Pepperdine Graphic 8-30-2021 by PGM-PepperdineGraphicMedia

THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC VOLUME LI

ISSUE 1 |

AUGUST 30, 2021

PEPPERDINE-GRAPHIC.COM

RYAN BRINKMAN | PHOTO EDITOR LYDIA DUPERIER | STAFF WRITER ALI LEVENS | CREATIVE DIRECTOR ABBY WILT | PIXEL EDITOR

Seaver College welcomed its first-year, sophomore and transfer students with a series of New Student Orientation and Year 2 Retreat events after not having a full-capacity campus for over a year.

DOUBLE TAKE ABBY WILT PIXEL EDITOR

LYDIA DUPERIER STAFF WRITER

After a year of virtual admissions, campus tours and acceptance parties, Pepperdine’s Class of 2025 finally arrived on campus. Out of 12,934 applicants, 1,209 students enrolled at Pepperdine, making them the largest incoming class Pepperdine has ever accepted, Seaver College Office of Admission wrote in an email to the Graphic. New Student Orientation took place Aug. 24-29 and included a President’s Reception, Frosh Follies event, class bonding activities, Waves Expo and more. For some students, move-in day was their first time ever seeing campus.

Pepperdine welcomed sophomores home after a year of remote learning. The class eagerly waited to meet their classmates and live on campus. The Year 2 Welcome gave new Waves the chance to get to know their peers and campus. The Class of 2024 missed out on the traditional New Student Orientation because of COVID-19. To make up for this, Pepperdine created this one-time event to help students have a proper start to their college journey on campus. The week-long Year 2 Welcome included modified traditions like Soph Follies, the President’s Reception and new activities created just for sophomores.

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Assistant Perspectives Editor Sarah Best shares why students should comply with COVID-19 guidlines.

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The Pepperdine Music Department prepares to transition to in-person.

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Lorde’s third album, “Solar Power,” symbolizes her escape from chaos.

Waves competed in B6- Eight the Tokyo Olympics.

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The Fine Print: Coming back is hard — and that’s OK

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ADDISON WHITEN STAFF WRITER

This fall, Pepperdine students return to campus after a totally normal summer. There’s nothing out of the ordinary — everyone’s fine, all the summer abroad programs were so fun, and we definitely didn’t just exit a period of tremendous collective loss and trauma (that actually might be true, considering we haven’t made that exit yet). The reality is the Pepperdine community is returning to campus after the most out-of-the-ordinary conditions in history. While this transition is definitely exciting and long awaited, there is something so jarring about stumbling out of a year of darkness into bright and sunny Malibu. In the biggest understatement of the century, Pepperdine students endured a lot of loss since March 2020. First, losing half of a spring semester (which was almost worth it for the free A in convocation, except now the convo office is extinct), followed by a summer, an entire academic year and another summer. These lost semesters and summers mean lost time abroad, lost time in Malibu, lost experiences and, saddest of all, lost time together. As enjoyable and flawless and idyllic as Zoom is, there’s nothing that can replace the feeling of being physically in a space with friends or classmates or professors. All of this doesn’t even begin to account for any personal losses, and it would be impossible to list everything we missed because of the pandemic. I don’t remind everyone of these losses to be a downer or kill the vibe as we all begin trying to pick up where we left off 18 months ago — but to instead acknowledge what we’ve gone through and give everyone permission to take the time they need to process and continue with campus life. It’s OK to not be “fine,” even as good things happen. ADDISON.WHITEN@PEPPERDINE.EDU

LATEST GNEWS Welcome Home, Pepperdine After a challenging past year in isolation because of the pandemic, the Pepperdine community is making a comeback. GNews Producer Christina Buravtsova talked with students and staff about returning to campus and reconnecting once again.

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The Fine Print is a weekly column written by Addison Whiten addressing problems at Pepperdine in a lighthearted and real way. This first installment discusses the difficulty that lies in the transition back to campus life, even as students are happy to be back.

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11 592 4.2M 38.5M ZERO NINE 65K 633K Aug. 23 | The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Aug. 11 | Pepperdine mandated universal weekly approved the Pfizer-BIONTECH COVID-19 Vaccine testing for all faculty, students and staff using on-campus facilities.

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NSO: Pepp welcomes Class of 2025 to Malibu FROM A1 Liam Zieg, first-year from Columbus, Ohio, stepped foot on campus for the first time four days before moving in but said he immediately fell in love with it. “I was scared that the campus was going to feel too small or that I was going to feel like I made the wrong decision,” Zieg said. “But as soon as I went through the gate, I knew it was the right place for me.” When students arrived on campus, they went straight to the Firestone Fieldhouse parking lot to show a negative COVID-19 test and get cleared. Then they went to the Rho parking lot to check in and receive directions to their residence halls. Even with such a large incoming class, Zieg said the first-year students still bonded and met each other, after following each other on social media for the last several months. “Even walking around just touring, I met so many people who went out of their way to say hi to me and ask me how I was doing,” Zieg said. “That’s a community that I feel like I won’t get anywhere else.” President’s Reception President Jim Gash and his wife, Jolene, hosted the new students at the Brock House for the

traditional President’s Reception, formerly known as “My Tie,” which is a dance and dessert reception. Trombonist and vocalist Ricky Lucchese performed while new students mingled with each other. “This is what we’ve been waiting for for 18 months,” Gash said. “For students to return is what brings life to our campus and to be able to have the biggest class on the lawn together; we are thrilled.” Frosh Follies Frosh Follies event returned to campus Aug. 28., and first-year students acted out skits and sang chants for the rest of the group while judges scored their performances. Resident directors Alyson Thompson and Spencer Slater hosted the event, and the winning team was the group of Peppers, E Penn, Fifield, Hayes and White. “All of our hard work as a group paid off,” said first-year Jake Castagnola, member of the winning team. “I feel like our group was very united and very together.” First-year Housing Traditionally, all first-year students live in first-year housing, but this year, some first-year students were relocated to Seaside, George Page, Drescher and Lovernich apartments due to lack of space. 142 first-year students and

ALI LEVENS | CREATIVE DIRECTOR Trombonist Ricky Luchese plays at the Brock House for first-year and transfer students at the President’s Reception on Aug. 27. A President’s Reception has not occurred in person since 2019, due to a remote 2020-21 academic year. 84 transfer students are living in non-traditional housing, Robin Gore, associate dean of Student Affairs, wrote in an email to the Graphic. Housing and Residence Life moved first-year Noelle Cottingham from first-year housing to Towers in early August, and she said she likes the nicer room but feels like she is missing out on events and class bonding in traditional housing. “In most of the freshman housing, everyone gets to know each other there,” first-year Towers resident Sage Lee said. “We have

our room and our roommates, and then we have to go out there and make the connections, which is harder.” Throughout NSO, orientation leaders and coordinators helped first-year students move in, find their dorms, get excited to be on campus and try to reduce their nerves. NSO Leaders NSO leaders arrived on campus Aug. 16, and they were in training until Aug. 20, when one-third of the sophomore class arrived on

campus for the Year 2 Welcome event. After leaders moved the sophomores in, they had one day to welcome international students and then started welcoming firstyear domestic students. For some NSO leaders, this was their first time on campus, too. “I never got an NSO, much like the rest of us, so I thought it would be really awesome to help welcome everybody else and give them a memorable experience,” sophomore orientation leader Ashlee Quick said. ABBY.WILT@PEPPERDINE.EDU

Year 2: Retreat invites new Waves home FROM A1 Pepperdine welcomed sophomores home after a year of remote learning. The class eagerly waited to meet their classmates and live on campus. The Year 2 Welcome gave new Waves the chance to get to know their peers and campus. The Class of 2024 missed out on the traditional New Student Orientation because of COVID-19. To make up for this, Pepperdine created this one-time event to help students have a proper start to their college journey on campus. The week-long Year 2 Welcome included modified traditions like Soph Follies, the President’s Reception and new activities created just for sophomores. “We felt like it was really important to welcome them [sophomores] appropriately and help them to bond because their time here is shorter than our other incoming students,” said Christine Galvin, manager of Seaver Parent Programs. When students arrived on campus, the first face they saw was senior orientation leader Hope Dease, who welcomed students as they drove into the faculty parking lot. Dease was one of the four girls who welcomed students and family as they arrived on campus. “It was just four hours of screaming about how much I love Pepperdine to a car full of people that couldn’t answer me,” Dease said. After the welcome, the students began their Year 2 Celebration festivities. Orientation leaders led tours and helped familiarize students with the campus. The leaders hosted several bonding activities such as a movie night on Alumni Park and worship sessions in the amphitheater.

Following the on-campus events, students enjoyed a three-day retreat at Forest Home Christian Camp in San Bernardino, Calif. The camp held outdoor activities like hiking, zip-lining, swimming and a ropes course. Students also enjoyed worship sessions and presentations from guest speakers. Students said the off-campus retreat gave them a lot of free time to reflect and form stronger bonds with the leaders and other sophomores. “The retreat really gave all of us an opportunity to get to spend time in nature and get to know more of our classmates,” sophomore David Cho said. At Forest Home the students participated in the modified Soph Follies tradition. Three groups presented a different skit to tell a part of Pepperdine’s history. The winners told the story of how Pepperdine chose their mascot. The group based the skit off the TV show “Bachelorette.” About a third of the sophomore class showed up for the Year 2 celebration. Several students said they did not attend because they are leaving for abroad programs soon. Sophomore Emily Torrence said she decided she wanted to take this opportunity to meet classmates and enjoy life on campus despite the fact that she is going abroad soon after the event. “I haven’t had a bad experience yet; everybody’s been super welcoming and super open to talking to new people,” Torrence said. The majority of the sophomore class has only seen each other through Zoom and social media. Students said meeting someone in person after only knowing them from a screen is freeing.

LYDIA DUPERIER | STAFF WRITER Year 2 students and Housing and Residence Life leaders celebrate their Soph Follies victory Aug. 24. The event gave the sophomores an opportunity to have fun and celebrate Pepperdine’s history together. “Seeing people who you’ve followed on Instagram for a year has been super fun; putting faces to the faces on your little screen and being able to actually meet the people in person has been super fun,” Torrence said. Senior and Orientation Coordinator Rachel Lando said one of the best parts of the event is getting to see the sophomores transition their relationships from online to in-person. “It’s a really cool experience to see the person in real life and how they present themselves and you guys can actually hang out and not have to be contained on a screen,” Lando said. The Year 2 Welcome served the intention to welcome and aid the incoming sopho-

mores in an exciting way, and students said it did just that. After a year of online schooling, students were able to begin their traditional college experience. “Now that everyone’s here, it’s finally like the heart of Pepperdine is coming back,” Lando said.

LYDIA.DUPERIER@PEPPERDINE.EDU

AUGUST 30, 2021

The Graphic

PEPPERDINE-GR APHIC.C OM

An Inside Look at the Opinion Section The Graphic doesn’t spout biased opinions but curates unbiased perspectives for anyone willing. It’s time for the Graphic to be more transparent and open about what really goes on in the Perspectives section. SAMANTHA MILLER | ART EDITOR ANITIZ MUONAGOLU PERSPECTIVES EDITOR

elcome to Perspectives! It’s a tricky section to read, especially when today’s media is shaped as a political battlefield. However, that’s not this section — Perspectives showcases the diaspora of opinions in the world. For some, an opinion section allows people to subject the populous to their overzealous political or social opinions. However, that isn’t the case with the Perspectives section. Here, we offer varying viewpoints or perspectives, and it’s a multi-step process from writers to even myself as an editor.

We need people who hold varying opinions or opposing positions to participate to help Perspectives achieve its mission of showing a variety of different opinions. Doing this can be as simple as becoming a writer and cultivating different opinions. For others, it can be sending a Letter to the Editor to be posted on the website and in our print edition. I, as the editor, and Perspectives as a whole must take responsibility as well. Perspectives searches for and invites more writers who diverge from our current trends, such as those representing politically conservative values and those in the Indigenous community. Perspectives continues to aim to ensure these voices are heard. We will always grow and show as many views as possible. How Editing Works

How We Cultivate Perspectives Perspectives empowers writers to write what they want. This is to protect what it means to be an unbiased section. Perspectives doesn’t serve to sway, control or brainwash people. We serve to honestly give people agency over their opinions. Despite this, Perspectives still has a large weakness: Without voices willing to speak, we can become an echo chamber. An echo chamber is when a person or group of people are surrounded by similar opinions they already hold. This can be seen largely in social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where algorithms learn a user’s habits and preferences and then only cultivate personal media for them to consume.

Many people get nervous at the thought of being edited. Here at Perspectives, it’s actually a pretty simple process. Editors look at a piece similarly to how Grammarly and spellcheck scan a piece’s content. Editors check for inconsistencies, misinformation and stylistic errors while also editing for concision, readability and flow when following AP guidelines, which many news organizations use as their style of writing. In some cases, editors come in with biases that may affect a writer’s true intentions. It happens — people are human. This is where the Perspectives Editor comes in. It’s my job to protect a writer’s integrity. I believe editors and writers need to have close relationships and understand boundaries.

A writer’s story is not just something assigned but an integral part of how they see the world — and that’s what the world needs to see. For those who are concerned with not having a voice, there is no reason to fear. Here at the Graphic, we have a Perspectives Editor who is willing to fight tooth and nail for the best depiction of your opinion. Still, Perspectives isn’t a place to spread hate or false information. A necessary part of editing is to minimize or eradicate false information as well as legal and community harm. Moving Forward The community must hold Perspectives accountable. Keep sending honest and respectful criticism, reach out to the Graphic and other newspapers — or even editors — and continue to advocate for more diverse viewpoints. Don’t forget to be a part of this growth. Send a Letter to the Editor or email the actual editor and demand a chance to write an editorial. Your opinion is valuable. With the community’s combined research, knowledge and resources, everyone can make better-informed decisions while enhancing their own individual critical thinking about the world around us. In short, we must all do our part. So, welcome everyone! Welcome to Perspectives!

AN INSIDE LOOK Managing Editor Ashley Mowreader Special Edition Editor Rowan Toke Digital Editor Karl Winter Copy Chief Bryant Loney GNews Producer Christina Buravtsova Creative Director Ali Levens Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Editors Anitiz Muonagolu Emily Shaw Business Director Inez Kim Advertising Director Sahej Bhasin Head Podcast Producer Kyle McCabe Pixel Editor Abby Wilt

Photo Editor Ryan Brinkman Art Editor Samantha Miller News Editor Emily Shaw Perspectives Editor Anitiz Muonagolu Life & Arts Editor Beth Gonzales Sports Editor Alec Matulka News Assistant Editor Sam Torre News Staff Writers William Bacon Liza Esquibias Abroad Correspondent Reagan Phillips Perspectives Assistant Editors Sarah Best Emily Chase Perspectives Assistant Sawa Yamakawa

Perspectives Staff Writer Christian Parham Perspectives Copy Editor Ryan Bresingham Perspectives Design Assistant Rachel Marek Life & Arts Assistant Addison Whiten Life & Arts Staff Writers Lydia duPerier Yamillah Hurtado Xinyun Wang Stella Zhang Life & Arts Copy Editor Yamillah Hurtado Sports Staff Writers Joe Doonan Austin LeDe Sports Copy Editor Whitney Bussell Sports Design Assistant Kaitlyn Davis Assistant Photo Editor Dane Bruhahn

Staff Photographers Ashton Bell Caroline Conder Nicole Wong Art Assistant Editor Leah Bae Staff Artists Autumn Hardwick Nicole Wong Brian Zhou Assistant Head Podcast Producer Anitiz Muonagolu Podcast Producers Joe Allgood Celine Foreman Karl Winter Digital Assistant Editor Ryan Bough Social Team Sofia Longo Abby Wilt GNews Crew Joe Allgood Alex Payne Gabrielle Salgado

AJ.MUONAGOLU@PEPPERDINE.EDU

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.

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A call for systemically changing policing

JOSHUA EVANS STAFF WRITER

n the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the United States reflected upon how to change U.S. long history of police brutality. The roots of police brutality in U.S. policing have a lengthy history that dates back to slavery. Some of the earliest policing organizations in the United States began as a means to capture escaped slaves. Later, the Jim Crow Laws in the South upheld racism in many police forces even after slavery was abolished. Even in modern times, police frequently treat Black Americans unfairly. In a 2017 study of police body-camera videos from routine traffic stops by the Oakland Police Department, Rob Voigt examined 1,440 stops, of which 981 involved Black civilians. Voigt found police body-camera footage showing Black civilians are more likely to be treated with disrespect than white civilians. Moreover, Black Americans are proportionately more likely to be shot by police than any other racial ethnicity, relative to their percentage of the overall U.S. population. Police are more likely to kill unarmed Black victims than unarmed white victims. U.S. police have the legal authority to use force. In some cases, police officers abuse this authority by needlessly brutalizing and killing people in the process. Systemic change is nec-

essary to combat racism and abuse of power within police departments. Arrested police officers often commit multiple acts of police brutality before they are charged. Floyd’s murderer, for example, was a suspected bad cop even before he killed Floyd. The officer had 18 prior complaints of police misconduct filed against him, but he continued working despite this documented pattern of abuse of power. Police departments must seriously punish an officer’s first abuse of power before police officers end up needlessly brutalizing and killing people in the communities they are meant to protect. Stronger legal limits on police’s use of force could help stop police brutality. Stricter limits need to be placed on police behavior by both the government and police forces themselves, and the culture of aggressive U.S. policing must change to reflect this. To facilitate change in police culture, stations need improved training of all police officers and a more rigorous hiring process for police. Most U.S. police go through brief training courses that last only five-to-six months and do not receive enough training in nonviolent strategies. Police also need more training in racial sensitivity, multicultural competency and anti-discrimination. David Griffith suggests police need national standards for improved police training. These standards could involve pooled training resources and all police officers in the nation meeting a unified standard cultural competency to be trained in updated improved patterns of police behavior. For example, the police officer who killed Daunte Wright trained a new hire the night of the murder, just like the cop who murdered Floyd was training new officers. These murders taking place during police

SAMANTHA MILLER | STAFF ARTIST on-the-job training should give society insight into how police training fails us. Veteran police officers showing off their use of force privilege likely contributed to these killings, along with systemic racism within the police force. Griffith also suggests teaching recruits case law and to reflect on instances of police abuse of power and what can be done to protect civilian safety. Current police standard training, which involves a focus on veteran officers doing on-the-job training, should be replaced with more behavioral scenarios with in-class training by instructors who stress ideal police behavior. New recruits witnessing their senior training officers brutalize civilians normalizes these experiences and turns abuse of force into taught behaviors through observational learning. It is haunting to consider some veteran officers murder civilians while in teaching roles. Police who have shady track records with civilians still end up in supervisory roles training new recruits because the current system makes getting rid of bad cops challenging. The police hiring process permits an officer who has complaints in one police department to work in another department in a different region. Even when a police officer’s past firing is on record, some cops still manage to remain in policing by switching police departments.

Some members of the New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut legislatures are working on bills to address this issue of bad cops fired by one law enforcement region being rehired by other police departments. Details in police complaint reports are private information, and it is challenging for new departments to fully research the background of prospective new hires when so much relevant background information is classified as confidential. There is also the issue of cops lying on police reports to justify their use of force to avoid being fired. When Ronald Green and Manuel Ellis died in police custody, the officers involved lied to cover up what happened, but video emerged in both cases, showing police responsibility for these deaths. Video footage is a window to police brutality, but overly aggressive police behaviors are also fueled by a criminal justice system that condones the police to use force. Clearer enforceable limits on the use of force and restrictions on rehiring officers with past misconduct issues are needed. Police should have limits on the permitted use of force with civilians, and officers who abuse their power should be permanently discharged and prevented from joining other police forces anywhere in the nation. Policing in this country requires structural reform, for structural problems require structural solutions. Systemic change needs to be fueled by a re-examination of police power, improved police training, stricter hiring and firing decisions, much stronger limits on police behavior and a zero-tolerance policy toward racism and police brutality within the police force.

JOSHUA.EVANS@PEPPERDINE.EDU

Comply instead of complain about COVID-19

SARAH BEST PERSPECTIVES ASSISTANT EDITOR

ne would think, at an openly Christian school, the famous “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” ideology found in Matthew 22:37-39 would apply to all sectors of life. But when it comes to complicity with Pepperdine’s COVID-19 policies, some community members seem to have abandoned the “love thy neighbor” creed on PCH. Despite Pepperdine’s adherence to LA County COVID-19 guidelines — whether it be testing negative prior to returning to campus or mandating vaccinations among students and staff to contain the virus’ spread — some Waves remain ignorantly disgruntled. With the Graphic’s strong presence on social media, particularly Instagram, the recent engagement in the comments reveals many Pepperdine students are upset with the routine procedures. On July 16, the Graphic uploaded a post to its Instagram with the headline, “#Breaking: Pepperdine mandates face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination status” — a decision that follows updates made by public health officials in LA County. “In Los Angeles County, everyone 2 years of age and older must wear a mask in all indoor public settings, venues, gatherings, public and private businesses and at outdoor Mega Events, regardless of their vaccination status,” according to the LA County’s Department of Public Health website.

Clearly, the policies Pepperdine implemented prove to be working overwhelmingly well, as the vast majority of the student population is fully vaccinated. An almost entirely vaccinated population is what’s going to keep classes in person and the pandemic’s spread to a minimum. “Over 94% of Seaver students have been vaccinated,” wrote Connie Horton, vice president of Student Affairs, in an email. Pepperdine is navigating COVID-19 regulations and policies in consonance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the LA County Department of Health. The University is not making up its own rules in how it’s choosing to handle COVID-19, and it is certainly not doing anything out of the ordinary in comparison to other local universities. Yet, students behind the protective bubble of their screens continue to challenge the school’s compliance by exclaiming such mandates “don’t make sense” and the school is too closely following the “status quo.” The “status quo” in question is the recommendations and guidelines set in place by certified, experienced health professionals who have devoted their lives to studying science and disease. People who lack this expertise may not understand why masks prevent transmission of the virus, but such logistics do not fall on the backs of the everyday person to understand — hence why we have health professionals. Who are students, as average people, to question health professionals? And to question the University, which is abiding with orders set in place by these same professionals? Most recently, Aug. 11, the Graphic uploaded an updated breaking news COVID-19 post that read, “#Breaking: COVID-19 screening testing required for all Pepperdine students, faculty and staff.” Consequently, another round of unhappy people flooded the comments. Critical commentary included comparing Pepperdine’s COVID-19 policy to the “clown olympics [sic]” and questioning “why in-person attendance is man-

BRIAN ZHOU | STAFF ARTIST datory” when testing negative prior to returning to campus is still required — as if the two are related. What is going to make the Pepperdine community happy? No masks and the complete absence of social distancing? No testing, regardless of vaccination status? By that logic, there’s no telling if and when the pandemic will end. Well over a year into living with the reality of the virus, people are still fighting the bare minimum of having to wear a mask. If professors can lecture in multi-hour long classes while wearing one, students can sit in the classroom — most likely silent for the majority of the class’ duration anyway — with one on as well. Wearing a mask is not a political statement. It is an indication that a person is doing their part in slowing the virus’ spread as well as an expression of showing care and consideration for others. Rather than mindlessly complaining about the compliance of Pepperdine’s protocols in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the LA County Department of Health, learn to accept policies for what they are so the community as a whole can get closer to the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel.

SARAH.BEST@PEPPERDINE.EDU

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International students return to campus, sharing their excitement and challenges

MISSION STATEMENT

As excitement grows for a normal school year to begin, Pepperdine international students are particularly grateful for the return to campus. International students faced added challenges in the past 18 months with learning online due to different time zones, cultural and language barriers and the visa process. Despite anticipated challenges, students such as senior Ece Yagci said they look forward to having the opportunity to experience their American college dream. “We’re there to not just learn but to also share our culture and our past — our history,” said Yagci, senior international student from Turkey. For the first three months of the fall 2020 semester, Yagci took classes from Turkey before moving back to California for the remainder of the school year to be in the same time zone as her professors and classmates. Still, with school being virtual, Yagci said she struggled to connect with her U.S. classmates and immerse herself in U.S. culture. “I don’t think there was anything socially I could involve myself in from such a far distance and with that big of a time difference,” Yagci said. Pinn Jingkaojai, a sophomore international student from Thailand, said she attended her last two years of high school in the United States and decided to stay in the country to prepare for the fall 2020 semester at Pepperdine. When she realized the campus would not open, however, she moved back home to be with her family in Thailand, where she said she became accustomed to independently learning. “I’ve just been so used to doing things on my own time,” Jinkaojai said. “Doing things through recordings, pressing pause, play, double speeds, going back in lec-

tures — so just being in class real time, I’m not prepared for that yet.” Despite staying up at night to take live classes, Kristine Briede, a sophomore international student from Latvia, said that she found it hard to meet people and interact with professors. “I’m definitely looking forward most to having in-person classes and meeting new people,” Briede said. “And I think that’s also what’s going to be the most challenging part of having in-person classes, because we’ve all been used to a year and a half almost of studying online.” The Student Visa Process

Yagci received a student visa at the start of her first year for a total of five years in the United States. When she decided to move back to California in Oct. 2020, she said officials debated the validity of her student visa since she was not moving to attend in-person classes. “They did give me a hard time before letting me in,” Yagci said. “Making sure that I’m not here to work for money or making sure I have a place to stay — because on my official visa document, it says that my residency is Pepperdine University, and last year, I wasn’t staying on campus.” Jinkaojai, on the other hand, said each year she studies in the U.S., she has to renew her visa. Because she thought she would be on campus in spring 2021, Jinkaojai got her visa for her first year at Pepperdine, but it expired without her ever using it. “I had to redo my visa, which is a long process — and a pricey one too,” Jinkaojai said. Briede came to campus to play beach volleyball in spring 2021 and said while she was lucky to get her visa just days before COVID-19 closures began, she sympathizes with other international students who had to wait over six months for theirs.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTINE BRIEDE Kristine Briede (center) plays a Spring 2021 game on the Pepperdine Women’s Beach Volleyball team. Briede moved to Malibu to practice with the team in 2021 but faced restrictions relating to campus life due to COVID-19. Takeaways of Online Learning Asynchronous learning as an international student was a challenge that Jinkaojai said shaped her into a more proactive and independent student that she will continue to be in her in-person classes. “It helped me become a more aware student and more responsible student in a way of taking ownership of my education,” Jinkaojai said. Yagci said online learning showed her that being in a classroom makes a difference in understanding the words her professors are saying better, processing concepts and asking questions, because English is her second language. “You’re still learning English, it’s a never-ending process,” Yagci said. “And on top of that, you’re asked to absorb all of this academic information through a screen

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and then come back in person and know about it, which I’m sure is going to be really challenging for a lot of international students.” Being in Pacific Time Zone allowed Briede more time in her schedule to learn, study and practice than in her home country. International Students Feel Excitement For the Return to Campus When first living in Malibu, Briede said the culture shock of the United States was exciting to her. Briede said she cannot wait to get to know more domestic and international students through on-campus organizations. As an international student ambassador, Jinkaojai said she is excited to make friends but nervous for the adjustment from two years of virtual school to in-person classes so far from her home in Thailand.

“Meeting people your age all the time could be fun, but it could also be a challenge where there’s so much newness around you that you forget to ground yourself,” Jinkaojai said. Yagci said she is looking forward to being an international student ambassador on campus during her final year at Pepperdine because of her own positive experience as a first-year. “When I first came to Pepperdine, we had that international student orientation which introduced me to so many people from other cultures,” Yagci said. “But we’re sharing a unique experience as international students that makes us kind of click and hold on to each other.”

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LIFE & ARTS Music department navigates transition from remote to in-person

RYAN BRINKMAN | PHOTO EDITOR Pepperdine’s Music Building is one of the most obvious buildings located on the main campus. Due to COVID-19, students didn’t have full access to the building and practice rooms. STELLA ZHANG STAFF WRITER The Music Building at Pepperdine has long served for Music students to practice and learn skills that are pertinent to their success of becoming phenomenal musicians. Because of COVID-19, Music students didn’t have full access to on-campus resources last year. Students expressed their excitement about finally being able to have in-person classes this fall.

Senior Music major Michael Gullo, a performer of classic guitar, said taking private music lessons on Zoom with Professor Christopher Parkening and Professor Kevin Enstrom this past year was difficult, and it took him quite some time to get used to. “I’m very excited for this fall semester,” Gullo said. “I just had my first in-person class this past summer session, so it made me look forward to the fall even more — and the interaction and hospitality of people in real life, especially from those I knew

from the music program.” Senior Music major Edward Li, a cello player, said the practice rooms had limited access even when students were on campus during the 2020-21 academic year. “I don’t think there will be limited access this fall, which is good,” Li said. “The practice room plays an important role in the preparation of concerts and musical studies.” Practice room policies for the fall semester, however, have yet to be finalized

due to a surge of Delta Variant cases in Los Angeles. “The plan, as of now, is that we will not have to monitor/assign student use of studios or practice rooms once the fall semester begins, so that is one aspect of normal life, at least, that will return,” said Bradley Griffin, professor of Theatre and divisional dean of the Fine Arts Division.

SEE MUSIC | B4

Body and Soul: Experience church in the woods tree had finished swaying from my long ride, I found myself hugging and welcoming all the new stuAs my first week on campus dents who had come to check it began, I was eager to attend the out — recognizing some students outdoor church where many of my out of the multitude I had met first-year memories were made — during the Year 2 Welcome. The Gathering. The table out front had conThis local church that meets tainers I mistakingly took for waSunday mornings stirs my body, ter, but coffee was pouring out. soul and five senses through its As I took a sip, I quickly realized natural elements. These are ele- black coffee is not my forte. While ments worthy of a story because it is a lovely church classic, I wasn’t they are part of an experience in willing to figure out the science which I devoted all my energy of creamers and sugars this very and enthusiasm. Here, I find a morning. wonderful sense of family amid The acoustic-based worship the oceanside trees tucked behind music started, set up on a small Zuma Beach. wooden stage under the church The aroma of pines and morn- tent, and the audience began to ing dew felt adamantly present sing along to classics like “Build with the 10 a.m. mist over the Pa- My Life,” including lyrics that read cific Ocean, those chilly Malibu “Open up my eyes in wonder.” mornings familiar to our beachThere’s nothing like the satisside community. faction of knowing a song or two As the worship music began in church. Even through guitars, to play, and the rope swing in the cajóns, finger tambourines and corner of the church under an oak more — all I could hear was the

BETH GONZALES LIFE & ARTS EDITOR

sound of singing voices lifting and warmly circulating the air around me. After the year we’ve had, a sense of peace was a delightful change. “I want people to encounter the Holy Spirit, a feeling of love and being filled,” senior and Worship Leader Lily Dyer said. “I love seeing people engaged, with their eyes closed and swaying a little bit, they’re talking to the Lord in that moment.” As Pastor Brian Kelly began to speak, he emphasized Acts 20 and Paul’s farewell talk to the elders, asking, if we could have one last talk with our family and friends, what would it be? This church often raises such interesting and

important questions. Kelly spoke on the three truths regarding the sacred responsibility in loving one another as well. These included team effort, the glue of generosity and tears of prayer. Reminding us that, in moments of weakness, a Christ-centered church should work as a team — this reminds me of what Pepperdine should be.

SEE BODY AND SOUL | B4

ABBY WILT | PIXEL EDITOR

Life & Arts Editor Beth Gonzales (and the author of this piece) spends time under an oak tree on the famous rope swing. The Gathering had many Pepperdine students serve in their children’s ministry during the 2020-21 academic year and over the summer.

AUG U ST 3 0 , 2 0 2 1 | LI FE AN D ARTS | PE PPE RDI N E G R A P H I C M E D I A B2 Album Review: ‘Solar Power’ symbolizes Lorde’s escape from chaos YAMILLAH HURTADO LIFE & ARTS COPY EDITOR Kiwi singer-songwriter Lorde broke her four-year hiatus and gifted us her dazzling third album, “Solar Power.” The album, released Aug. 20 with Universal Music Group, brilliantly showcases Lorde’s growth as both an artist and a woman, as well as her reflections on the resilience of our planet through melancholic melodies and vulnerable lyricism. Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor gave herself the stage name “Lorde” due to her fascination with royalty, which makes the title of her debut single “Royals” all the more superb. “Royals” won the singer fame at 16 years old when it was released in 2013. The electro-pop song gave listeners a rare sound along with relatable lyrics about living an ordinary life but wanting something more. Lorde’s approach to pop music in “Royals” was refreshing to listeners, and it allowed her to become the youngest female artist to top Billboard’s Hot 100 list since 1987. Shortly after, Lorde released her debut album “Pure Heroine” — an album that captures the thrill and angst that comes with being a teenager — in September 2013. Four years later, fans were eager to get their hands on her second album, “Melodrama,” an

electrifying record that touches on what it’s like to endure heartbreak as a woman. Once the Melodrama World Tour came to a close in the fall of 2018, Lorde retreated to her homeland and disappeared from the world. She fled from the public eye by logging off social media and taking a break from music. Lorde used this time to reconnect with friends, family, nature and most importantly, herself. In February 2019, Lorde embarked on a journey to a land where few get the opportunity to go — Antarctica. The trip allowed the singer to see the reality of climate change — an issue that holds great importance to her. Lorde’s enchantment with the strength of the natural world grew, and she decided to share her experience through memoirs and photos in her book, “Going South,” released June 4. The musician used her time away from the world to find her new sound and voice. The lessons she learned in Antarctica and back in New Zealand carry into the lyrics of this serene album. Lorde painfully sings about the destruction of the planet in the fifth track, “Fallen Fruit.” After explaining that “the ones who came before us” made irrevocable damage to our planet and we have no choice but to see the end of days, she croons, “How can I love what I know I am gonna lose?” Her passion for the climate

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LORDE.CO.NZ Lorde frolics on a sandy beach beneath the sun rays for her album cover. The self-proclaimed “prettier Jesus” wrote and co-produced all tracks on the album. crisis not only carries throughout her heart-wrenching lyrics but also her merchandise that she released in this era. Lorde collaborated with EVERYBODY. WORLD, a company that makes

Lorde sways underneath the beaming sun in her psychedelic-styled tour poster. On June 21, Lorde announced her third tour, “The Solar Power Tour,” which will begin February 2022 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

their clothing with 100% recycled cotton as a way to reduce energy and water. Her eco-friendly merch can be found on her website and at future concerts for her upcoming tour, “The Solar Power Tour” — set to begin in February 2022 in Lorde’s homeland. Fans can expect a more stripped-down and laid-back vibe at her future shows to match the energy of this new album. The title track and first single of the album, “Solar Power,” is a groovy ode to summer bliss. In it, Lorde expresses her adoration of sun-kissed skin and the freedom of the sunny season, saying, “My cheeks in high colour, overripe peaches / No shirts, no shoes, only my features,” as well as describing her hiatus with lyrics, “I throw my cellular device in the water / Can you reach me? No, you can’t.” This lively song is the most vibrant track and stands out in an album filled with soft folk tunes. Lorde’s transition from her usual energetic ballads to her sweet calmness heard on “Solar Power” symbolizes her real-life efforts to flee from the chaos of the world and her pop star lifestyle during her break. Listeners can understand the growth that went on in Lorde’s life during those four years when they hear lyrics like “Now the cherry-black lipstick’s gathering dust in a drawer / I don’t need her anymore” in “Ocean Feeling,” alluding to her signature look during her “Pure Heroine” era. Lorde is telling fans that she’s matured and is no longer the person she used to be. In the song’s outro, Lorde sings, “Was enlightenment found? / No, but I’m tryin’, takin’ it one year at a time.” She recognizes she has yet to become the person she wants to be. Lorde worked alongside producer and long-time friend Jack Antonoff — producer for the

world’s biggest pop artists, including such as Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift — for the creation of “Solar Power.” The record consists of 12 songs, including singles “Solar Power,” “Stoned at the Nail Salon” and “Mood Ring.” Clairo — fellow Antonoff collaborator — and Phoebe Bridgers provided backup vocals in the form of siren-like harmonies for six of the tracks. While the artist’s previous albums contain synth and digital beats, “Solar Power” embraces an organic tone with the simplistic usage of the acoustic guitar, drum kit, the occasional hum of cicadas and ambient city noise. This change in musicality prompted criticism because Lorde became a trailblazer in the music industry for the electro-pop sound she abandoned in this new era. After all, fans and critics waited four years for “Solar Power” and perhaps were expecting Lorde’s usual teenage angst and thus were disappointed to hear her mellow side. But maybe that’s the point: Lorde isn’t a teenager anymore. She is a 24-year-old woman who grew tremendously in the past few years. “Solar Power” is a record produced from Ella’s heart. It spotlights her dreams, doubts, grief and her fear for the future. Lorde traded her coming-ofage tunes filled with explosive sounds for a raw look at her inner-self; although some fans are hesitant to take that peek, Lorde welcomes listeners with open arms as she sings, “Come one, come all, I’ll tell you my secrets.” Listeners can stream the stunning, summery album that is “Solar Power” on Apple Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify.

YAMILLAH.HURTADO@PEPPERDINE.EDU

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Summer movie recap: Blockbusters are back ADDIE WHITEN LIFE & ARTS ASSISTANT Summer is always a busy season for movies as studios release hopeful blockbusters and try to capitalize on the extra free time many people have in the summer months. This summer, however, was especially full of new releases, as many films originally slated to premiere in 2020 finally debuted. After missing the 2020 summer film season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, audiences and studios alike anxiously anticipated this summer’s massive lineup. Even amid these unusual circumstances, the films that came out this summer included big hits and big misses — a feature of every summer season. Box office success defines blockbuster films, and no one is more familiar with that success than director M. Night Shyamalan. His film “Old” premiered July 23 and topped the box office during its first weekend. “Old” tells the story of a group of guests at a tropical resort who end up on a secluded beach where they all begin to age rapidly. Increasingly disturbing events occur as they try to find a way off the beach and understand what’s happening. In typical Shyamalan style, this film includes a plot twist in its third act and is characterized by its unique cinematography and strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps and Alex Wolff. While it’s not one of Shyamalan’s best films, due to its simple premise and anticlimactic conclusion, it is a fun and suspenseful movie that is perfect for summer, as proven by its financial success. The horror genre also had a very successful summer, both in theaters and on streaming services. The latest installment in the Conjuring franchise, “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” was a box office hit, while Netflix’s “Fear

Street” trilogy saw success with viewers at home. “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” is the third installment in the Conjuring series. With Michael Chaves directing, this is the the first to be directed by someone other than James Wan. The film premiered in theaters and on HBO Max on June 4 as part of Warner Brothers’ deal with the streaming platform to showcase new releases on the site for 30 days after their theatrical release.

Even amid these unusual circumstances, the films that came out this summer included big hits and big misses — a feature of ever y summer season. ADDIE WHITEN, Life & Arts Assistant Chaves’ Conjuring entry follows his lackluster 2019 directorial debut, “The Curse of La Llorona.” His sophomore effort, however, is much improved and rivals both the previous installments in the film series. Tonally, his vision is more vibrant than Wan’s, a refreshing change of pace for the franchise that includes a terrifying rendition of Blondie’s “Call Me” and a lovely romance subplot for the franchise’s main characters, Ed and Lorraine Warren. While “The Conjuring: The

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Devil Made Me Do It” premiered both in theaters and on streaming, Netflix’s “Fear Street” trilogy is available exclusively on the streaming giant, and each installment debuted individually over the course of three weeks. The trilogy is based on R.L. Stine’s book series by the same name and follows the tragic and supernatural events that occur to teens in the town of Shadyside. The three films are set in 1994, 1978 and 1666, respectively. There are unique casts in the first two parts, followed by every actor making an appearance in the finale. All three parts are directed by Leigh Janiak. Featuring three unique period pieces, a cast full of talented young actors and truly compelling storylines, the “Fear Street” trilogy accomplishes exactly what it aims to: entertaining and frightening teenagers. These films are clearly geared toward a younger audience and are hugely successful in connecting with that demographic. The only real problem with the series is how clearly it takes inspiration from an already popular Netflix property: “Stranger Things.” The opening scene of the first part of the series, “Fear Street: 1994,” sees Maya Hawke working late in a stylized, neon-lit mall. Maya Hawke’s character in “Stranger Things” works in a near-identical mall setting, making this an odd choice by Janiak, as the series is otherwise very original — except, of course, for the casting of another “Stranger Things” star, Sadie Sink. While “Fear Street” delivered a new take on teen horror, Disney’s summer lineup was mostly lacking in new ideas. Led by “Cruella,” based on the iconic “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” villain, “Black Widow,” the Marvel heroine’s first solo film and “Jungle Cruise,” a cinematic reimagining of the popular and controversial ride of the same name, Disney played it safe in theaters

with recognizable stories. They relegated their original content, like “Luca,” to a Disney+ streaming-only premiere, while other films saw theatrical and streaming releases. Despite “Black Widow” arriving in the Marvel Cinematic Universe much later than it should have, the titular character’s solo debut is exciting and features stellar performances from its cast, particularly Florence Pugh and David Harbour. The focus on the iconic female hero and her family dynamic at the heart of the film’s story, especially between Pugh and Scarlett Johansson, gives new life to an often boring and repetitive franchise.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

As the long-awaited 2021 summer film season comes to an end, the future of the in-theater movie experience looks hopeful. As the pandemic continues, audiences can expect more same-day streaming and theatrical releases and the difficulties that accompany them, especially as studios prepare for an even bigger time for theaters: the holiday season.

ADDIE.WHITEN@PEPPERDINE.EDU

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MARVEL STUDIOS

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MUSIC: Musicians adapt to indoor guidance FROM B1 Pepperdine Music majors expressed their eagerness to know more about what the in-person policies would be. Gullo said what he learned about the practice policies so far is that they should be on a first-come, firstserved basis. It may change depending on what LA County says about its COVID-19 precautions in the near future. With the guidelines from LA County and the University administration, it is hard for the Music department to make plans regarding rehearsals and concerts at the moment, said Pierre Tang, director of Instrumental Ensemble and assistant professor of Music. There is a mask mandate in place for all indoor activities, except when the room is occupied by one single person only, which means students cannot play woodwind and brass instruments indoors as part of an ensemble, Tang said. The Fine Arts faculty members had week-

ly meetings to make a case for an outdoor rehearsal space for ensembles’ rehearsals, sectionals, lessons and studio classes, etc. Regarding outdoor concerts, “we can have Music at 3, ensemble concerts, Founders Day performances, etc.,” Tang wrote. The Pepperdine Music Department and Music students are navigating how to transition from remote instruction to in-person. For Music majors, these classes are essential because they are the foundation of studies and preparation for grad school, auditions, jobs and so much more. Brittany Weinstock, a junior Vocal Music major, said the faculty recommended some effective singing masks to use that don’t affect resonance and make it easier to sing than a normal mask. “I’d say for any art that really requires the use of the face/mouth — sing, wind/brass instruments, acting — the newly re-implemented mask mandate is difficult and sometimes frustrating,” Weinstock said. “For any

[Expression] helps convey the emotions of the piece to the audience and allows us to really invest ourselves into what we are doing and showing that externally. BRITTANY WEINSTOCK, junior vocal music major performance art, expression is key. It helps convey the emotions of the piece to the audi-

ence and allows us to really invest ourselves into what we are doing and showing that externally.” The Music Department is grateful for students’ flexibility and patience as they come up with a plan for a year ahead that is both full of uncertainty and hope, Tang said. The faculty will continue to communicate with the University administrators to learn about the latest COVID-19 protocols and announce the plan for the 2022 music season accordingly. “Last year was definitely more difficult than this, since we weren’t in person at all and had to do everything virtually, so I am grateful at least we are back in person,” Weinstock said. “I can only hope accommodations will be made and we will find a way forward through this pandemic to continue making the art we love and sharing it with the community around us.” STELLA.ZHANG3@PEPPERDINE.EDU

BODY AND SOUL: Beachside worship FROM B1 “I want Pepperdine students to feel a deeper love for Christ and His Word, and for you guys to develop healthy Christ-centered friendships,” Kelly said. The day ended with more worship, a pleasant way to bookend the experience. One of the heartwarming glimpses I caught was parents dancing with their children after they spent time during the service playing in the grass, and people of

all ages with their hands in the air as they surrendered. Pepperdine alumna (‘19) and volunteer Sierra Perry said she joined The Gathering years ago after a day of surfing and has been coming ever since. “I didn’t have shoes on, and I had wet hair, and I said, ‘This is the spot,’” Perry said. “I love getting to be outside because I worship more intimately with God. It is a super special thing having families in this area who have de-

cided to come in and love on me.” But the most incredible sight to see was the people themselves. Together, for the first time or not, hopefully with many more to come.

BETH.GONZALES@PEPPERDINE.EDU

BETH GONZALES | LIFE & ARTS EDITOR Worship leader and senior Lily Dyer smiles after she hops offstage from a time of worship and song. Dyer played guitar and led with vocals.

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SPORTS Pepp student-athletes market their name, image and likeness KARL WINTER DIGITAL EDITOR The glass ceiling of NCAA amateurism rules is broken. Collegiate student-athletes are now free to profit off their own names, images and likenesses (NIL) and market their own brands, after the NCAA bent under legal pressure from eight states June 30. Name, image and likeness are three elements that make up a legal concept known as the “right of publicity.” Common examples of these elements in sports include athletes’ names on merchandise, an athlete making an appearance on a commercial or advertisement and a portrayal of an athlete appearing in a video game. “It’s one of those things you never think that you’re going to see in your time,” fifth-year soccer player Calista Reyes said. “My initial thought was, ‘That’s awesome.’” While student-athletes still cannot earn money simply for playing their sport, they can now collect endorsement deals and make money from brands simply due to their status as student-athletes. “We’re very supportive of this and it is a long time coming,” said Amanda Kurtz, Pepperdine’s associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator. “Student-athletes, like normal students, should be able to profit off their name, image and likeness.” Pepperdine student-athletes cannot use Pepperdine logos and marks without explicit approval from the University, but they are now able to identify themselves as such in public appearances and make money off their own social media channels. How it Happened California was the first state to pass an NIL bill September 2019, when California Senate Bill No. 206 established rules set to go into effect Jan. 1, 2023. Many other states followed suit, and eight of these states enacted NIL legislation with an earlier effective date — July 1. As this date neared, neither the NCAA nor Congress put together rules of their own, which would encompass all schools. Instead, June 30, the NCAA punted — schools would either follow their local state rules, if their state had an NIL law effective July 1, or they could develop their own rules regarding NIL. Pepperdine decided to proactively follow California’s bill, which state senators expedited to make effective Sept. 1, 2021, rather than in 2023. The foremost clause of the bill, and Pepperdine Athletics’ interim NIL policy sent to student-athletes, reads as follows: “A postsecondary educational institution shall not uphold any rule,

requirement, standard, or other limitation that prevents a student of that institution participating in intercollegiate athletics from earning compensation as a result of the use of the stud e n t ’s name, im-

age, or likeness. Earning compensation from the use of a student’s name, image, or likeness shall not affect the student’s scholarship eligibility.” Twenty-one states passed some sort of NIL bill by July 1, but each one is distinctive, so the NCAA and Congress continue to work on an overarching federal bill. Benefits Student-athletes from large schools and athletic programs are not the only ones benefitting from NIL rules. “At first I was like, ‘There’s no reason for me to do this — I’m not famous, I’m not going to be useful in this,’” senior volleyball player Lily Dyer said. “But as I thought about it, I realized that it’s actually very practical for all athletes.” Dyer said she can now coach for club volleyball teams and camps and appear in the club’s social media posts. She can promote her favorite restaurants and coffee shops without worry of getting in trouble for advertising. Dyer can also become one of thousands of Barstool Athletes, which entails Barstool Sports promising student-athletes free merchandise and access to Barstool events if they identify themselves as Barstool Athletes in social media bios. “You have the freedom to use your social media how you want,” Dyer said. “I’m really grateful for this because it takes a huge burden off us.” Reyes mentioned student-athletes at smaller schools building relationships with startups and growing brands — a

SAMANTHA MILLER | ART EDITOR mutually beneficial trend of growth. Kurtz echoed this, saying local establishments and student-athletes could help each other with advertising and marketing. “The more the Malibu businesses realize how they can capitalize on you guys, it’ll be great,” Kurtz said. “It’ll be good for you guys to be able to earn some money and be entrepreneurs.” Reyes said she has seen fellow student-athletes become ambassadors for energy drinks, protein powders and clothing brands. Reyes and her teammate Chloe Gaynor appeared on the popular television game show “Wipeout” in May, in which they could label themselves as “D1 soccer players” but not as Pepperdine student-athletes. NCAA rules permitted the “Wipeout” appearance because anyone is eligible to apply to be on the show, but with the new NIL rules, they could earn a spot because of their status as student-athletes, as well as identify themselves as Pepperdine student-athletes. Pitfalls The new bills and NIL rules include nuances and potential difficulties, especially because they were written and passed with such haste. For one thing, brands could attempt to take advantage of student-athletes’ potential business inexperience and get them to sign away control of their own NIL. This is why Kurtz recommends student-athletes hire an agent

or legal representation to read through contracts and make sure they do not sign something with which they do not agree. “That would be the worst thing — you get excited, a brand is telling you the things you want to hear, but you’re not reading the fine print,” Reyes said. “You’re stuck, and that also scares me.” Agents must be certified by the state and registered in the country in order to represent student-athletes, and they can only seek NIL-related deals for their clients, not performance opportunities, Kurtz said. Pepperdine Athletics requires its student-athletes to submit potential contracts to the compliance office — Kurtz and her team — prior to signing, so they can evaluate whether the contract conflicts with any Athletic or team contracts. “We’re not approving; we’re just telling you, ‘Hey there’s no conflict’ or ‘There is a conflict,’” Kurtz said. For example, a Pepperdine basketball player could not sign a contract with adidas that required the student-athlete to wear adidas apparel or shoes during Pepperdine games, because Pepperdine Basketball has a contract with Nike that requires the team to wear Nike gear during games. Additionally, international student-athletes and those receiving institutional financial aid must be careful with NIL contracts. Any money-earning endeavor could violate a student visa or cause a student to receive less grant money. Reyes said she is waiting to enter an NIL deal until she can determine the potential impacts on her institutional financial aid. “It can affect if you’re dependent on your parents’ taxes,” Reyes said. “If you’re a Pell Grant recipient, I know it can affect that too. Those are things that I personally am taking into account before I hop in.” Additionally, early NIL deals show schools can take advantage of loopholes in the NIL rules. BYU football players entered a deal with a local protein bar company, Built Bar, which will pay each non-scholarship player the amount of their tuition if they represent the company. Alabama sophomore quarterback Bryce Young, who threw 22 passes last season, earned more than $1 million in NIL deals between July 1 and July 20, because he is the presumed starting quarterback at one of the most wellknown football programs in the country. Is this simply a way for programs to get players money from boosters and companies without actually giving them scholarships? Will the new rules simply make the rich richer in collegiate athletics? Only time will tell. KARL.WINTER@PEPPERDINE.EDU

AU G U ST 3 0 , 2 0 2 1 | S PO RTS | PE PPE RDINE G R A P H I C M E D I A

Waves’ 2021 Olympics recap: Women lead the way ASHLEY MOWREADER MANAGING EDITOR Eight Pepperdine athletes competed in the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Three alumna earned medals at the games in women’s soccer, women’s tennis and women’s volleyball — the most female Pepperdine medalists in a single Olympics to date. The 2021 Olympic games, originally scheduled for summer 2020 in Tokyo, saw a rise of new challenges from the pandemic, with masking, testing and social distancing. Despite the obstacles, athletes rose to the occasion and to the podium. From Pepperdine Athletics, eight former Waves competed at the games. Three women brought home medals for their countries, the most female Pepperdine medalists at a single Olympics to date. Pepperdine has a total metal count of eight gold, eight silver and six bronze over 17 competitions since 1964. U.S. indoor volleyball player Kim Hill, U.S. soccer player Lynn Williams and Brazilian tennis player Luisa Stefani medaled. Outside hitter Kim Hill (’12) represented the U.S. team for indoor volleyball. The 2021 Olympics was Hill’s second appearance at the Olympics, having previously competed in Rio in 2016. The U.S. team brought home gold from Tokyo, making Hill the first Pepperdine alumna to receive a gold medal at the Olympics. Hill was the only Wave to medal in the 2016 Rio games and the first to

win gold since 2008. Hill told Portland news organization KGW8 she planned to retire after the 2020 Olympics and the delay of the games extended her volleyball career. “To be honest, this year of working through things has been a blessing and a big gift,” said Hill in a July 14 piece. “I think we are way more ready this year than last year, for sure.” During her time as a Wave playing indoor and outdoor volleyball, Hill earned distinctions as an All-American on the indoor volleyball team three times and earned AVCA All-American first team honors for her performance on the court and on the sand. Since graduating, Hill played volleyball domestically and abroad, earning MVP honors when the U.S. won gold at the FIVB World Championships in 2014. Lynn Williams (’15) also earned a medal for Team USA in Tokyo as part of the Women’s Soccer Team. Williams made headlines as a last-minute addition to the team who scored and added an assist in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands. “I think that this team thrives under pressure, and myself, I had nothing to lose. I came here as an alternate so I just went out there and said, ‘You know what? Try to make a difference. Do what you can do,’” Williams said in an Aug. 1 article for AP. “I was just so excited to get out there and play.” Originally designated as an alternate, Williams became an Olympian only after FIFA and

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEPPERDINE ATHLETICS the IOC allowed teams to expand their rosters and bring alternates. Williams played three of six games with the team, starting in two and her role in the quarterfinal match was unmistakable. The team left the games with a bronze medal after defeating Australia, 4-3. While at Pepperdine, Williams scored 39 goals during her career, the second-highest record for the Waves. Williams was also named the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League MVP and played for three NWSL championship teams. Luisa Stefani (’18) competed at her first Olympics in Tokyo for her home country of Brazil in the women’s doubles with partner Laura Pigossi. Stefani and Pigossi earned the bronze, winning four of their five matches and notably got the first tennis medal for Brazil. Stefani also competed in the mixed doubles with Marcelo

Malo, finishing ninth. Stefani competed for three seasons at Pepperdine, earning All-American honors each year and reaching the semifinals of the 2016 NCAA singles tournament. Post-grad, Stefani is ranked 23rd in the world for women’s doubles, having reached the doubles quarterfinals of the U.S. Open and the third round of both the Australian Open and French Open. Along with Stefani, Mayar Sherif (’18) competed in the women’s single tennis tournament for Egypt. Sherif lost in the first round of the tournament. Pepperdine hall of fame member Jesse Smith (’06) competed at his fifth Olympics as a member of the U.S. Men’s Water Polo, placing sixth overall. Jon Moscot (’12) competed at his first Olympics for Israel’s base-

ball team, finishing in fifth place. Moscot started the first game pitching for Israel but left the game due to injury in the first inning. Women’s golfer Danielle Kang competed in her first Olympics for the U.S., making history as the Pepperdine’s first golfer to make it to the games. Kang played two seasons at Pepperdine in 2010 and 2011 and tied for 20th at the Olympics out of 60 competitors. Canadian Miranda Ayim (’10) competed in women’s basketball at the Olympics, her third appearance at the games. Ayim served as a flag bearer for Canada at the Opening Ceremony and Canada finished ninth in the competition.

ASHLEY.MOWREADER@PEPPERDINE.EDU

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WHAT: WOMEN’S SOCCER VS. UC RIVERSIDE WHERE: RIVERSIDE , CALIF. WHEN: 7:30 PM, PDT

NO SPORTS :(

WHAT: WOMEN’S SOCCER VS. LIP SCOMB WHERE: NASHVILLE , TENN. WHEN: 4:00 PM, PDT

WHAT: WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL VS. KANSAS STATE WHERE: SANTA BARBAR A , CALIF. WHEN: 3:00 PM, PDT

WHAT: XC @ MARK COVERT CL ASSIC WHERE: BRE A , CALIF. WHEN: 8:30 AM, PDT WHAT: MEN’S WATER POLO VS. CALIFORNIA BAPTIST / UC SAN DIEGO WHERE: L A JOLL A , CALIF. WHEN: 8:30 AM, PDT / 12:30 PM, PDT WHAT: WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL VS. SAN DIEGO STATE / UC SANTA BARBAR A WHERE: SANTA BARBAR A , CALIF. WHEN: 10:00 AM, PDT / 7:00 PM, PDT