign website.

Faulconer’s campaign remains focused on criticizing Newsom’s handling of COVID-19, specifically in regard to vaccine rollouts and the reopening of schools.

“While COVID-19 ravages at-risk communities, Californians are deprived of life-saving vaccines because of Newsom’s confusing and mismanaged distribution plan,” Faulconer wrote in the op-ed.

The former mayor continued to criticize Newsom’s leadership

during the pandemic by talking about the issue of public schools being slow to reopen, as written in his op-ed.

“While in-person learning is allowed for families fortunate enough to afford private school, millions of public-school students representing an entire generation of Californians are locked out of their classrooms on Newsom’s watch,” Faulconer wrote on his campaign website.

Newsom’s handling of COVID-19 produced concern from many California residents, which sparked a petition to recall the governor. The petition must reach 1,495,709 valid signatures

by March 17 to trigger a recall election. Leaders of the recall said Feb. 15 they reached over 1,500,000 signatures.

The recall signatures must be verified and approved by county officials in order for a recall ballot to be released. Counties have until April 29 to certify these signatures, according to California law.

If the counties verify the recall

News

W hat ’s A H E A D the waves report

Photo courtesy of PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY efforts, Faulconer’s campaign would land itself on the ticket for the special election. If the recall is not verified, the campaign will continue in preparation for the 2022 California gubernatorial election.

Faulconer’s work toward his campaign comes during a time in which he also contributes to the academic progress of SPP students in his new role as visiting professor.

“I’m excited that our students will get a chance to learn from

Perspectives

him,” said SPP Dean Pete Peterson in an email interview. “He is known as someone who has worked across the aisle to find policy solutions, and those are the kinds of leaders we seek to prepare at SPP.” Faulconer will serve as a mentor, teacher and a financial supporter of local government programs.

Faulconer’s experience in local government is the focus of his professorship, Peterson said. He will teach a fall semester class on innovation in local government and SPP. Peterson and Faulconer are also exploring the creation of new professional certificate programs in local leadership.

“I’m honored to join the faculty of Pepperdine’s distinguished School of Public Policy,” Faulconer wrote in a statement to SPP. “California is where new opportunities take hold and new ideas take flight, and our government must embrace these values so it can better serve the public.” m il es.c am pbel l @Pepper dine.edu

SPORTS

Life & Arts

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Student Government Association Junior Class President resigns, new president elected.

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Meet five first-year students in Life and Art’s Fresh Faces.

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The city’s annual film festival brings independent filmmakers and moviegoers to Malibu.

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Men’s Basketball wins against Saint Mary’s.

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Pepperdine’s Daily Wellness Checks limit access to Malibu campus.

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Students should be intentional with their social media posts.

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Senior starts jewelry business during pandemic.

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Women’s Tennis finishes fourth at indoor national championships.

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a s h l e y m o w r ea d er n e w s e d i t or Graphic critics have told us — or at least have commented on our Instagram — that we need to publish more good news. I completely agree. It’s not easy to find good news nowadays, but the Graphic News team has always been up for a challenge.

In pitching this Good News column, my half-baked idea was for my team to find news outside of ourselves — looking for stories of cute puppies or reunited families or other obvious expressions of goodness from our community and our world. But as a seasoned reporter for the Graphic, I remembered an older tradition of the A2 column and figured it was time for an A2 facelift, COVID-19-style.

Without further ado, welcome to the first piece of the Good News column, designed to share a piece of light, hope and joy from the personal lives of the News team.

Feb. 8 marked the first week of school and in my first class of the semester, my professor asked us to open with “an incident of hope” from 2021 thus far. The prompt struck me, both in the word choice of incident and also in the idea of hope in the past two months.

My 2021, like many others I assume, has been rocky to say the least.

Not that the past two months have been without good things.

I’ve been skiing, I spent time at home with my dog, I’ve cared for my succulents, I’ve watched sunsets from my balcony, I’ve spent time in worship and I’ve made new friends. But hope is different than goodness.

Hope as a noun is, “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best,” according to Dictionary.com. Finding hope is digging deeper than what is joyful or pleasing or happy; it’s identifying light on the horizon and saying, “look, over there — that’s what I’m holding on to.”

I’ve seen hope in the Graphic — in the dozens of new staffers joining the ranks to tell stories that matter to the Pepperdine community.

I’ve seen hope in the COVID-19 vaccine — in talking to my grandma about her experience being vaccinated and watching my friends in the medical field administer the vaccine.

I’ve seen hope in my community — in the ways my friends are willing to pick me up when I fall, in the charity and generosity my peers continue to demonstrate, and in the grace we choose to demonstrate despite the chaos of the world.

Hope is rare, for sure, just like good news. But I hope this column provides a glimmer of both in the coming weeks.

ASHLEY.MOWREADER@PEPPERDINE.EDU

THE DPS REPORTS Check out pepperdine.edu/publicsafety for the DPS Reports every week

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1/27/21 12:19 p.m.

Crime: Fire/Hazards Hazardous Material Spill Location: Keck Science Center

This week In SGA

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1/26/21 6:24 p.m.

Crime: Traffic Enforcement Reckless Driving Location: Seaver Drive Booth

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S G A appo in t s K ar es e F r iz el l as n ew j u nio r c l as s pr es id en t in Feb. 1 7 pu bl ic s t at emen t .

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SGA fills senate vacancy by confirming Junior Tamilore Daniels as Class Senator.

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PRESIDENT’S BRIEFING & OTHER NEWS YOU MISSED Timelin e a nn ounc e d for facu lty vac c in ation Pe pper dine faculty will be eligible to r eceive a C OV I D-19 vaccine at the s a me time as K-12 teacher s in LA County.

stud e n t he a lth c e nte r to be c ome vac c in e d istribution site The Student Health Center was appr oved for futur e use as a vaccine distr ibution site. details about vaccine q uantity ar e not yet known.

I nt e r nat i o na l p r o gr a m s d e ci s i o ns t o co m e I nt ernat i onal P rog rams are ex p ec t ed t o p rovi de an u p dat e ab ou t s u mmer p rog rams i n Marc h.

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What: maintaining healthy relationships during a pandemic panel When: 5 p.m. PST hosted by: susan giboney

Covid-19 by the numbers

Good News: A Sliver of Hope

What: cooking demo with chef rock harper When: 7 P.M. PsT Hosted by: The Board

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What: randall goosby violin recital When: 2 p.m. PsT Hosted by: center for the arts

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What: racially diverse leaders for racially diverse cities When: Noon PST Hosted by: dean peterson of the school of public policy

United States

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Pepp community seeks spiritual connection during virtual semester Natalie Hardt Ass i s tant new s e dit or As students, faculty and staff usher in another semester of exclusively virtual events, community members continue to have their faiths impacted by Zoom fatigue and a lack of in-person connection.

The online fall semester led to lower engagement in student-led ministry and difficulty connecting to others for many students, said Rachel Collins, assistant director of Student Ministries. In the midst of these issues, some students and staff forged deeper bonds with God following reduced distractions and busyness during quarantine.

“It’s not as easy as it used to be,” senior Religion major Erin Miller said. “It’s not that kind of joyful celebratory faith that we sometimes experience when you go to school a second away from the beach and watch the sunset every night. But in some ways that makes it stronger faith because I’m relying on God in those hard times, instead of just in the times where everything’s amazing.”

Christians need to realize that church is not just a building you go to, a service you watch. It’s truly just where the presence of God is justin chai, KCM president Student-Led Ministries Battle Zoom Fatigue One of the biggest obstacles to students connecting to their faiths virtually is Zoom fatigue. Collins said most student-led ministries had a turnout of about half or even a quarter of when they were in-person.

In addition to individual activities, some student-run ministries — Celebration Chapel, Word Up and Koinonia Campus Mission — worked together with The Well team to put on a weekly worship service called The Gathering in the fall.

Senior Sharonne Niba said she attended The Gathering frequent-

ly and found the breakout rooms they conducted at the end of each meeting to be helpful in building connections with students.

Most attendees of The Gathering were first-years, The Well director Taylor Begert said. In the face of Zoom fatigue, upper-level students mainly came if they or a friend were leading.

“I think for upperclassmen, The Well was what it was for all that time; Celebration was what it was; Word Up was what it was, and when you take those big, immersive experiences and you make them a little Zoom meeting it’s probably just too hard,” Begert said. “And also you’re sitting there in your junior [or] senior year taking class on Zoom, like the last thing you want to do is go to another Zoom thing.”

As president of Veritas Club, Miller said running club meetings similarly to in-person ones proved ineffective in the fall — having biweekly faith-related lectures by faculty delivered virtually were too similar to the Zoom classes tiring members out.

To combat this, Miller said Veritas is forgoing their typical format and structuring the meetings as an ongoing book club. If members can commit to attending at least half of the meetings, they will receive the book for free.

“Hopefully that’ll be a little bit more enticing because it gives people an opportunity to do something off the screen, instead of just staring at their laptop all day,” Miller said.

Working in the Office of Spiritual Life emphasized to Miller that Pepperdine is doing the best it can to provide spiritual opportunities to students — there just haven’t been as many students engaging, particularly at larger, more impersonal events.

Although attendance decreased significantly across different events, Collins said all that really mattered was that the organizations still reached some students in need of spiritual connection — a thought echoed by Begert and KCM President Justin Chai.

KCM maintained similar participation to normal years, with around 50 to 60 members regularly attending. Chai, a senior, said about 20 first-year students joined the ministry, with many noting that attending meetings and events were some of the few moments that really felt like college.

“It’s really encouraging to hear that if you know you do get involved with these organizations, maybe not just KCM but any of these spiritual organizations, it could really have

Name | Position Ally armstrong | art editor a huge impact on students right now,” Chai said.

Students and Staff Find God in the Stillness of Quarantine

[is] just going to start rotting if you don’t actually deal with it,” Goldie said.

Community Works to Stay Connected to Faith Online

Quarantine forced many people to spend a lot more time at home than they would otherwise, leading to reduced activity and more alone time. Chai said this period forced him to analyze how centric faith was to his life and to be more intentional in prioritizing time with God. “When [we] have so much free time, it’s so natural for us to fill it with random things,” Chai said.

“But it caused me to be way more disciplined to spend time with God, to have scheduled time with God every single day.”

Collins, meanwhile, said she was pleasantly surprised by how her spirituality grew as a result of life slowing down: With less time spent commuting and engaging with students, she found herself seeking God. “There’s been a slowing down because my job is so student-centric when we’re on campus,” Collins said. “Personally, it’s given me more space to rest and to get into some of the more quiet or spiritual rhythms [and] so I feel a little bit more in tune with the Holy Spirit in my life.”

Similarly, senior Kurt Goldie said quarantine reduced the number of external distractions — such as working or talking with friends — in people’s lives and brought internal issues and thoughts to the forefront. Goldie said pursuing spiritual mentorship with University Chaplain Sara Barton helped him address the inner noise that emerged during the pandemic.

“Spiritual mentorship is like dealing with all that stuff that we just like to put under the rug but

While virtual meetings make it easier to attend religious events in some ways by removing commutes and being available globally, many still struggle with a lack of motivation to attend them or a lack of focus once there.

When attending virtual events, Chai said it’s important to remember that worship does not have to take place in a specific location or way.

“Christians need to realize that church is not just a building you go to, a service you watch,” Chai said.

“It’s truly just where the presence of God is and so that I think has also changed my perspective on how God can honestly move in so many different ways that we had no idea [about] — even virtually.”

While it may be easy to go to church or worship events in pajamas or even from bed, Chai encourages students to consider taking it more seriously — a lesson he learned after his grandma admonished him and his siblings for not treating virtual church as sacredly as they did in-person.

One way of staying connected to faith is engaging with other people during or after watching a virtual service — whether over a call, at a distanced coffee date or within the same household, Miller said.

“There really is just something about faith that needs to be tangible and with people that’s really hard to enact alone,” Miller said.

“I think it’s just been part of our faith, since the beginning. Jesus didn’t work alone — Jesus worked with his 12 disciples. And Christianity has never really existed in a

appoint the new positions to the committee.

When asked why she would be a good choice for president, Frizell said she felt fit for the role due to previous experience on SGA, according to the Feb. 17, SGA meeting minutes.

“I want to keep the spark alive and bring awareness to the different things that are happening in society and in the Pepperdine community,” Frizell said. “Because we

aren’t in person, I want to find ways to get all the information out, especially to the junior class.”

In her new role as junior class senator, Daniels said she wants to focus on the advancement of diversity and inclusivity, as well as represent all students, according to the Feb. 17, SGA meeting minutes. Junior Class Senator Jerry Calderon nominated Daniels.

According to the SGA Constitution, in order to fill the vacancy of

vacuum; it’s never existed in the absence of community and people and I don’t think we can expect it to now.”

Students Reflect on Lack of Convocation and Spiritual Life Advisors Chai, who was an SLA last year in Lovernich, said he thinks the lack of SLAs has negatively impacted students’ likelihood of reaching out for spiritual counsel — especially first-year students.

“It’s so easy to get stuck at home and not want to open your computer to talk to someone or reach out maybe to the chaplain’s office, to people they don’t even know,” Chai said. “That’s the beauty of the SLA role — that it’s just a peer to peer relationship where you can be more comfortable opening up about these things.”

Chai said he thinks the lack of convocation is likely appreciated by some students, but overall is contributing to less spiritual engagement by those who are not inclined to participate in faith-based activities.

“Without having that mandatory convo I bet we’re seeing a lot of people draw away from the faith and draw away from actively participating in faith because it’s not presented to them,” Chai said. “It’s definitely hurting people.”

Without Convocation, Goldie said students are forced to be more intentional in seeking out spiritual activities and connections.

“There’s like a little taste of the real world: no one’s gonna make you do that, in the future, so you’ve got to decide what kind of life you want to live,” Goldie said.

“It’s showing people that a lot of life skills kind of rest on intentionality.”

NATAL IE.HAR DT@PEPPER DINE.EDU

SGA Junior Class President resigns ab by w ilt new s ass i s tan t Loriana Allen resigned as junior class president Feb. 9, junior Student Government Association President and junior Chase Johnson announced after a closed-session SGA meeting Feb. 17.

The SGA committee followed the protocol in the SGA Constitution to appoint a new president, as well as fill the vacancy of junior

class senator. The new junior class president is Karese Frizell, and the new junior class senator is Tamilore Daniels.

The vote to appoint Frizell as junior class president was 15-0, and the vote to appoint Daniels was 132.

Pepperdine SGA announces the new senate roles by posting a public statement on their Instagram story after the meeting. SGA met Feb. 17 to

a seat in the senate, each member of the senate was given a nominating ballot and returned the ballot with one or more nominees. Due to COVID-19, the ballots were accepted as emails.

At a closed-session meeting, the SGA president took a vote on the nominees in the order in which they were nominated. The first nominee to receive the majority vote won.

ABBY.W ILT@PEPPER DINE.EDU

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F E B R UA RY 1 8, 2 0 2 1 | N E W S | P E P P E R DIN E G RA P H I C ME D I A

First-years and transfers discuss their

Athlete shares his confidence with the Pepperdine community R o wan T oke M anag i ng edit or First-year Timothy Jackson was 5-foot-3 when he began high school. He played volleyball, but he said his teammates and coaches doubted his abilities because of his height.

“People doubted me all the time because, ‘Oh, you’re not tall enough,’ and then I basically proved them wrong in junior year,” Jackson said.

Jackson, who lives in Eagle Rock, CA, said it was a battle trying to stand out during his freshman and sophomore years at Eagle Rock Jr./Sr. High School.

He knew he was talented at volleyball, despite his height.

“It was awkward,” Jackson said. “It was a combination of me trying to find out where I’m fitting in and just a combination of kind of down on myself, just a little bit, about my natural abilities.”

During his junior and senior years of high school, Jackson said his life changed. He excelled in sports and grew to be 6-foot.

“I was just grinding, and it was just like, people actually finally started recognizing me, and I was just kind of grateful,” Jackson said.

Once people started having confidence in him, Jackson said he gained more confidence in himself and his abilities. He also

became the captain of the men’s varsity volleyball team during his senior year.

“I could say I’m a pretty confident person, but when people put confidence in me, that just blows me out of proportion,” Jackson said. “I just go crazy.”

Meanwhile, Jackson said his high school college counselor nominated him for a Posse Scholarship, which awards full tuition to talented high schoolers who the college application process might overlook.

Jackson said he brought his heightened confidence from his

Awards Season | Timothy Jackson and his family celebrate him receiving the Posse Scholarship at the Regal 17 Theater in Los Angeles, CA.

recent athletic success to the Posse interview process and later received his Posse Scholarship and acceptance to Pepperdine.

“It was a pretty dope moment,” Jackson said. “I cried when they called me.”

Jackson said he felt like people finally saw him for who he was. It made feel him more confident in himself.

“It made me feel satisfied — saisfied that everything came together the way I wanted it to come together and ultimately it was God’s plan,” Jackson said.

As a Computer Science/Mathematics major, Jackson said his confidence helped him meet new people and get involved during the online fall 2020 semester. He was not afraid to make new connections, and he plans to do the same during the upcoming semester.

“I was just able to just project [my confidence] in other areas since I wasn’t in person,” Jackson said.

Jackson is involved with Alpha Omega, a student-led ministry, which he said makes him more assured that God exists and is there for him. He said his primary goal at Pepperdine is to try out for the Men’s Volleyball Team.

“I just want my outward look to help other people shine,” Jackson said.

RO WA N .T O KE @P E P P E RD I N E . E D U

Photos courtesy OF TIMOTHY JACKSON Star Athlete | First-year Timothy Jackson smiles for his volleyball photo in August 2019 at Eagle Rock Jr./Sr. High School in Eagle Rock, CA. Jackson said he was the varsity volleyball team captain during his senior year.

SPORTS MED STUDENT dreams of becoming a pediatric doctor to help kids S o f i a L o n go L ife & A r ts e dito r

Photos courtesy OF Maggie Bendle Indiana, the New California | First-year Maggie Bendle smiles and pretends she is in Malibu while on her front porch in Saint John, Ind., in August. Bendle said she has never toured campus or visited California, and would love to jump into the Pacific Ocean.

First-year Maggie Bendle said she wanted to become a doctor ever since her childhood because she is drawn to children and helping others.

Now majoring in Sports Medicine at Pepperdine, Bendle said she plans to attend medical school or physician’s assistant school. She said her dream job is to become a pediatric emergency room doctor because of the energy children bring.

“I’ve been a camp counselor for the past couple of years and I love kids,” Bendle said. “I also kind of thrive on chaos and I like the unexpected and I like the fast-paced [environment].”

Over the past two summers, Bendle said she moved away from her hometown of St. John, Ind., and volunteered as a camp counselor and zipline instructor for Pine Trail Camp near Lake Michigan. She said she enjoyed doing different tasks every day, whether it was instructing, housekeeping or maintenance.

“My favorite part of the job was I got to love people,” Bendle said. “That’s my job, I have to love kids. Even if I’m doing dishes so they can have clean plates to eat off of, my job was so purposeful.”

Even though Bendle has always known she wants to work

with children, she didn’t know she would end up at Pepperdine when she applied. She decided to apply on a whim and wrote her application the day it was due.

After receiving admission to Pepperdine and getting accepted into the Regents Scholars Program, she realized Pepperdine was the best fit.

“Malibu sounded awesome,” Bendle said. “I thought that the fact you can take surfing for PE credit was so cool. I wanted to do that.”

Once the fall semester started, Bendle said the lifestyle change from being an outdoors camp counselor to a full-time remote student was an adjustment.

“That was a big transition — just from that life to school and Zoom and being inside all day,” Bendle said. “It was hard the first couple of weeks, but after that, it got a lot easier.”

Last semester, Bendle said she joined the Pre-Medical Club and attended The Gathering Thursday nights. She said going to The Gathering helped her build consistency by seeing the same people weekly. She went to Regents Scholar events as well and met more students there.

“I went to a Board event where they mailed me all this stuff to make Taco Bell crunch wraps and pizza cookies,” Bendle said.

“That was super fun, and I was surprised how much fun it was over Zoom.”

Bendle said she has never visited Pepperdine’s campus or even been to California from her home state of Indiana. “I really want to see the ocean and I want to jump in the Pacific,” Bendle said. “I’d love to actually see Pepperdine, where I’ve been going to school the past six months and the CCB stairs everyone talks about.”

SOF IA.L ONGO@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Graduation Celebration | Maggie Bendle celebrates her high school graduation in June with her grandfather in Schererville, Ind. Bendle said everything worked out in her favor of going to Pepperdine.

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passions and journeys to Pepperdine Pre-IMC Major embodies entrepreneurial spirit at Pepperdine S O F I A L O N GO L IFE & A R TS E DITO R

Photos COURTESY OF MICAELA HARRIS Future Entrepeneur | Harris poses for a photoshoot in Pasadena, CA, in May 2019. Harris said she wants to create her own jewelry business soon and would like to also create a marketing firm in the future.

Transfer Micaela Harris has an entrepreneurial spirit. She is passionate about social media marketing, creating her own small businesses and said she wants to work for the Los Angeles Kings.

Harris said she has always been very creative and loved art classes as well.

Harris is a junior from Pasadena, CA, and is a Pre-Integrated Marketing Communication major. After two years of classes at Saint Mary’s College of California, Harris said she took a gap year and worked at a veterinary hospital to determine her next step for finishing her education.

Even though she loved working with animals, after successfully finishing two marketing internships during her gap year, she said she felt it was a sign to pursue that path instead.

“My heart still managed to come back to marketing and I solidified my decision with my first social media marketing internship,” Harris said. “I liked making all my designs, and I found it to be really fun.”

When looking at schools to transfer to near the end of her gap

year, Harris said she appreciated Pepperdine’s visible morals and felt God helped her choose Pepperdine.

“I feel like I have more opportunities to grow in my relationship with God and that’s something I’ve been neglecting and not appreciative of these last couple years,” Harris said. “I felt this was God’s wake up call.”

In the future, Harris said she hopes to open her own marketing firm and would also love to start her own small business. Her current idea is to create a jewelry company and she said she wants her jewelry to be natural but with lots of bling.

Even though Harris has many entrepreneurial goals and ventures on her mind, she said if she were to work in corporate, her dream job would be a marketing manager for the Los Angeles Kings. She grew up going to sporting events with her father and wants to implement her ideas of getting spectators off their phones in order to fully enjoy the game. She said one idea is to have the crowd participate in games.

“I always am trying to get people to turn off their phones and just enjoy the moment with their friends,” Harris said. “I think a lot of people forget about that be-

cause we are completely overrun by social media and being on our electronics.”

SOF IA.L ONGO@PEPPER DINE.EDU

A November to Remember | Transfer Micaela Harris smiles in November at the University of Southern California while hanging out with friends.

Actor brings acting and business interests to Malibu SO FIA L O N GO LI F E & AR T S ED ITOR As a child, first-year Zach Tapp said he loved the arts and acting.

Tapp said he was in commercials for Walmart and Macy’s and acted for television shows on Nickelodeon and ABC. He also was in the movie “Sins of Our Youth” (2014).

Even with his experience and success as an actor, Tapp said he wanted a backup plan. Business has been another long-time passion for Tapp, who wants to be an entrepreneur and start his own business someday.

“I wanted to have something that I could fall back on,” Tapp said. “Business is always reliable and always there. We’ll always need business, so that was the thing that was calling me the most.”

Tapp is majoring in International Business and even though he has withdrawn from acting since starting college, he said he still goes to auditions occasionally to stay in the industry.

Next fall, Tapp said he is participating in the London International Program for the academic year. At first, he said he wanted to go to the Heidelberg program,

but after talking to friends who had gone to the London program, he changed his mind.

“I just felt like it was where I needed to go,” Tapp said. “I really like museum going and obviously the arts, so I really wanted to go to a bunch of theaters in London,

Photoshoot Fresh | Firstyear Zach Tapp poses for a headshot in Las Vegas in August 2019. Tapp acted in various commercials, TV shows and movies.

so I’m just really excited for that.”

Tapp said online school was initially difficult, but he joined Alpha Omega Campus Ministry, which helped connect him to others and build community.

“This was the first time where I was just able to talk to people from Pepperdine about life or God or experiences that don’t really have anything to do with school,” Tapp said. “That was a nice change.”

Tapp said he joined Word Up as a singer this semester as well.

“I’m excited because I’ve never shown anyone my singing side at Pepperdine other than my roommates,” Tapp said. “This will be interesting and just to worship with people at Pepperdine, I’m super excited for that.”

Even though Tapp wasn’t able to move to Malibu with his roommates and suitemates because of the campus closure, he said they still keep in touch and talk regularly over text.

“We weren’t able to live together, but it still feels like I was able to grow closer to them,” Tapp said.

S O F I A . L O N G O @P E P P E RD I N E . E D U

Photos COURTESY OF Zach tapp Public Service Announcement | Tapp smiles while wearing a Pepperdine sweatshirt after announcing his commitment to the University in May. Tapp said he is excited to study abroad in London next fall and wants to try new foods and visit theaters and museums.

ballerina trades dancing career for college experience SO FIA L O N GO LI F E & AR T S ED ITOR When faced with the tough decision of choosing a dancing career or college experience, firstyear Sharon Stevens embraced change when met with uncertainty. Stevens said she started dancing at the age of 3 and, looking back, thought she would be at a ballet company right now rather than college.

She trained professionally to be a ballerina at 15 and planned to attend Ballet West Academy in

Waves Up| Sharon Stevens proudly holds her Pepperdine acceptance poster in May while taking senior pictures in her hometown of Moorpark, CA.

Salt Lake City to continue training after high school, even arranging an apartment and roommate.

After attending the Youth Citizenship Seminar camp at Pepperdine during the summer before her senior year, she saw her future as a ballerina looking different than she previously planned.

“I never saw myself doing anything else but dance,” Stevens said. “I was dancing 25 to 30 hours a week and school wasn’t always easy, but it was kind of on the back burner.”

Both of her older brothers — who graduated in 2004 and 2015 — attended Pepperdine, so Stevens said she was very familiar with the University, but this reason made her unsure if she would want to attend at first.

“I’ve kind of been on campus my whole life,” Stevens said. “It’s like a home away from home.”

Despite her uncertain feelings, after leaving YCS early to attend a ballet intensive, Stevens said she was missing Pepperdine and feeling conflicted. Once applying and receiving an acceptance, Stevens prayed and reached out to older ballerinas, mentors and teachers to help her make a decision to either continue ballet training or pursue college.

“I feel like I could go back to dance or dance while I’m in school,” Stevens said. “I would not have wanted to go back to school if I had waited.”

Stevens said she is majoring in Sociology and her future career interests include government in-

telligence work, such as working for the CIA. “I saw a TED Talk on YouTube and just went down a rabbit hole,” Stevens said. “I just kept researching and reading things online and I was like, ‘This sounds really cool. I could see myself doing this.’”

Stevens received an exemption to live on campus for the spring semester and said she enjoys her experience even though there aren’t many students on campus.

“I was really looking forward to being independent, so I was just ready,” Stevens said. “I’m not that far from home too, so that’s super nice; I can still see my family if they want to meet me off campus.”

Stevens said her favorite places in Malibu include John’s Garden, Malibu Seafood and the area above the track where she occasionally sits to eat dinner. Stevens said she was initially worried about finding a church in Malibu but now attends in-person services at Vintage Malibu Church, which has been a welcoming experience.

This spring, Stevens said she is a new member of The Well, a worship singing group at Pepperdine.

She is also assisting Professor Michael D. Gose with a research project that includes coming up with curriculum for incoming students who want to go abroad.

The curriculum will be about finding a pilgrimage to inspire students who may visit historical sites while abroad.

“I’m excited to inspire future students to travel and get them excited to learn about the ideas behind some influential moments,” Stevens said. “I’m also

excited to push myself and with the research aspect of this, it will be a new experience!”

SOF IA.L ONGO@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Photos courtesy OF Sharon stevens Express Yourself | Stevens holds an arabesque at her dance studio in Westlake Village, CA, in February 2019.

She said she moved to the Malibu campus for the spring semester and has enjoyed her new independence. (Left) Stevens sings in the youth room at her church in Camarillo, CA, in November 2019. She said she has been singing since she was 11 and auditioned for The Well, a worship singing group at Pepperdine. (Right)

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P E P P E R DINE GR A P HIC M E DIA | N E W S | F E B RU A RY 1 8 , 20 21

Students opt out of learning via Zoom, filling time in other ways Ab by W ilt new s Ass i s ta n t The question is on many students’ minds: are classes on Zoom worth it? While most students have thought about this, a handful of Pepperdine students acted on this question and took a semester off.

As a whole, Pepperdine’s enrollment numbers for the fall semester decreased from previous years.

According to the Fall Enrollment Census, 3,132 students enrolled full-time at Seaver College for the fall semester, in comparison to 3,320 in fall 2019. Students said they wanted to take time off to explore their passions, pursue other opportunities related to their career choices, and simply have a break from Zoom.

“I felt like it would be more beneficial for me to take the year off and work on other things,” said Jadyn Gaertner, junior Screen Arts and Creative Writing major.

“I will come back later to do actual hands-on work.”

Students Take a Break From Remote Instruction Gaertner decided to take the academic 2020-2021 year off and uses her time to explore her passions, work and get a glimpse of what life could be like after college. In the fall, she worked as a nanny and a tutor, but now she is working as a production assistant for the TV show, “Ozark.”

“I have been able to pursue the things that I might not necessarily go to college for, but things that I love,” Gaertner said.

Gaertner said the main reason she took the year off was that she didn’t want to miss the firsthand learning experience that comes with being on campus. By taking the year off, she is able to get that experience by working as a production assistant and being involved in the film industry.

“Specifically as a film major, I feel like having hands-on experience is really what helps me grow,” Gaertner said. “One of the things that draws me to the film program is the collaboration aspect of it all, and I thought I wasn’t going to be able to have that.”

While she has enjoyed her year off so far, Gaertner said she is ex-

cited to come back to school where she can learn in a classroom in the next academic year.

“As long as we are going to school in-person, [I’ll return to Pepperdine],” Gaertner said. “I’m learning [right now] but not in a school environment; I feel like I have so much more to learn.”

Claire Evans, junior Screen Arts major, also took the fall semester off and spent her time working as a waitress and taking a road trip across the country. Additionally, she said she focused on self-care and gave herself time to rest after doing three months of summer classes.

“I took time for myself and was able to do things that I’ve always said I wanted more time to be able to do,” Evans said. “I didn’t have a set plan, I just wanted to take things at a slower pace for once.”

Evans said she always planned to go back to school for the spring semester, despite concerns over learning fully on Zoom. During her time off, Evans said she felt disconnected from her major after going abroad and not doing major-specific courses since her first year.

The core of Pepperdine is the community. It’s hard to foster connection over Zoom, but it’s not impossible.

Andrea Harris Supervisor of OneStop “I felt so at a loss for direction so I was really happy that I had the plan to go back in the spring,” Evans said.

In addition, Evans said she missed her friends and the social experience they were having, even

Photo Courtesy of Claire evans Time to Explore| Claire Evans explores Yellowstone national park while taking off the fall semester. Many students decided to take a semester off due to COVID-19 and pursued other opportunities while they awaited a return to in-person learning. if it was through a screen, as well as learning in a school environment.

“At first I thought I was so happy I wasn’t doing Zoom classes,” Evans said. “But people started talking about seeing their friends on Zoom and I realized I missed learning.”

Evans said she valued her time off and learned to play the piano, practiced art, spent more time with her family and her dog and completed several crafts with materials from around her house. She said she thought it was a valuable experience but wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for COVID-19.

“I think in-person classes are too valuable to take a break from, but during COVID I would recommend it,” Evans said. “Zoom fatigue is real.”

Administration Discusses Decreased Enrollment The administration at Pepperdine said they anticipated some students taking the semester off and planned for it accordingly in the budget. President Jim Gash spoke about enrollment numbers in Pepperdine’s President’s Briefing on Feb. 3 via Zoom.

“Our enrollment isn’t exactly where we hoped it would be, but it

is where we planned it to be and it is where we needed it to be in order to retain our financial strength,” Gash said in the briefing.

For the fall, Pepperdine reported a $40 million decrease in funds due to losses in room and board, and COVID-19 related expenses.

The University was able to make up for this loss but is expecting similar numbers for the spring semester, Chief Financial Officer Greg Ramirez said.

“With extreme optimization measures taken by this community and with support through the CARES Act we’ve managed to address and overcome the shortfall for the fall term,” Ramirez said.

The problem of reduced enrollment isn’t unique to Pepperdine.

Nationwide, 16 million Americans canceled plans to go to college, according to a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Some students cannot attend school, even in the online format, during COVID-19 because they live internationally and have government regulations, or because they have to work to provide for their families. In addition, many students just said online learning wasn’t for them, said Andrea Harris, supervisor of OneStop.

“We want to have as many stu-

dents as possible, but on the other hand if they don’t want to be here, we aren’t going to try to convince them to stay,” Harris said.

The faculty at Pepperdine continue to communicate with students who have taken the semester off, and the faculty are doing their best to create connections with students in the online format, Harris said.

“The core of Pepperdine is the community,” Harris said. “It’s hard to foster connection over zoom, but it’s not impossible.”

OneStop continues to be a source for students to get help from if they are considering taking a semester off, or if they have questions about enrollment options at alternative colleges, Harris said.

“We are happy to help and there is no pressure; we aren’t here to force you to stay,” Harris said.

“We want to work with everybody and we can’t wait to be back together as a community.”

ABBY.W ILT@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Pepperdine’s Daily Wellness Check restricts access to Malibu campus Ky l e M c C a be Ass i s tant News E d itor Pepperdine requires anyone coming onto the Malibu campus to complete a Daily Wellness Check. The DWC asks screening questions to determine an individual’s COVID-19 risk and Department of Public Safety officers check every campus visitor’s status at the entrance gate.

The University introduced the program in early September to help combat COVID-19 on campus, wrote Student Health Center Director Rebecca Roldan in an Oct. 26 email to the Graphic.

“Completing the Daily Wellness Check makes accessing campus a conscious decision each day,” Roldan wrote. “It also helps alert the SHC as soon as possible if there is some community member who needs follow up and/or related contact tracing.”

Medicat, an electronic health record company, runs Pepperdine’s DWC, Roldan wrote. Individuals with access to campus re-

ceive an email every morning with a link to their screening form and, based on their answers, are categorized for 24 hours as cleared, not cleared, documented exposure or recent travel.

Roldan wrote that any staff, faculty, residential students and athletes with access to campus must complete the form daily. However, first-year Mirielle Cox, who lives on campus because of the unreliable Wi-Fi connection at her home in Lander, Wyo., only fills out her DWC four to five times a week without any issues.

“We get the email every day but we don’t [complete the form] every day,” Cox said. “I do them every time I return to campus from going off to get food or groceries or something like that.”

The DWC email asks campus visitors to screenshot their “green dot,” which loads after they finish the form in their internet browser and represents their cleared status.

Since it only takes a few minutes, Cox said she does not mind filling out the DWC. She said when she

stops at the campus gate, DPS officers check for green dots from everyone in the car.

“They don’t always read the names or, you know, look super closely at it,” Cox said. “It’s kind of expedited most of the time, but at least in my experience, they always ask to see the people in the back.”

Pepperdine created the questions on the DWC, but Medicat stores the information collected from it. Roldan said only SHC staff have access to the system, which abides by healthcare privacy laws.

“If an individual is identified as not cleared, they will receive communication from the SHC to inquire about their situation,” Roldan wrote. “This will aid in identifying if an additional evaluation or contact tracing is necessary.”

Roldan wrote that the DWC decreases the risk that someone brings COVID-19 onto campus by requiring people to think about their health status before going

Art by Ally Armstrong Grean Means Go| First-year Mirelle Cox, who is living on campus, must show her “green dot,” or clear symbol, at the gate before being allowed to enter. Pepperdine’s Daily Wellness Check has been sent out to those on campus to determine their risk of COVID-19 exposure. through the gate.

“It is human nature to sometimes discount or downplay an exposure or symptoms,” Roldan

wrote. “Especially if you really need/want to work or access campus for some reason.”

K YL E.J.M C C ABE@PEPPER DINE.EDU

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The Graphic

feb ru a ry 18 , 2 0 2 1

PERSPECTIVES *The Perspectives section is meant to showcase the world’s opinion and encourage discussion while being respectful and accurate.

MISSION STATEMENT

samantha miller | art assistant editor

The divided states of America: Having civil political discourse in 2021

C h r i s i ta n P a r h a m P e r s p e c t i v e s A s s i s ta n t E d i t o r

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merica is more divided than ever with calls for unity echoing across the country. How do we begin this healing process?

In Abraham Lincoln’s 1858 “House Divided” speech, he declared these famous words: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

His quote continues to serve as a rallying cry for unity during social unrest that fractures the nation.

While unity in itself is a beautiful and necessary concept in any democracy, it cannot be achieved without adherence from divided sides. The insurrection at the Capitol that took place Jan. 6 was a stark and alarming reminder of the consequences division can bring and how fragile the democratic process is.

Most Americans — about 89% — agree that having civil political discourse is necessary to begin the work of healing the country, according to Weber Shandwick. But in times of increased polarization, how does this process begin?

To heal, Americans need to acknowledge present realities, understand how social media can be polarizing, respectfully listen to opposing views, speak with empathy and address institutionalized injustices.

One of the most meaningful ways Americans can acknowledge the nation’s present political reality is by fully accepting Biden’s presidential win, which both Democrats and Republicans confirmed. Despite this, three in four Republicans believe Biden won illegitimately. When Americans cannot even agree on the legitimacy of the president, it becomes extremely challenging to make any sort of movement toward unification.

In addition to acknowledging present political realities, Americans need to reflect on the polarizing nature of social media.

Because of America’s growing reliance on technology, apps like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram have become news sources for many. About one in five American adults receive their news from social media, according to Pew Research Center.

This contributes to divisions because apps like these develop an algorithm fine-tuned to a person’s interests, which can lead to people being extremely biased against views that don’t look like their own. Counterculture groups like QAnon rely on polarization to keep members believing its conspiracies. To counteract this, Americans need to get news from unbiased sources. Some examples of unbiased

sources are The Associated Press, Reuters and BBC, according to a Marketwatch comprehensive chart of news sources and political leanings.

Still, looking at unbiased news sources isn’t enough.

To deeply understand people with different views, Americans need to engage in uncomfortable yet necessary political conversations. As a country, America must commit to seeing, listening and learning things from another point of view.

This doesn’t mean validating views of bigotry, homophobia or sexism but rather embracing people who see political issues in different ways.

These don’t have to be formal conversations but can be open forums between friends. Instead of avoiding the topic of politics entirely, Americans should ask the questions, “Why do you believe that? How did you come to that interpretation?”

It’s important to start these discussions without judgment or trying to convince anyone a certain view is “right”— work on practicing uninterrupted listening.

After doing this, it’s easier to understand that the other side is uniquely human, with different views that represent the way they see the world. Even though it’s easy to fall into the trap of making generalizations, talking to people on a personal level helps to remove internal biases.

Being able to listen with empathy — the ability to understand and share the feelings of

someone else — is also necessary in these conversations. Empathy will lead the American people to a deeply needed examination of the moral character of the nation.

Finally, Americans need to acknowledge the institutionalized injustices in this country. The devastating murders of numerous Black citizens, separation of innocent children from their parents at the border and increasing hate crimes against Asian Americans are all areas that must be addressed.

It may seem easier to pretend that these issues don’t exist within the ideal of America’s perfection and deeply rooted patriotism, but true patriotism means recognizing where your country is flawed and working to make it better.

The only way Americans can accomplish this is by listening to each other and working together to heal the nationwide fragmentation these injustices cause.

We, the people, have an incredible opportunity during these “unprecedented times.” We can either choose to come together and bond over our shared commitment to making America great for all people or we will be destroyed by our inability to work together. The choice is in our hands — what will we choose?

“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.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor must bear the writer’s name, signature, class standing, major, address and phone number (except in some circumstances determined appropriate by the Graphic).

Letters must be fewer than 300 words and will be edited for syntax, grammar and brevity. Letters can be mailed to student publications or emailed to peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com

CONTACT US Email: peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com peppgraphicadvertising@gmail.com

Phone: 310-506-4311

Address: Graphic Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90263

CHRISTIAN.PARHAM @PEPPERDINE.EDU

STAFF LIST Executive Editor Makena Huey Managing Editor Rowan Toke Digital Editor Brianna Willis Copy Chief Tiffany Hall Pixel Editor Emily Shaw Video Producer Marisa Dragos Head Podcast Producer Kaelin Mendez Business Director Hadley Biggs Advertising Director Sahej Bhasin Photo Editor Allison Levens News Editor Ashley Mowreader News Assistant Editors Natalie Hardt Kyle McCabe

News Assistants Annabelle Childers Miles Cambell Reagan Phillips Samantha Torre Abby Wilt News Staff Writers Claire Lee Joseph Allgood Life & Arts Editor Sofia Longo Life & Arts Assistant Editor Beth Gonzales Life & Arts Assistants Harleen Chhabra Heath Slavens Life & Arts Staff Writers Lindsay Mase Addison Whiten Grace Wood Stella Zhang Xinyun Wang Life & Arts Copy Editor Yamillah Hurtado Perspectives Editor

Anitiz Muonagolu Perspectives Assistant Editors Christian Parham Sawatomo Yamakawa Perspectives Assistant Emily Chase Perspectives Staff Writers Joshua Evans Alice Han Bryant Yang Perspectives Copy Editor Ryan Bresingham Sports Editor Paxton Ritchey Sports Assistant Editor Justin Touhey Sports Assistant Camryn Jones Sports Staff Writers Austin Hall Karl Winter Sports Copy Editor Alec Matulka Art Editor Allyson Armstrong

Art Assistant Editor Samantha Miller Staff Artists Leah Bae Madeline Duvall Autumn Hardwick Nicole Wong Lead Designer Isabella Teague Life & Arts Design Assistant Nathan Huang Perspectives Design Assistant Rachel Marek Sports Design Assistant Lauren Kinder Staff Photographers Leah Bae Ryan Brinkman Keonabelle Paniagua Head Podcast Producer Kaelin Mendez Assistant Head Podcast Producer Anitiz Muonagolu Podcast Producers Ivy Moore

Paxton Ritchey Lindsey Sullivan Emily Shaw Karl Winter Podcast Production Assistants Misha Semenov Celine Foreman Advertising Director Sahej Bhasin Advertising Representative Cristobal Delgado Marketing Coordinator Bryant Loney Social Team Claudia Hardianto Madilyn Henshaw Inez Kim Abby Wilt Karl Winter

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FEBRUA RY 1 8, 2 0 2 1 | PE RS PE C TIVE S | P E P P E R D I N E G RA P H I C ME D I A

Staff Editorial: The Graphic’s leaders strengthen their commitment to inclusive, unbiased coverage The Graphic remains dedicated to serving the Pepperdine community as an inclusive, unbiased news source. In the past, we have done this by holding those with power accountable, exposing injustices and amplifying voices in the community. As we begin a new semester, this paramount goal remains unchanged.

In a June 2020 staff editorial, the Graphic promised to amplify Black student voices, and now, we are again holding ourselves accountable to this promise.

We understand the importance of representation and, as editors, it is our responsibility to ensure that the stories our staff covers and the sources our staff interviews represent the diversity of our readers — the same readers whose input we seek through social media, surveys and letters to the editor.

The Graphic, especially our By The Numbers special edition, has gained increased attention on social media, facing accusations of favoring a liberal point of view.

While we always welcome conversation and constructive criticism, being called biased when our primary objective is to be unbiased has motivated us to reiterate the core values we have always held.

We hold the conviction that telling the stories others wish to remain untold — including exposing instances of racism, sexism and homophobia — is not political: It is the truth. We acknowledge that as human beings, we possess natural biases and we work every day to ensure our content is balanced and accurate.

The insurrection at our nation’s capitol reaffirmed our belief in the importance of true, unbiased journalism and our duty as journalists to protect democracy.

Although the Graphic’s long-term goals remain unchanged, these recent events within our community and our nation have strengthened our staff’s commitment to these goals, motivating us to hold ourselves more accountable to a process of constant improvement. Here are just a few of the plans our current senior leaders have to achieve our objectives for the spring 2021 semester.

“In the art department, we are committed to promoting

diversity and representation through the artwork we produce. Our section strives to create art using inclusive imagery that all our readers can identify with.” — Ally Armstrong, Art editor “Pepperdine Graphic Media's readership is composed of individuals from different backgrounds, and therefore, it is important to not focus on one individual group but rather how different groups come together to make the world a better place.”

— Sahej Bhasin, advertising director “My section depends largely on other sections, as I promote the diverse sections of PGM. In terms of remaining an unbiased news source, I will be committed and encourage my team to be committed to factchecking before promoting any content.” — Hadley Biggs, Business director "While we've always sought to include students of all years, majors and backgrounds, this spring's episodes will intentionally highlight diverse student experiences and interests. In addition to continuing content, a new series will spotlight smaller student clubs and their members.” — Marisa Dragos, video producer "Accuracy of grammar, style and content is the focus of the copy editing desk. With this principle in mind, the copy editors and I are aiming to ensure fair and balanced coverage by optimizing factual accuracy, argumentation and readability of all of the pieces that are published.” — Tiffany Hall, Copy chief "The photo desk strives to maintain accuracy and transparency with our photos.

We never want to take any misleading or misdirecting photos, especially for breaking news events. It is our priority to hold ourselves as photographers accountable for shooting what is happening in reality, not what our biases or heads tell us to search for. ” — Ali Levens, Photo editor "PGM is constantly growing as a newsroom and as a group of people. As we know, people aren't perfect, so we look to our readers to hold us accountable. Our lines of communication are always open and welcome to comments, criticism or concerns. Whether you want to reach out privately

through email or publicly through social media, we always encourage comments and conversations.” — Sofia Longo, Life & Arts editor “Podcasts go through the same editorial process as articles and other sections of the Graphic, meaning that our unbiased approach as an organization is also applied toward our podcasting. Each podcast brings to light specific topics or people, but multiple sources are usually sought for.” — Kaelin Mendez, head podcast producer “The PGM News team is committed to reporting, researching and interviewing diverse angles and sources in every piece and telling every story impartially with integrity and humility. As News editor, I strive to create a news cycle focused on the breaking and also the rebuilding, listening to the voices of the Pepperdine community before my own.”

— Ashley Mowreader, News editor “The media is meant to be unbiased and show all the facets of the world we love, and Perspectives will showcase all opinions. We will be reaching out to cultural clubs like BSA and now political student groups like the Pepperdine Republicans, so we can have balanced, fair and unbiased writing. People have bashed the Graphic for being too liberal or just ignoring the stories and perspectives of others, and that includes different political groups and POC at Pepperdine.

Perspectives will stand as a place for all the world's opinions to gather and engage with one another, no matter race, culture and orientation — whether sexual or political.” — AJ Muonagolu, Perspectives editor "We want to commit to being a desk where Pepperdine athletes, coaches and community members can speak their mind and feel empowered to share their viewpoints on issues that matter. At the same time, we also want to acknowledge the lens through which many view sports — as an escape from daily life or an outlet to simply have pride in their school or enjoy the accomplishments of our talented student-athletes.

For those people, we’re going to keep doing what we’ve always done — giving you the accurate scores and stats,

win or lose, and telling the stories of the incredible people who make up the Pepperdine Athletics community.” — Paxton Ritchey, Sports editor “For big stories in particular, we will include a blurb that goes into the behind the scenes process of our writers. This is in the spirit of increasing transparency into the journalistic process and us as an organization.

We hope to be able to answer some questions you as the reader might have about our intentions and things that might not already be in the story, including why we chose a certain story or what we still might not know. Ultimately, our lines of communication are open, and if you have any unanswered questions about the process behind a certain story, we welcome you to share them with us by filling out a form you can find by clicking on the 'Let us know your questions' button near the bottom of the newsletter.”

— Emily Shaw, Pixel editor "This semester, Currents is intentionally highlighting stories of people who have found beauty amid ashes, life after loss, forgiveness in pain, hope in despair and anything in between. I know so many people in our community have a beautiful story to share, and I don't want a single one to be overlooked or unheard."

— Lindsey Sullivan, Currents editor "When you read the Graphic, we hope you get the sense that every design choice took several sources of input and background checking for it to come together. Before we design a page, we will always read the articles to make sure the words come to life in an eye-catching way. Plus, being designers, we always research for design inspiration and have the lucky opportunity to be influenced by resources everywhere. If we're not being open-minded and accepting, we're not performing our roles as designers.” — Isabella Teague, lead designer

Ally Armstrong | Art Editor “The social team continues to be a platform for the entire PGM staff. We make sure to share each writer's voice with the Pepperdine community.

As our writers continue to produce diverse and inclusive content, we ensure that our social media platforms are a reflection of that. After last semester, we want everyone to know that if there are any questions or concerns about anything taking place on our social platforms, our DMs are open and we will always listen.” — Brianna Willis, digital editor After this semester’s orientation, we plan to meet with the rest of the senior leadership team to plan ways to increase transparency surrounding our journalistic and ethical standards. This might include explaining our policies on our website and social media platforms, discussing why we covered a specific story and how we reported on it, explicitly inviting readers to share their concerns or own stories, including editor’s notes for opinion pieces and developing stories, and more carefully tracking the diversity of our sources.

We acknowledge the lack of diversity — both racially and politically — of our staff and invite students, especially those from underrepresented communities, to apply to join our staff by emailing us. Community members may also contribute a guest column.

We are holding ourselves accountable, and we encourage you to do the same by sending us a letter to the editor at peppgraphicmedia@ gmail.com.

Makena Huey, Executive editor, makena.huey@pepperdine.edu Rowan Toke, Managing editor, rowan.toke@pepperdine.edu

Biden can help international students pursue ‘American dream’

S awa ya m a k awa P e r s p e c t i v e s A s s i s ta n t E d i t o r

International students have limited time in the United States.

Since it is harder for international students to secure jobs in the United States due to visa complications, many of them make the decision to repatriate after finishing their studies.

However, with President Joe Biden now in office, international students may be able to remain in the United States for much longer after graduation, which means there would be more opportunities for them.

In fall 2020, there were 918 international students enrolled across all five schools at Pepperdine University, according to the factbook by the University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Many of these students chose Pepperdine for its aca-

demic prestige, which becomes a huge asset when searching for jobs post-graduation. In return, international students bring global perspectives and cultures that contribute to intercultural diversity on campus.

On a national level, the impact of international students on the United States’ economy exceeded $40 billion in 2019 — creating and/or supporting nearly 460,000 jobs, according to EducationData.org.

The financial impact is no different at Pepperdine. Pepperdine offers limited financial aid for international students. In addition, a small number of non-U.S. citizens qualify for federal and state financial aid, according to Federal Student Aid of the U.S. Department of Education. As a result, they contribute to Pepperdine’s economy greatly in the form of tuition.

Despite international students’ contribution to the United States’ economy, former President Donald Trump increased the government’s scrutiny of international students during his presidency because his “America First” policies considered

international students as potential threats to national security.

For instance, the Department of Homeland Security released a statement Sept. 24, proposing a rule that would shorten the duration of stay in the United States for international students.

Furthermore, the Department of Labor and Homeland Security also announced an overhaul of the H-1B visa program Oct. 6.

This interim final rule requires companies to pay H-1B workers significantly higher wages, but on the other hand, the government rejects approximately one-third of H-1B visa applications. This new rule stood as a wall for international students because the level of uncertainty that applicants and potential employers experienced while filling out H-1B applications heightened.

The Trump administration attempted to adopt such seemingly xenophobic policies to restrict foreigners from entering the U.S. workforce for the past four years. The Trump administration protected domestic workers but made it difficult for international students to pursue the “American dream.”

Contrastingly, throughout the election period, Biden’s campaign focused heavily on diversity and inclusion efforts to welcome more immigrants into the country. To diversify the nation, one of his promises was to reverse the harsh immigration policies that the Trump administration previously implemented.

On his first day of presidency, Biden and his team issued several immigration-related executive orders such as terminating the construction of controversial U.S.-Mexico border walls and reinstating the Deferred Action for the Childhood Arrivals program.

Although the Biden administration has not stated how they plan to approach the student visa restrictions, per his tweet July 7, international students can expect to see less restrictive visa issuance under the new government. So, what exactly can international students expect from the pro-immigrant president? Biden stated in his campaign page that “foreign graduates of a U.S. doctoral program should be given a green card with their degree.” This indicates that there will be an

increase in the number of visas offered for permanent workbased immigrants.

As for undergraduate students, they would no longer be at risk of getting their Optional Practical Training denied. OPT is a popular work program for international students that allows them to live and be employed temporarily for an additional year — three years for STEM majors — after completing their studies in the United States.

For the past four years, students have unnecessarily given up their dreams of studying in the United States. Despite the ongoing pandemic, it is predicted that there will be more international students coming to the United States in the near future, especially from Arab and Muslim countries. With Biden’s plan to grant visas for many non-U.S. citizens, there is finally hope among those who dream of pursuing a career in the land of the free.

SAWA.YAM AK AWA@PEPPER DINE.EDU

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Acknowledge preferences and banish baseless bias

AJ Muonagolu Perspectives Editor Whether Black, white, straight, gay or bisexual, many people have issues with understanding what preferences are and how to correctly express them. It seems as though many people try to disguise their biases by calling them preferences.

In some cases, it just seems to be a ploy to validate harmful practices of prejudice and discrimination directed toward groups of people.

Preferences are natural inclinations that individuals accrue over time; however, when they become toxic and discriminatory, they turn into biases and can morph into other issues.

Biases are conscious practices that exclude or avoid something or someone which, in regards to people, would also be described as discrimination or prejudice.

First, what’s wrong with having a preference for a specific race? Well, nothing!

People will usually gravitate toward individuals and races that reflect their own environmental, societal and cultural upbringings, as explained in a Harvard article. For instance, those who grew up in an area that is majority POC will most likely be attracted to POC. This is also the same for cultural and political beliefs. Those who grew up in conservative households or follow a certain religion will most likely lean toward people who fit those similar molds more than those who don’t.

Now, why do people get upset or uncomfortable when people say they “prefer” a

Samantha Miller |Assitant Art editor certain race? In this case, it’s the context. Sometimes the way something is said is the reason for the misunderstanding. Someone saying they like a certain race isn’t the most accurate representation of what they mean.

Most likely, when people say they like a group of individuals, they mean that they tend to find people of that background more agreeable. So, as stated previously, people just have a tendency to find certain individuals attractive based on their own upbringings. However, this doesn’t show bias — they aren’t against others who are outside those norms or tendencies.

So, even if someone grows up in a primarily white area, it shouldn’t stop them from dating someone who is a POC just because they are a POC. Now, what happens if others continue to misconstrue the concepts of preferences and bias? In short, perpetual misrepresentation will continue to lead

to harmful mindsets in marginalized groups, tokenization and even fetishization of POC and other cultural identities.

Normalizing phrases that denote liking only one specific race or culture and/or excluding others can cause many people to feel belittled or unsure of themselves.

“As a Black woman, there’s an intersection of fetishization and bias that is unique and challenging,” said junior and Perspectives Assistant Editor Christian Parham. “If I like someone, I have to first question if they are attracted to Black women or if they have a bias against them.”

These feelings of ostracization can spread to all formats of how people form intimacy, such as in-person meetings or through online dating. For example, an OkCupid study in 2014 indicated that Asian men and Black women have been at the bottom of the dating hierarchy based on physical appear-

ances and baseless assumptions of culture and identity.

Furthermore, Eurocentric beauty standards and colorism permeates various POC communities which perpetuates the confusion and harms of conflating bias with preference. Simply put, even other POC struggle with preferences and create their own models of biases based on believing lighter skin tones or more affluent backgrounds are inherently better or more worthy.

All in all, the solution can be quite simple. First, evaluate your preferences and know where they stem from.

Ask yourself, “Why do I think certain races or individuals are more attractive or catch the eye more than others?”

Secondly, question if these “preferences” exclude others.

For instance, if someone thinks small noses are more attractive, would they be barred from dating someone with a large nose? Questions like these can

help re-evaluate and stomp out personal bias.

Finally, challenge those preferences. Do different things and break out of the mold that your environment has taught you while being empathetic and understanding to others around.

This means interacting and going out with people outside of your original conceptions of beauty and intelligence.

Whether romantic or platonic, preferences are innate, learned behaviors. Nonetheless, that doesn’t give people an excuse to let preferences spiral into toxic mannerisms. Be open and honest — and remember love appears when and where you least expect it.

AJ.M UONAGOL U@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Students must be mindful of what they share on social media

Alice Han s ta f f w r i t e r It's become a mindless routine for many during quarantine.

Wake up. Locate phone.

Check social media — only to see others having the time of their lives, with birthday gatherings and Vegas getaways.

With numerous reports of how college students' mental health have been declining throughout the pandemic, it is necessary for all students to do their part by considering how their social media posts can affect their peers' mental health.

Although social media has granted many the ability to stay connected with their loved ones, it has also caused a sharp surge in depression and anxiety — especially among college students — according to ScienceDaily.

With the increase in social media usage, there has also been a growth of FOMO, the fear of missing out, as many students feel as if they're missing out on the normal college experience, which their friends on other college campuses may have the privilege of experiencing.

While many students don’t expect to live a life equal to the Kardashians or other multimillionaires, it has become easier for students to compare themselves to those around them through the use of social media.

Orphan families may feel more

anxious after taking notice of the sharp economic divide through their peers’ lavish photos.

Isolated students, both domestic and international, may feel even more cut off after seeing posts of gatherings and celebrations, while others may start to think of themselves as less productive than those who brag about their efficiency on Instagram or Snapchat.

However, the biggest problem is the feelings of frustration and helplessness that arise in many college students as their peers proceed to senselessly normalize a nonchalant attitude regarding the pandemic. Social platforms have become a source of misinformation as students choose to wholly disregard social distancing and mask regulations by posting photos of themselves socializing with others.

Although the reality of the pandemic may not be at the forefront of many students’ minds when posting on social media, it should be.

Additionally, those who choose to break social distancing guidelines and share it on the internet should be prepared to deal with possible consequences.

There have been numerous instances of suspension — even expulsion — for students who have chosen to heedlessly upload photos and videos of their unlawful social gatherings.

In September, CNBC revealed that the University of Missouri expelled two students and suspended three for violating COVID-19 rules.

This punishment may sound harsh to some, but it was rightfully enacted as these posts remain insensitive in light of

madeline duvall| Staff Artist the worsening pandemic and multiple global crises.

Although photos of social outings during the pandemic remain tasteless enough, students should also be mindful when uploading posts regarding humanitarian predicaments.

Many of the related news stories can be traumatic and anxietyprovoking, such as the recent U.S. Capitol riot.

Although social media can be used to post and inform others of important news, college students need to be able to discern between truths and fabrications before posting in order to help their peers process the news in a reasonable fashion and prevent them from spiraling.

Overall, they have to be intentional of what they choose to share on social media while considering how one's social

media posts can negatively affect their peers' mental health.

When utilized thoughtfully, social media can become an outlet for community and companionship amidst this pandemic.

While it may not be easy, publicly sharing personal struggles online proves to be more meaningful than an outdoor selfie, as posts that openly acknowledge personal concerns regarding the pandemic may help spark feelings of relatability amongst students rather than solitude. It communicates thoughtfulness and vulnerability — both of which the world lacks right now.

On the other hand, a social media detox may be a new necessary form of social distancing for those who currently perceive social media as a source

of distress rather than comfort.

Without the constant notifications and distractions that social media provides, students are more likely to engage in new, worthwhile hobbies and preserve their mental health without focusing on the inequities existent in current society.

Most importantly, now is the ideal time to recognize the importance of solitude. Although isolation may have currently been vilified by the majority, it is necessary now more than ever in this media-driven world.

It may be the perfect time for college students to take a break from Vegas Snapchat stories and birthday Instagram posts — for their own benefit and for that of their peers.

AL IC E.HAN@PEPPER DINE.EDU

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Professional development resources remotely available for Pepp students Addiso n W hiten S taf f W r ite r The Career Center, Navigate and LinkedIn Learning are resources Pepperdine students have access to that can help them across academic planning, professional development and achieving their career goals. These resources are all accessible online even as students remain off campus.

As the Pepperdine community begins another remote semester, students may be unsure how to get help with their academic or professional goals.

Pepperdine students have access to numerous online resources, some of which they might not even know are available. The Career Center, Navigate and LinkedIn Learning are three resources that can assist students regardless of their locations.

“Our goal really is to work with every single Seaver student and equip them for lives of professional career success, to be competitive in the marketplace and connecting it back to the University mission of preparing students for lives of service, leadership and purpose,” said Marla Pontrelli, interim executive director and industry specialist for the Career Center.

The Career Center team offers a variety of services for students, all accessible remotely. Sarah Dillion, marketing and events manager for the Career Center, said last semester they worked to transition their services to an online format, and this semester, they are perfecting them.

As part of these efforts, their spring Career Expo will be hosted through a new software called Hopin this year to increase student engagement and accessibility.

“After the recruiters are gone,

Leah bae| Staff artist we’re leaving the virtual booths up and so students that may be in different time zones or have class during the fair can still explore the booths, see all the marketing materials, see what the companies are hiring for and also reach out to the recruiters that would have been there,” Dillion said.

In addition to the Career Expo, students have the opportunity to participate in job shadowing this semester. Maile Hetherington, assistant director of programs and partnerships for the Career

Center, said job shadowing connects students with an employer or friend of the University to have career conversations and experience a virtual work environment.

Hetherington said while students may not be getting the traditional hands-on job shadowing experience this year, there are advantages to the digital format.

“One benefit is we have alumni who want to do these kinds of things and support students in this way and we’re able to connect people from all over the country

now because it’s virtual,” Hetherington said.

The Career Center also offers weekly office hours with industry specialists. Those hours and schedules can be found on Handshake.

“It’s a great way to immediately connect with our team, and through that they can learn about any of our services and upcoming programs and get some pretty customized recommendations about upcoming events and even direct referrals,” Pontrelli said.

“We talk to them about how to network and find alumni and mentors through a couple different sites and systems that we have as well.”

Handshake itself is also a resource students may not be using to its full potential.

SE E O N L I N E R E SO U R CE S, B 3

2020 year in review: the music that made us B et h G o nzales Lif e & Ar ts Ass i sta n t E dit or Although 2020 was a quiet year for many industries, the music industry never slowed down.

As touring and live performances came to a halt in March, music production and the art of songwriting flourished among new and well-known artists.

Many popular, or “pop,” music superstars stepped up this year. Ariana Grande released her sixth studio album, “Positions,” in October. The catchy and vocally strong album reached No. 1 on the US Billboard chart, making this her fifth No. 1 album. Selena

Gomez released “Rare” in January, her latest pop album with an edgy twist, before her venture into Spanish music this year. Rolling Stone called Gomez’s work one of the 50 Best Albums of the year.

Lady Gaga released her album, “Chromatica,” in May. Listeners may know this album because of her new Oreo product, helping to promote the album, or because of her song “Rain on Me” featuring Ariana Grande. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the majority of 2020. Audiences adored these powerhouse divas together and the hard-hitting refrain of the song, showcasing the strength of women.

Miley Cyrus, a known

pop-goddess and the woman who raised us, released her first full rock album, “Plastic Hearts,” in November, which included collaborations with Joan Jett and Billy Idol. This album included her hit single “Midnight Sky” which spent 21 weeks on the charts. Miley has never shied away from exploring genres and said she wanted to introduce her generation to the rock music that inspired her from a young age. The result was a synth, rock and ’80s homage of an album.

In the blossoming world of new pop artists, Conan Gray released his first full-length album, titled “Kid Krow,” in March, following the success of his EP “Sunset

Season” and his most recent tour in 2019. Audiences admired his ability to create concept music; surrounding fleeting childhood, suburbia and self-discovery, he is compared to artists like Troye Sivan.

In Gray’s raw song “Heather,” he sings, “Why would you ever kiss me?/ I’m not even half as pretty/You gave her your sweater/ It’s just polyester/ I wish I were Heather.”

Alternative and indie music had one of its strongest years in 2020. Many new musicians emerged with voices to be heard and stories to be told.

In April, Fiona Apple released “Fetch The Bolt Cutters,” one of

the most critically acclaimed albums of the year. With her lack of repetitive choruses but twisted melodies that live in the listener’s head, Rolling Stone named it the second best album of the year.

Fiona’s fifth album is a wild-symphony of alternative excellence that features interesting arrangements and melodramatic murmurs that combine to produce a unique and fresh sound.

Tame Impala released their album, “The Slow Rush,” a treasure full of floating disco, funk and ethereal beats. The album, released in February, is also in Rolling Stone’s top 50.

In the indie band realm, Beach Bunny is the fun, bouncy surfband destined to make it huge.

They released their album, “Honeymoon,” in February, and finally got noticed by critics. “Beach Bunny writes about heartache and insecurity with the wistful, plainspoken honesty of power-pop,” Pitchfork said.

Singer/songwriter Sophie Allison, or “Soccer Mommy,” also released her album, “Color Theory,” in February, and her song “Circle the Drain” helped her make an impactful dent in the alternative scene, with Rolling Stone naming her an artist to watch. Soccer Mommy delivers a bright sound to indie-rock and each track on the record has an unpredictable sound.

Phoebe Bridgers, who just made her Saturday Night Live debut, released her album, “Punisher,” in June, and broke through as one of the biggest alternative-folk artists of the year. She scored No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. Bridgers is known for her undeniably honest lyricism.

She writes about what scares her and reluctantly romanticizes life, while creating distinctive chord arrangements and unpolished vocals.

In “I Know The End” she sings, “No, I’m not afraid to disappear/

Photospread by Beth Gonzales

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Senior Spotlight: singer discusses passion for music l indsay m a se staf f w r i te r When senior Lily Piekos isn’t involved with her sorority, Delta Gamma, directing worship at Celebration Chapel or singing for The Well, she’s collaborating with other artists, writing and releasing songs, and attending meetings with record labels. Piekos said she released two songs within the past six months, titled “night, babe” and “Superbloom.” She has two more songs in production, as well as her own website. Piekos sat down with the Graphic to discuss how her faith has intersected with her passion for music.

Why did you choose to go to Pepperdine?

Lily Piekos: I visited Pepperdine with my older brothers when they were looking at schools, and I just had this special excitement in my heart for it when I visited at that young age. From that point on, it never really left my heart. When I was looking for colleges, I was big into musical theater in high school, so I decided that I was only going to audition at NYU. After getting into NYU, I just had this feeling that I’d studied musical theater for a long time, and if at the end of the day if I’m supposed to go be a performer, God will make a way for that. Choosing Pepperdine was, in a way, me choosing to prioritize the Lord, and I truly believe that He would’ve shown

up wherever I went, but I really desired a deep faith community of brothers and sisters and mentors. I think to this day that it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

How has your faith played into your journey with music?

LP: Growing up, because I did musical theater and choir, music was the main pathway for my heart to express. I just found so much joy and peace in that.

It’s always been an innate desire; I love leading people. I love entertaining people and making people laugh and feel like they’re alive. When I was abroad, I found that I missed being creative and expressing things through music.

I felt like I had put that part of me away in a box. I was like, ‘You know what, it’s time to dust that off and strengthen that muscle again.’ After abroad, I moved to Nashville to do an internship in the music industry.

How did you produce your first song?

LP: I ended up being able to work with a Christian singer and her husband, who’s her producer, and they were in a season of wanting to lift up artists. They also loved that my voice sounded like Ariana Grande’s, so we made “Superbloom.” It’s like death to life and all things new. We decided we wanted it to have that kind of synth and pop sound, echoing Ariana but with my own spin on it. The four songs I’ve recorded so far are rooted in themes of my

Follow Your Heart|Senior Lily Piekos poses for photographer Jeremy Cowart in February in Nashville, TN., where she completed her internship at Red Light Music Management. Piekos said she had different experiences leading her back to Nashville during her junior year.

New Music|Piekos poses for the “night, babe” single cover

own faith, but anyone can listen and enjoy and hopefully feel the hope that it’s deeply rooted in.

in Pacific Palisades in November. Piekos released her second single on Jan. 8, and said “night, babe” is a song rooted in purity as her songs have strong themes of faith.

Any advice for first-year students?

LP: Explore and run with your dreams. Pursue the insane-

photos courtesy of lily piekos

ly wonderful people and professors at Pepperdine that are here to love you. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

You have four years with the best people on earth. Surf with them,

walk with them, explore with them, cook a meal for them and love them.

L INDSAY.M ASE@@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Turning coal into diamonds: how senior Eve Gay started a luxury jewelry business during COVID-19 gr ac e w o od s taf f w r i te r Senior International Business major Eve Gay said moving back to her hometown of Jacksonville, Fla., during the pandemic provided her the extra time and space she needed to focus on starting her own jewelry company.

After months of preparation, which included acquiring an LLC and completing legal paperwork, Gay launched STONED, a fine jewelry and diamond concierge service, in November.

While STONED allows customers to shop for custom luxury jewelry completely online, Gay has started providing jewelry to boutiques and trunk shows in the Jacksonville area. Playboy South Africa also featured the business on the February 2021 cover.

“The single female is kind of who’s dominating the market right now, where it used to be, like, you’d wait for your boyfriend or fiancé to buy you something,” Gay said. “We’re seeing a big shift and a lot of women are just buying it themselves. I think that’s really cool, and I want to be the person that’s there to help every step of the way.”

Gay said her interest in fashion started at a young age. She knew she wanted to work in the fashion industry upon graduation, but after an internship she acquired with a sustainable clothing designer fell through due to COVID-19, Gay pivoted her career interests toward jewelry and accessories.

“Fashion is a really saturated market, and it’s really hard to stick out,” Gay said. “I’ve always loved jewelry — usually I have all my jewelry on all the time, I never take it off — and I was like, ‘This is what I want to do.’”

Gay said creating a contactless jewelry business was important to her not only because of the pandemic but also because of the rise of online shopping, especially among younger adults.

“Brick and mortar stores are always going to be there,” Gay said. “But everyone is doing stuff online, especially our generation.

Having a diamond concierge service on speed dial is a really big luxury that I want to be accessible to people all over and all ages.”

Gay said she drew inspiration from the online shop Ring Concierge, a woman-owned jewelry company that specializes in engagement rings, wedding bands and other luxury items. Gay said it was important for her to break into the traditionally male-dominated space of luxury jewelry

photos courtesy of eve gay Luxury On Demand|Eve Gay poses for a promotional photo for her luxury jewelry company STONED. Gay said she developed the idea for her business in March when quarantine began and launched her company in November. to contribute a young woman’s mindset.

“I think they need a girl’s perspective, especially when I deal with guys and I do my concierge part, which is getting them the perfect gift,” Gay said. “If I see something, I’m like, ‘This is your girlfriend, I stalked her Instagram, or I know her or I know her friends.’ And then I package it, I write the cards and everything. It just makes it so seamless for them.”

Gay said relationship-building and creating connections with her clients is pertinent to STONED’s business model, which is centered around longevity.

“It’s a really special thing, getting your first piece of expensive jewelry,” Gay said. “My friend was my first cutomer, and it was so exciting for both of us.

From then on, I’ll be the person if she wants to upgrade it or add more to her collection, and you just grow with those people over time. It’s really cool and kind of intimate.”

In addition to finding jewelry items for her clients’ personal collections and as gifts for their

significant others, Gay said she wants STONED to expand into the realm of wedding jewelry and engagement rings.

“I was talking to some of the fraternities and I was like, ‘I want to come talk, even if it’s on Zoom, to the chapter, because if one boy gets engaged, I want to do that ring,’” Gay said.

On top of handling one-onone interactions with clients and fulfilling orders, Gay also runs STONED’s website and social media accounts, where she said her goal is to create a cohesive aesthetic to attract customers and to interact with as many people as she can.

“My strategy is to engage with anyone and everyone,” Gay said.

“I try to reach out and just kind of tell people about it; I DM people all the time; I have no shame.

Even if it’s just through a screen, I’m putting myself out there.”

Gay said a major breakthrough for the company was the opportunity to provide STONED jewelry for the February 2021 Playboy South Africa cover shoot. Gay had connected with Pepperdine student and photographer Veronica Sams who

then invited her to bring jewelry to Los Angeles for the Playboy South Africa cover Sams was shooting.

“I was just so overwhelmed, and I just felt so happy that I have all the support from people I don’t even know and that they wanted to help me out,” Gay said. “It was just the best feeling.

I am still in shock.”

Next year, Gay has plans to attend the Gemological Institute of America in New York City to become a certified gemologist.

With this degree, Gay said she can start cutting stones and making jewelry for STONED herself. In the future, Gay wants to continue to expand the brand and partner with more celebrities and influencers, with the hopes of STONED becoming a household name in luxury jewelry.

“I’m putting all my time and energy into it,” Gay said. “It’s so hard, but it’s so worth it. In a year from now, when I look at this time in my life, I think I’ll be really happy with the choices I made.”

GR AC E.W OOD@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Girl Boss|Gay poses for a headshot to promote STONED. Gay, founder and CEO of the fine jewelry concierge service, said she drew inspiration from the luxury jewelry company Ring Concierge.

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RESOURCES: career center, academic planning available remotely FR OM b 1 Industry Specialist Judy Jacobs said students will benefit from keeping a resume on handshake, as employers often look there for potential candidates.

Students will also have access to webinars hosted by the Career Center this semester. These webinars will most likely be hosted weekly depending on student demand, and can be found on Handshake, Jacobs said.

Various other virtual services offered by the Career Center for students include VMock, a resume review tool, Roadtrip Nation, a career exploration tool (Membership code: PEPP19), Real World, a program that teaches students about “real world” concepts (School code: PEPPERDINE2020) and PeppConnect, a directory of alumni mentors students can contact for career advice and information.

Industry specialist Nancy Shatzer said these resources assist students beyond graduation.

“Career Center services are for life,” Shatzer said.

Another online resource available to Pepperdine students is Navigate. Navigate is available to use on mobile or desktop, with each access point offering different services. The mobile app gives students a daily to do list, with items “important to keeping you enrolled,” said Kendra Killpatrick, senior associate dean of Seaver College.

The Navigate mobile app also has a new weekly COVID-19 update feature and resources specific to students who are currently living on campus, like their daily wellness checks.

The desktop Navigate platform offers students the ability to use an academic planner and schedule builder, something the Navigate team wants students to utilize this semester, Killpatrick said.

“We’re really making a strong push this spring to train our students on how to do those academic plans,” Killpatrick said.

With the academic planner and schedule builder, students

can form different academic plans for themselves by dragging and dropping required courses into a planning template and creating multiple schedule possibilities, a feature which helps students with the registration process, Killpatrick said.

Killpatrick said an underused Navigate feature is Study Buddies, which allows students to indicate that they want someone to study with for a certain course, and to see who else in their class would be interested in meeting to study virtually.

“You can communicate through the mobile app so you don’t have to ask someone you don’t know for their cell number and if they want to study,” Killpatrick said. “It’s a way of connecting students in large classes that I think is really underutilized.”

If students have questions or need help accessing or using Navigate, the Student Success Center has resources students can refer to, or the Navigate team can be contacted directly via email.

One resource available to Pepperdine students that focuses on their professional development and goals is LinkedIn Learning. Pepperdine junior Umeesha D’alwis works as a Learning Champion with the program.

“LinkedIn Learning is an on-demand library of instructional videos covering the latest business, technology and creative skills,” D’alwis wrote in an email. “It provides personalized course recommendations designed to help students achieve their full potential. Pepperdine students receive a free subscription to LinkedIn Learning!”

D’alwis wrote that while students might think a program like LinkedIn Learning only deals with topics like business, finance or technology, there are actually a variety of lessons available.

“There are courses to teach students how to become a successful job hunter, how to motivate yourself during the pandemic, how to build self-confidence and so much more,” D’alwis wrote.

This resource is valuable to

students because of how convenient it is to use and the access it gives students to in-depth but “bite-sized” courses from industry experts, D’alwis wrote.

D’alwis advises students to take advantage of LinkedIn Learning as early as possible to benefit their professional development.

“Take the time to learn new skills via LinkedIn Learning, especially while it’s free, so that you can strengthen your resume and your chances of getting noticed, even before you enter into your junior year,” D’alwis wrote.

Even as the student body remains separated and distanced physically from Pepperdine, student resources and the teams behind them are still available to help, Career Center Office Manager Madeline Abourched said.

“We’re only an email or phone call away,” Abourched said.

“We’re just as accessible and willing to help out as we were on campus.”

ADDIE.W HITEN@PEPPER DINE.EDU

MUSIC: new and established artists release new work in 2020 F R OM b 1 The billboard said the end is near/I turned around and there was nothing there.”

In the Korean pop world, BTS released two albums, “Map of the Soul: 7,” which was released in February and “BE,” released in November. Both albums reached number one on the charts and “BE” sold 2 million copies on the Hanteo charts on its release day.

The rap/hip-hop scene had many breakthroughs and successes as well. Rolling Stone recognizes Mac Miller’s album, “Circles,” released in January, in their 50 best albums. His song “Good News” also reached No. 17 on the Billboard charts. Audiences resonated with the simplicity of hope within Miller’s lyrics, as they try to understand his tragic life. Mac Miller died on Sept. 7, 2018, due to a drug overdose, yet his poetry lives on.

In March, another hip-hop breakthrough was Lil Uzi Vert’s concept album, “Eternal Atake.”

He received 20 chart topping songs in the first week of the album’s release. With impeccable production and the influence of crooning and dangerously good rapping, this album stood out in the hip-hop scene.

Within innovative rap, Machine Gun Kelly released his album, “Tickets to my Downfall,” in September, and achieved massive success by mixing rock into the hip-hop genre. Early ‘00s punk and Hot Topic tunes are back with Kelly’s new music. In his song “Bloody Valentine” he sings, “I don’t do fake love but I’ll take some from you tonight/ I know I’ve got to go but I might just miss the flight.” Kelly’s teenage angst turned electric reverb is why the album debuted at No. 1 in both Top Rock Albums and Alternative Albums.

In January, new music in the country genre included Little Big Town’s “Nightfall,” and their success came due to their emotional density and four-part harmonies. For Chris Stapleton’s November release “Starting Over,” Billboard named it the best country album of 2020 due to his musical edge and personable lyrics.

In the world of rock, Green Day’s February album release, “Father of All...,” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Album Sales chart.

Twenty One Pilots’ April single

“Level of Concern” became the anthem of quarantine and spent four weeks in the top spot on the charts. The world needed to hear Tyler Joesph and Josh Dun sing, “You could bring down my levels of concern/ Tell me we’re alright/ Tell me we’re okay,” amid the worldwide heartbreak.

In June, genre-bending group Haim released their album, “Women in Music Pt. III,” and it is nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys as well as Best Rock Performance for their song “The Steps.” Their multidimensional sound and songwriting has been the leading factor of the sisters’ success.

New rock artist Maggie Lindemann released her singles “Knife Under My Pillow,” in August and “Scissorhands” in October, receiving acclaim from Billboard as an artist to watch. Lindemann effortlessly combines rock with ballad-like lyrics and brings goth to a vulnerable level.

Beabadoobee, a new rocker who released her album, “Fake It Flowers,” in October of last year, peaked at No. 14 for Emerging Artist chart. Her singles “Care” and feature in Powfu’s “death bed (coffee for your head)” soaked up hours of radio play and spent 35 weeks on the Billboard charts.

She has a ‘90s aesthetic and creates music meant to be danced to or screamed out loud.

With all these new sounds flooding our streaming services, it is clear that these artists, along with some fresh faces, will be delivering in 2021.

Whether it is Grammy-nominated or a personal favorite, as Bob Marley said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain,” thus especially true in the unforgettable world of 2020.

photo courtesy of spotify Under the Stars|Folk artist Phoebe Bridgers gazes beneath a starlit sky in her concept art for her June-released album, “Punisher.”

Her song “Motion Sickness” from her last album was her claim to stardom.

photo courtesy of haimtheband.com

photo courtesy of machinegunkelly.com

Rock Out| Innovative rapper Colson Baker, or “Machine Gun Kelly,” stands atop a pool as he gets ready to make his rock debut.

This rapper turned rocker has sold over 20 million records.

B E T H .G O N Z A L E S @P E P P E RD I N E . E D U

photo courtesy of spotify photo courtesy of MaggieLindemann.com

Maggie Lindemann exudes power on the cover of “Scissorhands” based off of Tim Burton’s 1990 film “Edward Scissorhands.”

New Face|“Heather” singer Conan Gray and his famous Doc Martens smolder for the cover of his new album, “Kid Krow.” The album reached No. 5 on the iTunes Charts.

Talent Runs in the Family | Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim stand in Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles.

“Women in Music: Pt. III” was the group’s third studio album, and they were nominated for Best New Artist in 2015 at the Grammys.

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febr u ary 18, 2021

The Graphic

pepp e rd in e - g ra p h ic.co m

SPORTS

Men’s basketball escapes Saint Mary’s aust in hall s taf f w r i t e r A comfortable 13-point lead with 5:30 left in the game against a team that didn’t play for three weeks and shot under 30% from the field. These were the circumstances for Pepperdine Men’s Basketball late in the second half versus Saint Mary’s.

The Gaels decided to make it a game, rattling off a 12-0 run in just over four minutes of game time. But the Waves used free throw shooting, man-to-man defense and surprise contributions from bench players to hang on to win 60-58 in a key WCC matchup.

“Those last two minutes were long,” Head Coach Lorenzo Romar said. “As a team we had to make sure we got stops and a drive to the basket when we needed.”

Throughout the first half, Pepperdine was far from having a comfortable lead. They started 1-for-8 from the field with a pair of turnovers and trailed 7-3.

The first of only two subs in the game for Pepperdine was sophomore forward Jan Zidek, who converted a layup less than one minute after he checked in. The Gaels maintained a slight lead in the early portion of the first half until redshirt junior Jade’ Smith — Pepperdine’s other contributor off the bench ­­— hit back-to-back shots to give the Waves a 12-11 lead.

The Gaels, who hadn’t played since Jan. 23 due to a COVID-19 related pause, looked out of sorts by their standards. They were 8-for-26 on field goals in the first half and 2-for-11 from 3-point range.

The strength of the St. Mary’s offense is its guard play, as graduate senior Tommy Kuhse and junior Logan Johnson lead the team

with 14 and 11 points per game, respectively. While Johnson had seven in the first half, Kuhse was held to just two points largely due to excellent defense from sophomore guard Sedrick Altman.

Pepperdine ended the first half on a 12-5 run to give them a 9-point lead, 33-24. Zidek and Smith combined for 16 points off the bench off 7-for-8 shooting.

Smith said his high effort in practice translated to the game.

“My shot felt good tonight,” Smith said. “I’ve been working really hard in practice, getting reps to feel better about my game. It worked for me tonight.”

Zidek, who had his first career double-double with 11 points and 11 assists, said he’s enjoying his more significant role on the team.

“It’s been a little up and down but I am contributing more,” Zidek said. “I struggled a bit mid-season but I’m back now. And I’m more than just a shooter, last season I was a spot-up, maybe one-dribble pull-up guy. This year I’m more of an all-around player, helping on defense and getting boards.”

Pepperdine coasted through much of the second half and never had less than a three-point lead.

One of the surprises was senior guard Colbey Ross, who didn’t score until there was four minutes left in the first half and finished with 10 points. He consistently deferred to his teammates, including dribble drives on back-to-back possessions where he drew weakside help and dished the ball to junior forward Kessler Edwards, followed by Altman, which both led to rim-rattling dunks.

Ross had five assists in each half, the fourth time this season that Ross finished with double-digit assists.

Romar said he is pleased with

his point guard and captain’s performance all season.

“In his career, he’s scored a lot of points,” Romar said. “He’s set a lot of records. But right now he’s running this team and playing some of the best basketball of his career.”

When a pair of Ross free throws gave Pepperdine a 57-44 lead with 5:30 left, the Gaels started to fight back. A three from the wing from Saint Mary’s and a quick miss

by Pepperdine led to a momentum-shifting and-one finish from Kuhse to cut the lead to seven in just two minutes.

After another Pepperdine miss, Johnson went 1-for-2 at the line before getting the ball back and converting another and-one layup.

The Gaels took a charge on Edwards and fed junior center Matthias Tass, who dominated the Pepperdine frontcourt with 17 points, for a layup to make it a one-point game, 57-56.

After another turnover from Pepperdine, Saint Mary’s had a chance to take a lead with a lofted pass inside to Tass that was broken up by Ross before going out of bounds. After a video review, the officials saw it was off of Tass and upheld the call, giving Pepperdine the ball.

After a lightning-fast drive, Ross got to the free-throw line with 20 seconds left. He missed the first and made the second, bringing the score to 58-56. The Gaels looked to Kuhse, who tied the game with a right-handed layup with seven seconds left.

Without calling a timeout, Ross got the inbound and stormed down the length of the court before being fouled with two seconds left and going to the charity stripe once again. He converted both free throws and the last-second

ryan brinkman | Assistant Photo Editor Above and Beyond | Junior forward Kessler Edwards (No. 15) goes up for a contested layup against sophomore forward Kyle Bowen (No. 14) and freshman center Mitchell Saxen (No. 10). Edwards had an efficient game with 15 points and 5 rebounds. runner by Kuhse from just inside halfcourt missed high.

Smith said in the high-pressure situation, his team knew what they had to do to win.

“In the timeouts, we knew it came down to stops,” Smith said.

“We had some calls go against us but when we had the ball we wanted to have motion, keep the ball moving and waste time. We could’ve done that better but Colbey made a great play at the end of the game.”

Pepperdine is tied for second with BYU in the West Coast Conference standings with a 6-3 con) ference record and 10-8 record

overall. They’ll travel to Santa Clara on Saturday to play the 9-4 Broncos at 3:00 pm PST. “We need to come back from a high tonight of beating a great St. Mary’s team,” Romar said. “I think we’ve arrived, and we know that we’re still in a huge fight for this conference. That’s what matters to me, regardless of Santa Clara, we have to be right.”

AUSTIN.HAL L @PEPPER DINE.EDU

Women’s basketball snaps losing streak paxt o n r it chey spor ts edi t or At long last, Pepperdine Women’s Basketball has a conference win.

Desperate to end a 13-game losing streak that included the first 12 games of WCC competition, the Waves used a career night from graduate transfer Tara Dusharm and a perfectly run inbounds

play to Jayla Ruffus-Milner for the game-winning basket to edge Loyola Marymount 51-49.

“I feel like this is everything we’ve been working toward,” junior guard Malia Bambrick said.

“To be able to get that first one, it’s definitely a good momentum shift for us.”

It had been over two months since the Waves last won, a 54-46 home victory over New Mexi-

Keona Paniagua | Staff Photographer Center of Attention | Pepperdine’s Jayla Ruffus-Milner fights through contact to attempt a layup during Saturday’s game against LMU at Firestone Fieldhouse. Jayla Ruffus-Milner had six points to go with nine rebounds, but her two points with six seconds left made all the difference in the game.

co State on Dec. 12 that brought Pepperdine’s record to 3-0. With the first meeting decided by three points and the Lions on a fivegame losing streak of their own, both teams saw Saturday’s game as an opportunity to get once-promising seasons back on track.

However, neither team got off to a clean start; Pepperdine jumped out to a 9-0 lead over the first 4:30 of game time, but that lead evaporated over the next four minutes.

The Waves couldn’t take care of the ball, at one point turning it over on four consecutive possessions, allowing LMU to come back. A Chelsey Gipson 3-pointer and a Meghan Mandel layup capped an 11-0 LMU run to give the Lions a two-point advantage after the first quarter.

The two teams combined for 16 turnovers in the first quarter alone, just shy of the 20 combined points scored in the opening period.

“We have been working very hard to improve the little minor things that have been messing us up in the other games,” Jayla Ruffus-Milner said. “Even though we won, there’s learning lessons we can take from this.”

The Lions were feeding redshirt junior guard and leading scorer Ariel Johnson, who had nine points in the first half.

Pepperdine got a somewhat unexpected spark from Dusharm.

The sixth-year center, who appeared in one game last year for Pepperdine before going down with a season-ending injury, got only her second start of the season but saw a lot of the ball inside the paint. Dusharm led the Waves with nine points at the break, including converting a 3-point play to tie the

game at 24 as the teams went to the locker room.

Pepperdine came out much improved in the second half, only turning the ball over twice and outscoring the Lions 17-9 in the third quarter.

“We took better care of the ball in the second half,” head coach Kristen Dowling said. “They had 12 points at halftime from turnovers, they only had 16 for the game. So, four more in the second half. I think that was the key.”

Dusharm, an 88% free throw shooter this season, went 4-for-4 from the line in the third period.

She finished with 13 points in 25 minutes, both highs in her Pepperdine career.

“We’ve been in a lot of close games,” Dusharm said. “So, I just make sure my teammates and myself keep our composure through it all. When it comes down to it, everyone knows their role and we did it.”

From Pepperdine’s side, the fourth quarter belonged to Bambrick, who scored 7 of her 17 points in the final period. She was the only Wave to break through a stout LMU defense in the closing minutes, as Pepperdine only managed three non-Bambrick points in the fourth.

LMU went on an offensive run, getting key 3-point buckets by Johnson and Ciara Ellington and trimming the lead to 49-45 with 3:30 to go. Then, the Lions squandered a golden opportunity when, over the next two minutes, Ellington and Khari Clark both went 0-for-2 from the free-throw line, keeping the Waves lead at four.

Still, Pepperdine was unable to convert on the offensive end. After a Mandel layup cut it to two,

Johnson scored the last of her 15 points on a driving layup off a turnover to tie the game with seven seconds left.

Out of their final timeout, Pepperdine ran a designed inbounds play for Jayla Ruffus-Milner, who completely lost her defender by going around a screen from Cheyenne Givens. Freshman guard Kendyl Carson, making her first career start, lofted the pass which found Jayla Ruffus-Milner all alone under the hoop.

“I was just set up for a wide open basket,” Jayla Ruffus-Milner said. “If I missed it, that just really would’ve been on me.”

Jayla Ruffus-Milner was fouled by a trailing Ellington as she laid it in from point-blank range, sending the Waves bench into pandemonium.

“It was execution on everybody’s part,” Dowling said. “There were five people that were on the court, and all five people did their job really well.”

Jayla Ruffus-Milner was unable to convert the free-throw, but Ellington’s last-ditch three didn’t threaten the basket, cementing the win.

“We knew they were going to be playing hard defense and denying,” Bambrick said. “Moving the ball and playing off each other was our best option today.”

Pepperdine now sits at 4-13 overall, with a 1-12 conference mark. The Waves will hope to build momentum with three home games in the next seven days, taking on San Diego on Monday, Pacific on Thursday, and Saint Mary’s on Saturday.

PAX TON.R ITC HEY@PEPPER DINE.EDU

P E P P E R DIN E GR A P H IC M E DIA | S PORTS | F E B RU A RY 1 8 , 20 21

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Pepp athletes mentor through foundation aust in hal l staf f w r i te r Pepperdine athletes are showing passion and discipline off the field and court by participating in the Successful Education Achievement Program in Malibu, which provides individualized mentorship to struggling middle school students.

The program is an education initiative of the Emily Shane Foundation that Malibu resident Ellen Shane started after her daughter Emily died in 2012 after being hit by a driver on Pacific Coast Highway near Heathercliff Road. After seeing her daughter struggle in certain subjects in school before her death, Ellen Shane said she wanted to create a non-profit that balanced tutorship and mentorship for students who learn at a different pace.

Instructors of the SEA Program help students with school work and organizational habits. According to Ellen Shane, the best instructors are often Pepperdine athletes.

“While we’re mentors and tutors, we also serve as role models for them,” redshirt junior and Pepperdine Women’s Soccer goalkeeper Zoe Clevely said. “We’re positive influences that believe in them.”

One-on-one interaction with students is an issue that’s personal for Ellen Shane. She said her daughter experienced the shortcomings of the standard classroom.

“I know the frustration of having a kid who struggled in school,” Ellen Shane said. “She [Emily] was lucky because we were able to provide her with the help she needed.

We know that isn’t a reality for every student out there and we wanted to create a way to change that.”

As Emily Shane struggled in various classroom settings, Ellen Shane said she tested independent learning methods with therapists

courtesy of Ellen shane Lifelong Pals | SEA tutor Zoe (left) stands with eighth grade student Takeya (right), who she tutored for one semester in Westchester, CA. Ellen Shane started many SEA affiliates outside of Malibu, including this duo. and teachers, but they didn’t improve her daughter’s performance.

Ellen Shane said it wasn’t until she paired her daughter with a Pepperdine student that she saw significant results.

“Very quickly we saw that she did the best with students,” Ellen Shane said. “They’re more relatable, great role models and they’re at a university and living examples of what can happen with hard work in the classroom. I modeled the program completely off of my experience with Emily.”

After Emily Shane’s death, Ellen Shane said she first decided to make a good deeds website.

“It was strictly posting images of people doing acts of kindness locally for her honor,” Ellen Shane said.

“After a difficult two years in court after Emily’s death, I felt compelled to do something more.”

The website led Ellen Shane to contact local middle schools, asking about the availability of extra

help for some students. She said she was dissatisfied with the lack of resources that the schools provided for children who fall behind in the typical classroom setting. Instead of looking at programs that schools offered directly, Ellen Shane started her own program in 2014.

“I started with three kids in Malibu and one mentor, a Pepperdine student at the time,” Ellen Shane said. “It just grew every year and became very successful with many students around town.”

The SEA Program currently has 50 middle school students and all meetings have been virtual since March. Ellen Shane said switching to Zoom learning has helped her reach a wider variety of students.

Clevely, a redshirt junior, joined the SEA Program in September when senior teammate Aliyah Satterfield — who babysits for one of Ellen Shane’s friends in Malibu — sent a text to a team group chat asking if any of them would like

courtesy of Ellen shane Tutoring Team | Mentor Elizabeth Ford (left) and Yariel (right), an eighth grader, collaborate on a weekday tutoring session at Malibu Middle School in fall 2019. Ford worked with Yariel from sixth grade until eighth grade. to be a part of it. Clevely said she jumped at the opportunity to work for the program.

“It just fell into my lap,” Clevely said. “After hearing about it, I sent in my resume and Ellen and I completely hit it off. It’s been amazing getting to help kids in a certain subject, or how to stay organized and learn new study habits.”

Clevely said her main job for SEA is to get other parts of Pepperdine Athletics involved with the program. On Dec. 9, SEA hosted a virtual fundraising event where several Pepperdine athletic programs donated money to the program,

raising $462. SEA used the money to buy 22 books that they donated to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Clevely said she hopes to see more Pepperdine athletes contribute to the SEA Program.

“It would be amazing to get one athlete from each sport,” Clevely said. “It can almost be an informal club where we can be a voice for the foundation and serve as mentor-tutors. Before I leave I want to make sure we keep the Pepperdine tradition going.”

AUSTIN.HAL L @PEPPER DINE.EDU

Women’s volleyball continues strong start against Pacific just in t o uhey spor ts as si sta n t The Pepperdine Women’s Volleyball team continued its undefeated season in its victory over the University of the Pacific on Tuesday at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The Waves are now 5-0 to start the season, and won their match in four sets. The Waves won the first two sets 25-23 and 25-18, lost a highly contested third set 32-30, then rallied to win the fourth set 25-14, closing out the evening in dominating fashion.

“Down the stretch, Pacific made some really good plays.”

Head Coach Scott Wong said. “I thought something that we did really well was focusing on executing our serves and blocks and trying to minimize our mistakes.”

Pepperdine’s blocking ability was on display as freshman middle blocker Meg Brown led the team with 8 blocks and 14 kills in a strong effort upfront.

“I want to capitalize and take advantage of moments like blocks and kills,” Brown said. “You do not always need big plays, but you need to consistently play your best in order to win.”

The Waves jumped out to an early 6-2 lead, but Pacific closed the gap and the first set became a duel that went back and forth.

With the Waves down 2322, junior outside hitter Rachel Ahrens made a pivotal block to bring the score to 23-23, then recorded a kill that would give Pepperdine the lead that helped them win the first set.

“It is all about taking care of our assignments that we are given,” Ahrens said. “I think we do our job best when we work well together and make the best plays.”

The second set was similar to the first, as initially Pepperdine and Pacific battled back and forth. With the score at 7-7, a long rally ended with a key block

by Brown that would change the momentum of the game.

After the victorious rally, the Waves never looked back and won the second set comfortably 25-18.

“I think it can take multiple plays or it can take one really big play that changes our mindset,” Brown said. “We wanted to come out and play with an intensity we were missing in the first game, our mindset was a bit off early on.”

In the third set, the Waves were ready to end the night for Pacific in a sweep as they reached match point 24-21.

Pacific rallied back and won the set 32-30, sending the match to a fourth set, despite a Pepperdine challenge that reversed a Pacific point when the score was 30-30.

“Pacific made some really good digs and to their credit they won the third set,” Wong said. “I think, similar to game two, we just needed to regroup and focus on what we were doing well which was serves and blocks.”

The Waves readjusted like they did in the second set and started out strong, going up 8-3. Pepperdine continued to dominate as senior middle blocker Alli O’Hara added more firepower, recording six kills and five blocks against the Tigers.

With a strong presence at the front of the net, the Waves won the fourth set 25-14. They fixed many of the mistakes, such as missed serves and poor blocking, that cost them the third set.

“We just had to clean a few things up, and I thought our team minimized mistakes more in the fourth game than in the third game,” Wong said. “Pacific was passing really well tonight so we had to minimize the damage they could do with that.”

Next week, the Waves play a doubleheader against BYU at Firestone Fieldhouse on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24.

J US T I N .T O U H E Y @P E P P E RD I N E . E D U

ali levens | Photo editor Access Denied | Setter Isabel Zelaya (No. 2) and middle blocker Meg Brown (No. 12) rise up to defend a shot from a Pacific player during Tuesday’s win. Brown led the team with eight blocks, another strong showing from the freshman.

ali levens | Photo editor Fired Up | Meg Brown (left) fires a kill and Rachel Ahrens (right) celebrates winning a point during Tuesday’s win over Pacific. Ahrens recorded 11 kills for the Waves.

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PE P P E R DIN E GR A P H IC M E DIA | S PORTS | F E B RU A RY 1 8 , 20 21

No. 4 Women’s Tennis finishes fourth at Indoor National Championships kar l w inter staf f w rit e r Pepperdine Women’s Tennis entered the 2021 Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Women’s Team Indoor Championships in Stillwater, Okla., ranked No. 5 in the nation.

The Waves solidified their top5 spot at the tournament, defeating No. 6 Georgia Tech 4-2 in the quarterfinals on Feb. 5 before battling with No. 1 North Carolina and No. 2 UCLA on Feb. 6 and 7, respectively.

Despite losing two of their three matches at the tournament, the Waves moved up to No. 4 in the rankings and garnered valuable experience against top competition.

“The tournament — as important as it is and the teams that are there — you can’t get that at home and in practice against teammates,” Head Coach Per Nilsson said.

Pepperdine fell 4-1 at the hands of the top-ranked Tar Heels in the semifinals and 4-2 to the Bruins in the third-place match, finishing fourth.

The tournament, hosted by Oklahoma State University, included five of the top six teams in the nation, and 8 of the top 13.

“We took some Ls, but I think we know that we’re there,” fifthyear senior Shiori Fukuda said.

“We have the potential to beat those schools. I really believe that we can be the number one team in the nation this year.”

Obstacles on the Road to Stillwater The Waves faced several challenges before the tournament even began: inexperience, indoor surface and injury.

Of the eight players who traveled to Oklahoma, four are newcomers, and each saw extensive court time.

Fukuda is a transfer from Ohio State who arrived at Pepperdine in October, and the other three are freshmen.

Indoor courts generally play faster than outdoor ones, and the Waves had to adjust after just two days of practice in the facility.

“We practice outdoors, so to play indoors and get to the semifinals, I think that says a lot about the level of tennis that girls on our team are playing,” sixth-year senior Jessica Failla said.

Ashley Lahey, the nation’s No. 1 player for much of 2019-2020, did not play at all in Stillwater. Lahey suffered from wrist tendinitis following the team’s Jan. 25 victory over USC, and two cortisone shots prior to the tournament were not enough to relieve the pain. Lahey traveled to Stillwater with the team but was not entered in the lineup.

“I wasn’t able to actually hit at all throughout the whole weekend but it was really good to be there to support the team,” Lahey said.

Nilsson said the team missed Lahey on the court, but her absence allowed other players a chance to compete against top-notch opponents.

“It was an opportunity for someone else to play, and in one way, maybe that was the best thing for us,” Nilsson said.” Yes, it hurt us not having Ashley there for sure, but I think we gained a lot of experience.”

Freshman Clinches Over Georgia Tech

Victory

Disadvantages aside, the Waves came out swinging against Georgia Tech, losing the doubles point but roaring back to win on four of the first five singles courts.

“We really wanted to get through that first Georgia Tech match to get an opportunity to play to the top teams,” Nilsson said. “We knew, if we did that, we’re going to play two top-three teams in the country

Photos Courtesy of Intercollegiate Tennis Association New Waves Young and Old | Fifth-year senior Shiori Fukuda eyes Victoria Flores of Georgia Tech in the Greenwood Tennis Center in Stillwater, Okla., on Feb. 5. Fukuda’s match against Flores went unfinished, but the Waves defeated the Yellow Jackets 4-2 in convincing fashion. back to back.”

Nikki Redelijk, a true freshman from Florida, battled to clinch the match, winning 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 on court 6. Nilsson said the pressure of the match would prove valuable for Redelijk in the long run.

“We can’t get that anywhere, so she’s now gone through that, and the next time she does, she can lean on that experience and hopefully be more relaxed and feel better,” Nilsson said. “That was not an easy situation that she was in and she didn’t play her best, but she came through and that was the most important thing.”

No. 1 North Carolina Proves Too Much for Waves The next day, the Waves encountered North Carolina, a team that featured three players ranked in the top six in the ITA’s most recent singles rankings.

The Tar Heels qualified for the final of the ITA Indoors for the seventh consecutive season, but Nilsson was pleasantly surprised with the way his team competed.

“There was a point in that match where I thought we were going to win, even though we are not clicking on all cylinders right now,” Nilsson said.

Again, the Waves dropped the doubles point, then lost on singles courts three, five and six, to let Carolina clinch the match.

Fukuda fought to a third set against No. 4 Sara Daavettila on court two, but the match went unfinished. Taisiya Pachkaleva, a true freshman from Russia, earned a straight-sets win on court four.

“Taisiya, she has the potential to be one of the best in college,” Nilsson said.

Despite losing on court three against Georgia Tech, Pachkaleva bounced back against the Tar Heels, defeating a higher-ranked opponent 6-4, 6-0 for the Waves’ lone victory of the day.

“She lost to a player that she normally would never lose to,” Nilsson said of the Georgia Tech match loss. “But she used it and was able to — by the next day — find her groove and figure out some things. By the end of that weekend, she felt really good.”

No. 2 UCLA Squeaks Past Pepperdine The next day, Pepperdine squared off with Southern California rival UCLA, another team with three top-20 players. Again, the Waves lost the doubles point.

The doubles trouble did not bother Nilsson nor Lahey, as they attributed it to Lahey’s absence and the lack of practice in doubles.

“All fall, we weren’t allowed to practice doubles,” Lahey said.

“These are all new teams, new players. It’s really difficult to get the doubles point but our energy was good in doubles and so when we came out to singles, that’s really our specialty.”

Nonetheless, the Waves came exceptionally close to defeating the Bruins. Pachkaleva won handily on court four and Failla won in three sets on court one.

Fukuda battled to a third-set tiebreaker against No. 9 Elysia Bolton, getting to match point several times but narrowly losing 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(3). Had Fukuda won the tiebreaker, the Waves would’ve been in excellent position to win with Lisa Zaar up 5-3 in the decisive third set on court five.

“To compete with [UCLA] the way that we did just shows you how good the depth is of our team,” Lahey said. “We’ve got eight players who could all beat almost anybody in the country. We’re all very similar level — I feel like we could flip our lineup on its head, and it would be basically the same team.”

Grad Transfer Fukuda Completes Powerful Trio Fukuda, a grad transfer initially from Japan, is a key addition to a team already headlined by two graduate students, Lahey and Failla. The 2020 Big Ten Athlete of the Year, Fukuda graduated from Ohio State in 2020 and wanted to come to the West Coast.

“I heard good things about Pepperdine, like the girls are super nice and the coaches are super nice, so that’s why I decided to come to Pepperdine,” Fukuda said.

She could not come to Malibu to train until October, but quickly became part of the team.

“Shiori is an amazing tennis player, amazing leader,” Failla said.

“I think the experience that she has is invaluable to our team.”

Fukuda is currently ranked No. 12 in the nation and said she is training harder than ever before.

“When I was in Ohio, I was always the number one player,” Fukuda said. “Not necessarily beating everyone on the team, not like that, but for sure having Ash, Jess and everyone — even the freshmen — everyone’s so good. Having those players in practice, I think it really helps me.”

She joins Lahey, the current topranked player, and Failla, who has been on fire lately, at the top of the Waves lineup.

“Jess [Falia], she might be the best player in college right now,” Nilsson said. “I mean, she is so confident, playing so well.”

Failla Continues Stretch

Dominant

After moving up to the No. 1 singles court for Pepperdine’s win over USC on Jan. 25, Failla had a remarkable weekend in Stillwater.

She defeated No. 13 Kenya Jones of Georgia Tech, 6-3, 6-3, then nearly beat No. 3 Alexa Graham of North Carolina, but was halted by a clinch point. Failla led Graham 7-5, 5-2 when the match ended.

“I always try to be really confident when I’m out there playing but at the end of the day, it’s ten-

Making an Impact | Nikki Redelijk readies to strike a backhand against Georgia Tech’s Rosie Garcia Gross in their singles match Feb. 5 at Oklahoma State University. Redelijk won the match in three sets to clinch the match for Pepperdine.

Debut Day | Freshman Taisiya Pachkaleva reaches back to hit a forehand during her singles match against Gia Cohen of Georgia Tech on Feb. 5 in Stillwater, Okla.

Pachkaleva lost the match against Cohen but dominated her final two singles matches of the weekend. nis. Anything can happen,” Failla said. “Obviously, I always want to be able to finish my matches, but it is a team sport.”

Failla completed the weekend with a victory over No. 7 Abbey Forbes of UCLA. Lahey had nothing but praise for her teammate.

“Jess played absolutely unbelievable this weekend, every single point,” Lahey said. “She looked like every single ball was the most important ball that she was going to hit in her entire life.”

Failla, currently ranked No. 33 in the country, will undoubtedly ascend in the next ITA singles rankings, as her last four singles matches have resulted in three victories and one near-victory, all over higher-ranked opponents.

“Our goal is to have six girls at the end that are playing lights-out and pushing each other, and on any given day, they can do it,” Nilsson said. “I think we have three right now, but we have the potential to get to five or six in a short period of time if we all buy in.”

Newcomers Bond With Returners in Stillwater Sophomores Zaar and Astrid Olsen, Pachkaleva, Redelijk and redshirt freshman Lexi Ryngler are each working to raise their game to the level of their experienced teammates Failla, Lahey and Fukuda.

Ryngler, who is originally from Calabasas but transferred to Pepperdine from the University of Texas, got a chance to compete on singles court three in Stillwater.

Fukuda said the contributions of the younger players was “impressive.”

“They’re doing an unreal job as freshmen,” Fukuda said. “It’s not easy to play college tennis — it’s totally different than juniors. The atmosphere is different.”

One player missing from the Stillwater trip was junior Anastasia Iamachkine, who suffered a knee injury and had surgery in the summer of 2020. Nilsson hopes Iamachkine will return to the court before the end of the season.

Ultimately, the nearly week-long trip allowed the team to compete

together on the road for the first time with newcomers and returners together.

“National Indoors was an amazing trip for us because we were able to spend more time together and really get to know each other better,” Failla said. “When you’re fighting next to people trying to win for Pepperdine, it’s really an amazing bonding experience.”

Waves Return to Malibu, Defeat USC Four days following their return to Malibu, the Waves took on USC at the Ralphs-Straus Tennis Center again. The Waves had more trouble with the No. 16 Trojans this time, winning only 4-3.

In the teams’ previous meeting on the Jan. 25, Pepperdine lost the doubles point but came back to win four of the first five singles courts and clinch the match. On Saturday, the team won the doubles point but needed to win three singles courts to clinch the match.

Failla continued her dominant streak with a win on court one, but Lahey lost on court two in her return from the wrist injury.

The USC victory was the first step on a three-month journey that Nilsson hopes will lead to the national championships. Nilsson said the team will analyze the videos of their matches in Stillwater and learn from them.

“We want to be the team that improved the most from Stillwater till May,” Nilsson said. “That is the key for us.”

The Waves will not see Georgia Tech nor North Carolina again this season until a potential showdown at the NCAA Championships in late May in Orlando, Fla., but they do play UCLA twice more in the regular season.

“I hope we play North Carolina again in May,” Nilsson said. “If we’ve done our job, I think it’s going to be a different story.”

K AR L .W INTER @PEPPER DINE.EDU