Pepperdine Graphic Print Edition 02.16.24

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THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC

BHM Volume LII

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Issue 6

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February 16, 2024

Pepperdine celebrates Shalom Montgomery News Assistant Since its establishment in 1976 under the presidency of Gerald Ford, Black History Month — commonly referred to as BHM — has been a principal celebration of the Black American identity. For decades following, Black communities around the nation have celebrated the annual observance of Black culture and history, according to NPR. Each year, certain government bodies or cultural organizations choose a special theme that magnifies a certain aspect of Black culture. In 2022, it was Black Health and Wellness. In 2023, it was Black Resistance, according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH).

Now, in 2024, the theme is African Americans and the Arts.

Throughout the nation, individuals, communities and universities can reflect on Black Americans’ impact on music, fashion, literature, film and more, according to the ASSALH. Pepperdine is hosting several

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Black History Month

events that encompass this theme.

On Feb. 14, Pepperdine hosted a film screening of the documentary “Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom,” followed by a panel discussion with Rasool Berry. This award-winning film follows Berry as he facilitates conversations with fellow Texans whose ancestors were emancipated June 19, 1865.

On Feb. 15, Pepperdine will welcome Mathew Knowles, record executive and former manager for his daughters, Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, and Kenny Lattimore, a Grammy Award nominee singer-songwriter. Knowles plans to discuss the tremendous impact African American musicians have had on the music genre, according to a Feb. 5 email from English and Film Professor Joi Carr.

Payson Library In Payson Library, the university has a physical and virtual display of works written by influential Civil Rights Movement figures. These resources include biographical works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and more.

“During the 1900s and

Jim Crow, access to education was very unknown,” senior Timothy Jackson said. “Now that we have access to education, Black History Month is a time to celebrate that.”

An important aspect of Black History Month is acknowledging those who advocated for Black education, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Brown v. Board of Education is the cornerstone for education equality, so Pepperdine has included a new entry in its Special Collections. With a landmark unanimous decision, the Supreme Court declared the segregation of public schools a violation of the 14th Amendment and unconstitutional, according to the National Archives.

One individual who had a lasting impact on this case is Marion Thompson-Wright. Wright was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D., and her doctoral dissertation is titled “The Education of Negroes in New Jersey.” Her work was cited in the Brown v. Board argument and played an important role in the decision, according to the American Historical Association’s Perspectives on History.

Remembering

ALEC Kesheshian

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Decades later, Pepperdine acquired Wright’s works and made them available to the public in Special Collections. Boone Special Collections and Archives is located on the second floor of Payson Library and consists of “unique, physical artifacts” from significant historical eras.

The Marion Thompson Wright Collection consists of rough drafts of her dissertation, cassette tapes of interviews with her, personal effects and more.

Black Student Association One of the main communities celebrating Black History Month is the Black Student Association (BSA).

Its mission is to “promote unity and cultural awareness, as well as to expose the Pepperdine community to the unique and universal qualities and traits of Black cultures,” according to its Peppervine account.

“BSA is a unique community because you have people from different demographics, from all around the country,” Jackson said. “And they’re trying to find their homeostasis here at Pepperdine.”

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February 16, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Upcoming events...

Good News: Wearing heirlooms to honor loved ones’ memories Feb. 20

Marley Penagos Assistant Designer

Coffee and Commuters | Student life Pepperdine Student Activities wants to get to know our commuting students!

If you commute to campus, join us on the Patio Terrace from noon to 2 p.m., for coffee and doughnuts with Student Activities.

I’ll be the first to admit it — I am very forgetful. I try to write things down or make notes and reminders in my phone, but with how quickly life seems to be moving, I am bound to forget a thing or two.

But, amid life’s chaos, there’s one constant: the weight of two necklaces draped around my neck, each a link to a family legacy.

Thanks to the fact that I almost never take them off, they have become a staple in my life. Each necklace was passed down from loved ones and will one day become my family heirlooms.

An heirloom, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations.

Necklace number one is a cross made up of 11 tiny deep blue stones set in gold metal and dangling from a thin gold chain. Before it was passed to me, it belonged to my dad’s aunt, Irma, whom we call “Tía Lely.” She gifted it to me recently, and when I called her to talk about it, she told me it had been one of her favorite pieces in her jewelry collection.

After my maternal great-grandma, Vera, nicknamed “Great Abba,” died, her daughter — my

Feb. 22 Women’s Basketball vs. Pacific Cheer on the Women’s Basketball team on Thursday at Firestone Fieldhouse, 6 p.m., PST.

Feb. 23 Baseball vs. Western Michigan Come show support for our very own baseball team on Friday at the Eddy D. Field Stadium, 1:30 p.m., PST

Feb. 29 Black History Month Celebration Join us at the Center for Global Partnerships and Learning at 5:30 p.m., through a fun virtual cooking session with Joseph and Denise Gordon.

Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor On the left sits my gold cross necklace with blue stones, and on the right is my gold and opal ring on its chain. These pieces of jewelry have been passed down through generations with love and care.

grandma — distributed her jewelry among all of Vera’s great-grandchildren.

I was lucky enough to receive a ring and a pair of earrings. Her birthstone was opal, so all of her jewelry was made of the beautiful, rainbow-flecked gemstone.

The second necklace is home to one of my Great Abba’s many rings. The ring is tiny — too big for my pinky but too small for my ring finger — so, I keep it on the chain instead. It’s gold too, with a small, round opal held in place by eight tiny prongs.

When I catch my reflection in the mirror, I recognize that these necklaces aren’t just

sparkly adornments; they’re near-permanent reminders of the strength, wisdom and love of the women before me.

In every glance, I carry their laughter warmth and spirit.

In the daily dance of forgetfulness, these necklaces are unwavering, reminding me of the line of amazing humans who have come before me. It is their love that is with me always — a legacy I proudly wear around my neck.

marley.penagos@pepperdine.edu

“Pepperdine Graphic Media (PGM) is an editorially independent student news organization that focuses on Pepperdine University and the surrounding communities. PGM consists of the digital and print Graphic, a variety of special publications, GNews, Currents Magazine, social media platforms and an Advertising Department. These platforms serve the community with news, opinion, contemporary information and a public forum for discussion. PGM strengthens students for purpose, service and leadership by developing their skills in writing, editing and publication production, by providing a vehicle to integrate and implement their liberal arts education, and by developing students’ critical thinking through independent editorial judgment. PGM participates in Pepperdine’s Christian mission and affirmations, especially the pursuit of truth, excellence and freedom in a context of public service. Although PGM reports about Pepperdine University and coordinates with curricula in journalism and other disciplines, it is a student (not a University) news organization. Views expressed are diverse and, of course, do not correspond to all views of any University board, administration, faculty, staff, student or other constituency.”

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February 16, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Remembering

ALEC Kesheshian Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor

Pepperdine University honors Alec Kesheshian’s life with a drop-in memorial service in Stauffer Chapel on Feb. 12. The service was a time for reflection and prayer. Photo by Mary Elisabeth

Campus mourns the loss of student Nina Fife & Abby Wilt News Editor & Executive Editor Pepperdine University is mourning the loss of Seaver College senior Alec Kesheshian. Kesheshian was from Los Angeles and was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Advertising, according to a University press release.

Kesheshian died Jan. 30, according to the press release. He was involved in a car crash on Jan. 25, when a driver ran a red light and collided with Kesheshian’s car, Connie Horton wrote in a Jan. 31 email to the community.

“I am deeply saddened to hear

the news,” said Wangari Njathi, assistant professor of Integrated Marketing Communication, according to the press release. “Alec was a vibrant presence in my class, always smiling and answering questions.”

Kesheshian was a fashion entrepreneur who owned God’s Dream, a lifestyle clothing company inspired by his travels to Italy and Japan. Kesheshian started the company when he was 16 years old and opened a store on Melrose Avenue in 2020, according to the press release.

His work has been featured in prominent magazines such as Forbes, London Daily Post, American Daily Post and Disrupt Magazine, according to the press release.

“We would like to say that the loss of a member of our broader Armenian diaspora deeply saddens us,” said Mary Karapetyan, vice president of the Armenian Student Association.

“Given that the Armenian community is extremely small in both Pepperdine and Los Angeles, such losses are much more heart-rending, even if we did not have the opportunity to personally know the individual.”

The University hosted a drop-in memorial service in Stauffer Chapel on Feb. 12, to honor Kesheshian’s life.

The service was a time of prayer and celebration of Kesheshian and the impact he made on all of his friends and family who loved him, Horton wrote in a Feb. 2 email to the community.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Alec’s family, friends, and loved ones and keep them in our hearts during this time of grief,” Horton wrote. “Please join me in lifting up Alec’s family in prayer and remembering Alec as a beloved member of our Pepperdine community.”

nina.fife@pepperdine.edu abby.wilt@pepperdine.edu

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February 16, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

From A1 Pepperdine partnered with BSA to promote influential Black figures by posting an Instagram reel asking fellow Waves what popular Black person they would want to have dinner with.

The answers ranged from Kanye West to Thurgood Marshall.

“That was one way to not only engage current Pepperdine students and get the community talking but also to engage with the social media community as well,” Co-President of BSA Olivia Noell Baker said. “It helped past Pepperdine students and alumni see that BSA is still active and doing great things with the school.”

The club also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as Friendsgiving, an annual formal and a winter party.

On Feb. 8, the club hosted “Pepperdine Black Network: Wisdom for the Workplace,” which included a panel of Black Pepperdine alumni who shared their experience in the workplace environment post-grad. This event was a way for current BSA members to connect and network with alumni.

“It’s one thing to graduate from college,” Baker said. “It’s another thing to graduate from Pepperdine, especially being a Black Pepperdine alumni. This panel gave insight on what the work-

BHM force has looked like for them.”

BSA strives to connect Black students and create a familiar environment, thus easing the college transition, Jackson said.

“For me, I just do my best to recognize Black students and try to create a space to commune with one another,” Jackson said. “It’s just a matter of bringing that community together because I think we are stronger together.”

Acknowledgment of Pepperdine’s Areas of Improvement As the Waves community celebrates Black History Month, it’s also important to recognize that there is always room for improvement. One can commemorate Black culture while simultaneously acknowledging the need to become educated. Although Pepperdine continually makes efforts to celebrate Black individuals and culture, the University still has aspects to change, Baker sa.

“They could do a little bit more, even posting different facts about different people on their Instagram to celebrate,” Jackson said. “There is

definitely room for improvement, especially acknowledging it [Black History Month] and doing something about it. Even if it’s something more simple.”

The fact that the University holds events in February does not equate to perfect inclusion. Black Pepperdine students also still feel that the Pepperdine environment is not as inclusive and safe as it needs to be, Baker said.

“Our professors and students need to be aware that, while things like slavery are not still happening, we still have students saying things they shouldn’t be saying, especially in a classroom setting,” Baker said. “I think [fixing] that is really important, and it’s something Pepperdine needs to work at.”

Pepperdine’s goal of raising students in purpose, service and leadership has to be acknowledged in the discussion of race and inclusion, Baker said.

“You cannot be service-oriented if you’re also racist towards the people that you claim to be serving,” Baker said. “You cannot be a leader if you are claiming that people can’t understand you. A good leader does not talk down

Black History Month to somebody. A good leader lifts them up and looks them in the eyes exactly where they are.”

The Pepperdine community must take the personal initiative to educate themselves, while also encouraging others to take the same steps. Education on the history of Black people and understanding the harmful stereotypes placed on the community help reduce ignorance and increase inclusion, according to UCONN’s Center for Education Policy Analysis.

Whether it’s mandatory diversity training or simply starting a conversation with our Black peers about their experience as a minority at a predominantly white institution, education must be at the forefront of celebrating Black History Month, Baker said.

“Black History Month is a great way to recognize the fact that Black people have a history here and to talk about all the things that we have done and will do,” Baker said.

shalom.montgomery@pepperdine.edu

Passionate student takes over core chapel Nina Fife News Editor The Pepperdine community was shocked and confused when, during the first Core Chapel of spring semester Jan. 10, Jake Olson took to the stage to speak what he called “the truth.”

After a talk on goodness from Christopher Collins, a visiting professor of Organizational Behavior, Olson walked on stage and grabbed the microphone.

Olson said he disagreed with Collins’ claim that man can be good because God is good, and man is not.

“I’ve gotten more frustrated with the [religious] teaching at Pepperdine,” Olson said. “I had been frustrated with the teaching because I don’t think it’s biblical — a lot of the things they’ve said.

Often, they’ll take Scripture and take it out of context.”

The Chapel Office’s main topics for the semester are truth, love, goodness and beauty, according to the Seaver College website.

“I was thinking of it [goodness] in multiple ways — just the ways in which we understand God to be good on a profoundly divine level that goes way beyond humanity but then also how God’s goodness can inspire us to be good to each other,” Collins said.

Olson said he was growing increasingly frustrated with Collins’ talk, as he felt like it did not align with his interpretation of the Word. Olson pointed to James 3:1 to support his frustration as it states those “who teach will be judged more strictly.”

“When I was at this Core Chapel, I

was praying for the man [Collins] because I didn’t feel like he was handling God’s word rightly,” Olson said. “I was praying for him, and then, the thought kind of occurred to me to do something.”

Olson said his final point of disagreement was when Collins said to the crowd, “You are good.” He saw this as a direct disrespect to Jesus Christ and an File Photo undermining of the Christian faith.

Firestone Fieldhouse, photographed in 2020, is the location for each Core “Him coming into the world was not Chapel, which takes place on select Wednesday mornings. a testament to how good we are,” Olson said. “It’s a testament to how sinful we “I’m sorry that that was portrayed, but lationships with peers and leaders that are and how we need a savior because that was not at all my intention. My will allow you to share your insights, ask we are not good at all.” simple intention was to preach the only questions, and have deep conversations, There are Scripture verses Olson hope of good news.” including when disagreements arise,” said he interprets to signify man is “not Olson said his intent was not to dis- Luben wrote. good” such as Mark 10 and Romans 3, respect the girls’ memory.

Olson said he also found it extremely which both say “none is good.”

“My whole intention was actually disrespectful that students would not be “So, to say these things — man is to give people hope that death loses paying full attention during Chapel. good under the pretense of Scripture its sting when you place your faith in “His Word is supposedly being and goodness — is to completely per- Him,” Olson said. “I by no means want preached, and people are on their vert the entire truth of Christianity,” to bring any disrespect to them and the phones,” Olson said. “Even in prayer, Olson said. “That’s why I went up there. tragedy that happened.” people aren’t even paying homage I simply wanted to clear up that reality Zac Luben, director of Chapel, sent to their Creator. Young people are because that is just so fundamental.” an email Jan. 11, regarding the disrup- still talking [and] chattering on their Many students took to Fizz to ex- tion and this different interpretation of phones; it is very dishonoring to God.” press their feelings regarding the dis- the Bible.

Olson said he was escorted off camruption.

“The disruption of this past Wednes- pus while attempting to attend the Well While many asked questions about day’s Core Chapel was not appropriate; on Jan. 10, after being advised against whether Olson’s act was planned or not, however, it does show how two people doing so. As of Jan. 11, Olson said he Olson said this act was done “complete- who love Jesus do not always agree on was at his home in Orange County. ly by God’s grace” and was unplanned. important topics of human nature,” LuMuch of the other backlash on Fizz ben wrote. had to do with Olson’s timing. Collins’ The intention behind choosing love, talk included his memories as a profes- truth, goodness and beauty as themes sor about Peyton Stewart, one of the was to provide a “basis for robust confour Pepperdine seniors who lost their versations,” Luben wrote. lives on PCH. “In the small group Connection “I apologize for that,” Olson said. Chapels, we hope that you will build renina.fife@pepperdine.edu

February 16, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

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SGA creates, reintroduces committees Viviana Diaz News Assistant The Student Government Association brought back committees and implemented two new committees this year to give students a voice on campus for dining and spiritual life.

There were five committees: spiritual life, dining services, diversity, equity and inclusion, health and wellness and sustainability. These committees met every Wednesday at 11 a.m., and ran for four consecutive weeks, from Jan. 24, to Feb. 7, according to SGA President Michael Sugimoto.

The first week, all students were welcome to join and plan for ideas; the second week, administration joined the committees to hear students’ ideas and provide support; the third week was for drafting resolutions and the final, additional meeting was utilized to present resolutions to the SGA committee for approval but was not mandatory for all committee members, SGA Executive Vice President Myers Mentzer said.

Sugimoto said the meetings were a great way to hear from many students on campus.

“I think the importance of these committees is giving everybody an equal chance, platform and space to make their voice heard,” Sugimoto said.

Spiritual Life Committee Jillian George, first-year and chair of the Spiritual Life Committee, said her committee is new to Pepperdine, and their purpose is to find how they can serve students’ spiritually on campus.

“Spiritual Life Committee is just: How can we make students’ spiritual lives better on campus?” George said.

George said being in the committee has been very exciting because she has had the opportunity to meet various people.

“I’ve been able to meet lots of different people — a lot of girls from my grade that I have never been able to meet,” George said.

She said the committee is important to her because she is passionate about religion and students’ spiritual community.

“This committee is really special to me because I want to make sure that all students can have access to growing in their spiritual communities,” George said.

The committee discussed ideas with their official administration representative, Tim Spivey, associate vice president of Spiritual Life, George said.

Through the first three committee meetings, George said her committee finally drafted a resolution. She said the committee wants the Hub for Spiritual Life to adopt a program in which, for six weeks,

they shuttle first-year students and anyone who wants to grow spiritually to different churches to find their church.

“It’d be six weeks, six different churches, different denominations, so people can understand not only what each denomination is but find their church home,” George said.

Dining Services Committee The Dining Services Committee is also new and “serves to gather feedback and provide recommendations on the quality and satisfaction of students with food services on campus,” according to SGA’s Instagram.

Ellie Scoggins, sophomore and chair of the Dining Services Committee, said she chose to have a leadership role in the committee because she felt dining services are important for students.

“It [her leadership role for the Dining Services Committee] would make the most impact on students,” Scoggins said. “Everyone has to eat.”

Scoggins said she finds value in her role as a committee leader for Dining Services.

“I feel like it’d be really valuable to make sure that the food we’re getting is of high quality and it is meeting the needs of people who are all over Pepperdine,” Scoggins said.

She said there was no precedent for the Dining Service Committee prior to this year.

“It’s really interesting to see what could happen in the future regarding dining services and what leniency or what potential control SGA could have,” Scoggins said. “I know it’s a big concern for a lot of students.”

Scoggins said they thank Lisa Stone, Executive Director of Business Services and official administration representative for the Dining Services Committe for her time in letting them discuss their suggestions and ideas for her to take into consideration.

“She helped us really narrow down our goals,” Scoggins said.

Scoggins said the committee is trying to get transferable meal points due to the food insecurity that arises among students at the end of the semesters when they run out of meal points.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee “serves to create an inclusive environment on Seaver College Campus,” according to SGA’s Instagram.

Pinn Jingkaojai, senior and chair of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, said she has been drawn to the leadership role in her committee alongside her partner, Alyssa Williams.

Jingkaojai said she knows what it feels like to have to start

Liam Zieg | Assistant Photo Editor Sustainability Committee members listen to each other’s ideas Jan. 31, in the Howard A. White Center. The members explained some of their concerns to Administration Representative Ricky Eldridge.

over in a new community and feeling out of place.

“I love creating space for people to embrace their differences,” Jingkaojai said. “Especially in a community — that is what binds a community together.”

Jingkaojai said, through the weeks, committee members brought many great ideas but have narrowed them down to one goal.

“Ours is hopefully going to be around ASL, especially ASL at Pepperdine, as a language requirement or a waiver,” Jingkaojai said.

The committee met with Dr. Terra Hall, the official administration representative and associate dean of student affairs to discuss their ideas.

Health and Wellness Committee The Health and Wellness Committee “serves to ensure that Pepperdine University services meet the health, wellness and mental welfare of the student body. This includes, but is not limited to, educating and bringing awareness to issues relating to student well-being,” according to SGA’s Instagram.

Mentzer said the Health and Wellness Committee decided to work on bringing more awareness to resources that Pepperdine already has for students.

“It’s not necessarily a need for the program, but more of a need for marketing,” Mentzer said.

Myers said that the committee will be proposing the resolution of a “Week of Wellness” in the fall. This week would have collaborations with SWAB, the Counseling Center, Title IX and other organizations.

“We already have these great ideas, and students would just have better exposure to them,” Mentzer said.

This resolution could be an opportunity for students to get to know the administration for the Health and Wellness organizations, especially because the administration is trying to find better ways to connect with students, Mentzer said.

Mentzer said the committee

Jillian George (left) listens in her meeting with other members of the Spiritual Life Committee and offficial Administration Representative Tim Spivey on Jan. 31, in the Howard A. White Center. The Spiritual Life Committee met with Spivey to share their ideas and consider possible solutions.

and administration have both asked the question: “How can we bring more awareness to these already great campaigns that we have?”

Sustainability Committee The Sustainability Committee “serves to ensure that Pepperdine University promotes the best practices and commitments to sustainably maintain campus. This includes, but is not limited to, educating and bringing awareness to issues relating to sustainability,” according to the SGA Instagram.

In the Jan. 31 committee meeting, the Sustainability Committee had the chance to collaborate with Ricky Eldridge, the director for the Center of Sustainability and official administration representative, to discuss important ideas regarding sustainability on campus.

“They were mainly just talking about different things within Pepperdine such as composting, recycling—different ways that we can really be reducing our carbon footprint here on campus, especially with us being so close to the ocean,” Mentzer said.

Mentzer said Eldrige’s informational contribution to the second meeting helped educate students on the topic.

Tim Spivey provides his input on the Spiritual Life Committee ideas Jan. 31, in the Howard A. White Center. A few committee members sat with Spivey to share their ideas and concerns.

“He came and really gave students a deeper background about Pepperdine with sustainability and ways that are practical, efficient and that would work for students to implement,” Mentzer said.

The committees have now ended, and they presented the resolutions they curated at the Feb. 14 SGA meeting.

viviana.diaz@pepperdine.edu

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February 16, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Gabrielle Salgado | Digital Editor Councilmember Paul Grisanti (far right) proposed the addition of signage along PCH to promote safe driving at the Jan. 21 city council meeting. The signage will fuel the PR campaigns the city looks to employ.

Malibu continues the fight to make PCH safe Gabrielle Salgado Digital Editor At a Jan. 21 city council meeting, city leaders unanimously approved the exploration of safety measures to make PCH safe. The city also extended an agreement with CHP to increase patrol.

The Malibu City Council is continuing the fight to make PCH safer for drivers and pedestrians. At the Jan. 21 city council meeting, city leaders discussed PR campaigns and traffic calming measures to slow drivers down and reduce reckless driving.

The council unanimously approved the exploration of additional safety measures three months after the deadly PCH crash that claimed the lives of four Pepperdine seniors. The safety measures include raised medians, narrowed turning lanes and traffic signal synchronization.

“If we don’t keep this issue in front of the community, it’s going to disappear,” Mayor Steve Uhring said.

Safety Measures The city released the list of 130 safety projects discussed at a November PCH Task Force Special Meeting. They are based on the 2015 PCH Safety Study.

Out of the 130 projects, only 59 are currently designed, under construction, completed or in the planning stage. There are 71 projects that have not made it to the planning stage — 59 of which are unplanned or unfunded, according to Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown.

“There are one or two areas

where a lot of them [projects] are done,” Councilmember Bruce Silverstein said. “But for the most part, we have 21 miles, and we have a whole bunch of projects.”

The additional safety measures proposed at the meeting included a left turn signal on John Tyler Drive and a PR campaign to change how people view Malibu and PCH. During the meeting, Councilmember Paul Grisanti presented five signs — all with different slogans promoting safe driving.

“We need to have these concentrated on the entry points of Malibu,” Grisanti said.

“Put them on things like Pepperdine’s lawn. Put them anywhere.”

The City Council also extended California Highway Patrol’s contract through June 30, 2025, according to the meeting.

Malibu brought in CHP officers for extra enforcement after declaring a local state of emergency due to the dangers of PCH in October, according to previous Graphic reporting.

“Bring us things that can happen tomorrow that aren’t engineering [related],” Silverstein said.

The contract includes adding three full-time officers for enforcement and one sergeant to oversee the operations, according to the meeting. The City and CHP can cancel the agreement at any time, as long as they give a 30-day notice.

Community Reactions

If we don’t keep this issue in front of the community, it’s going to disappear Steve Uhring Malibu City Mayor

The council attributed much of the increased traffic on PCH to a term coined as Z-traffic — or traffic caused by drivers using the highway to avoid congestion on the 405 and 101 freeways. One way to make PCH a less desirable alternative for drivers is to increase patrol and ticketing.

While many Malibu residents are pushing for lowered speed limits, reduced speeds could violate California’s speed trap laws. Engineering and Traffic Surveys (E&TS) need to be conducted for speed limits to be lowered, according to the Caltrans website.

The following are considered when conducting E&TS: 1. Speeds prevailing the 85th percentile 2. Collision history 3. Conditions that are not apparent to the driver.

Based on preliminary data from Caltrans, Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart said PCH does not meet the requirements to lower the speed limits. A lowered speed limit on PCH would be considered a non-statutory speed limit, which would not hold up in court.

“If we follow the speed and traffic safety, we have to raise

Millie Auchard | Staff Photographer Volunteers from Fix PCH work to build the ghost tire memorial Nov. 18. Fifty-eight “ghost tires” act as a memorial for the 58 people who have been killed on PCH since 2010.

the speed, not lower it,” Doug Stewart said.

During public comment, members of the community continued to push the city to implement safety measures faster. Barry Stewart, father of Peyton Stewart, called on the city to make PCH safer for pedestrians like his daughter.

“You need to put up trafficcalming measures like barriers narrowing lanes to prevent reckless drivers from driving

104 miles an hour in a residential area and killing our daughters,” Barry Stewart said.

gabrielle.salgado@pepperdine.edu

February 16, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

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Reduced Shakespeare Company presents at Smothers Theatre Rachel Flynn News Assisant Editor Laughter consumed the auditorium sporadically throughout Smothers Theatre on Feb. 2, as the Reduced Shakespeare Company presented “The Complete History of Comedy ‘Abridged.’” The play was written and directed by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, who were two of the main actors alongside Dominic Conti.

Sophomore Rini Pattison works as an usher at Smothers Theatre. She said she thought the play was going to be tacky, but instead, she found it really funny.

“They did comedy in a really funny way,” Pattison said.

The show left no stone unturned.The comedy covered everything from a caveman giving birth to standup comedy from Abraham Lincoln and muppets acting out the Supreme Court.

Besides incorporating plenty of slapstick, Martin and Tichenor embraced satire, parodies and wordplay in their humorous presentation. Pattison said she could hear people roaring with laughter from the lobby.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) originated in 1981 and has since written and produced ten world-renowned stage shows, according to the Center for the Arts. The RSC had two television specials and continues to host a weekly podcast.

Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor Three of the RSC’s shows ran for nine years at the Crite- Malibu residents and students gather outside Smothers Theatre before attending “The Complete rion Theatre in Piccadilly Cir- History of Comedy ‘Abridged’” on Feb. 2. The Reduced Shakespeare Company performed at Pepperdine and is traveling across the country performing at theaters and on college campuses. cus and are known as London’s longest-running comedies, according to the Center for the exercise in which they made sounds effects for the actors’ Arts.

The group has traveled ex- actions.

Martin, Tichenor and Contensively across the United ti finished the show by pieing States and has performed at only themselves in the face. the White House, the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center, among many other venues.

They have also traveled internationally to Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, according to the Center for the Arts.

Martin, Tichenor and Conti kept the audience on their toes all through the night, as they brought pies out and promised someone would be pied before the end of the show.

The RSC came with many Students and locals await the beginning of the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s play, “The Complete History of Comhumorous tricks rolled up their edy ‘Abridged,’” at Smothers Theatre on Feb. 2. The show was sleeves. Audience members presented by The Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts. rachel.flynn@pepperdine.edu participated in an impromptu

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February 16, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

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February 16, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Malibu Country Mart struggles with crime Abby Wilt Executive Editor Malibu Country Mart employees said they are continually struggling with theft around the area and have had several products stolen.

Although general crime in Malibu is down by 11%, according to the City of Malibu crime report from LASD, Country Mart employees said they aren’t seeing that reflected.

“We have had a lot of people come in and steal recently,” said Monica Rosso, an employee at Malibu Colony.

In 2022, LASD reported 77 burglaries in Malibu, and in 2023, LASD reported 10 fewer, 67 burglaries — according to the report.

Although the report does not specify where these burglaries took place, Country Mart employees said the Country Mart is a hotspot for it.

In 2023, Maxfield had over $500,000 worth of product stolen, all in broad daylight in July 2022, said Christa

Weissmuller, general manager at John Varvatos. The owner caught the whole incident on camera but wasn’t able to do anything about it except for let the thieves go.

“We can’t do anything really or chase them out if there is a situation,” Weissmuller said.

Fred Segal also had over $1,000 worth of products stolen in December, according to the Malibu Times.

Lululemon employee Brayden Warchus said their business also struggles with theft, but as employees, they also just have to let it happen.

“We kind of have to let them go,” Warchus said.

Warchus said companies think their employees are at greater risk if they interfere, so they do not have clear guidelines on what to do if they see theft except for to not get involved.

“Us getting involved — us doing anything — is more of a liability risk for the company than standing there doing nothing,” Warchus said.

Weissmuller said LASD put up surveillance cameras in the

File Photo The Malibu Country Mart sign stands next to luxury clothing brand M. Fredric, one of many businesses that are on high alert after the string of recent thefts. While general crime in Malibu is down by 11%, Country Mart employees said they aren’t seeing that reflected.

middle of the Country Mart last year to catch any thefts on video.

In addition, Weissmuller said LASD is working on adding a satellite system so officers at LASD can always watch the Country Mart, even when they aren’t physically there.

File Photo

abby.wilt@pepperdine.edu

Athletic clothing brand Vuori displays their items at storefront windows in the Country Mart. As businesses grapple with recent thefts, LASD has increased security surveillance in the area.

Pepperdine IT introduces A.I. training Victoria La Ferla Managing Editor Pepperdine University’s Information Technology (IT) department launched an innovative training program focusing on Generative A.I. Essentials beginning Jan. 23, at the Thornton Administrative Center TAC and online. This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip staff and faculty with the necessary skills to effectively utilize Generative A.I. tools in their daily work while adhering to rigorous data security guidelines, according to Pepperdine Community.

This training is offering insights into the world of Generative A.I., and addressing concerns about its proper and secure use, Jordan Bautista Lazo, technology trainer on the IT training team said.

The training will also emphasize the importance of maintaining data security and confidentiality, aligning with Pepperdine’s stringent data privacy policies, said Jordan Lott, senior manager of Technology and Learning and IT training.

Empower Writing With A.I. For Pepperdine faculty and staff curious about the potential of Generative A.I., in enhancing writing skills, the program will delve into ways to supercharge writing tasks, according to Pepperdine Community. Participants will discover how to harness the power of A.I. tools for efficient content creation,

all while maintaining a focus on safety and security.

“The goal of the training is to help staff and faculty use A.I., in the workplace safely and efficiently,” Bautista Lazo said. “We want to provide them with A.I. literacy to make informed decisions on whether they want to incorporate it into their work while adhering to Pepperdine’s data privacy guidelines.”

The upcoming trainings are focused on understanding the basics of using Chat GPT and BARD. Safe A.I. Practices David Smith, professor of Economics and senior associate provost in IT and Online Learning and International Program Facilities, said he aims to provide insights into the IT training program and its significance from an administrative perspective.

“We want to embrace the opportunity that is brought by new technology but [with an] informed and responsible framework,” Smith said.

Confidentiality is a concern for both the administration and the IT team.

“We don’t know exactly where the data is going,” Bautista Lazo said. “It’s going to be a part of the internet. So, some private data that was university data before is now fully on the internet.”

The team said they outlined the agenda for the training, covering recommended tools, data guidelines and practical tips for safely using A.I. They said they are also planning to address

Photo courtesy of Jerry Harris, communications manager for IT Jordan Lott, senior manager of Technology and Learning and IT training, demonstrates an IT training lesson at the Thornton Administrative Center in 2019. The training was focused on the mail application.

the importance of prompt engineering, ensuring effective communication with A.I. tools.

“Our goal is to bring about a positive view of A.I., and categorize it in a way that shows how people can use it safely using Pepperdine as the starting point,” Oliver said.

landscape, Bautista Lazo said.

“There’s about 150 people signed up currently, and this faculty, or about a third of them, are faculty, and then the rest are staff,” Bautista Lazo said.

In anticipation of high demand, a waitlist option is available, and there are plans to add more sessions based on interest, Bautista Lazo said.

Future of A.I., at Pepperdine Pepperdine University is poised to lead the way in integrating A.I., responsibly, ensuring its workforce is well-prepared for the evolving technological

victoria.laferla@pepperdine.edu

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Februar y 16 , 2024

The Graphic

pepperdin e - graphic .com

PERSPECTIVES THE PGM STAFF Executive Editor Abby Wilt

Managing Editor Victoria La Ferla

DEI Team

Editor: Joe Heinemann

News Team

News Editor: Nina Fife Senior Reporter: Ava Heinert News Assistant Editor: Rachel Flynn News Assistants: Viviana Diaz Shalom Montgomery News Staff Writers: Ellya Asatryan Irene Tao

Life & Arts Team

Jackie Lopez | Art Editor

Staff Editorial: Journalism is a labor of love Editor’s Note: PGM staff members decide on the topic of a Staff Ed together. The staff as a whole provides opinions and content included in this Staff Ed to provide thoughts about and shed light on solutions for happenings at Pepperdine.

D

ear Pepperdine,

Happy Valentine’s Day! During this time of love, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued readership and support of the paper. As always, it is our joy and pleasure to report on events around campus and games our teams are playing in and share our opinions on various topics to relate to and foster debate among our community.

It means so much to us that we have readers who engage with our stories. When we are working in the newsroom, the reactions to our content touch our hearts.

We value all the feedback we receive from readers, both when people agree and when people disagree. We take great pride in being an outlet that community members can use to discourse.

We also want to take the opportunity to express our gratitude for all the individuals who play an integral role in our ability to report stories.

The cooperation of professors, administrators and students alike makes it possible for us to do the jobs we love so much and share your stories.

We feel honored to play a key role in keeping the student body informed and hope that

you find our content to be useful and entertaining. Countless hours and extensive effort go into creating the best possible work for you all.

While not everyone on campus is familiar with the Graphic, we like to think we hold a unique place here at Pepperdine. We also want to remind you all that we are an outlet for all students and welcome any story ideas you may have.

While a college newspaper may not seem like the most riveting part of university life, we take our jobs here prudently, and we hope that is reflected in the quality of the work we produce.

We are cognizant of the responsibility that comes with reporting on and publishing stories, and we do not take this responsibility lightly.

empathetic, good-natured people, and we hope our content reiterates that. Our love for our school is the driving force of our desire to work for the Graphic.

In this season of love, know that we see you, we love you and we are thinking of you. We are cognizant of the responsibility that comes with reporting on and publishing stories, and we do not take this responsibility lightly.

We are delighted and honored to serve Pepperdine, and it is our hope that PGM feels like a resource to the Pepperdine community.

If you have a story idea that you would like to pitch to the Graphic, you can use the email below to reach us.

With gratitude, The Graphic

Perspectives Editor: Fiona Creadon Perspectives Assistant Editor: Laury Li Perspectives Assistants: Caitlin Murray Ana Villarreal Perspectives Staff Writers: Chloe Anna Austria Alyssa Johnson Faith Oh Adri Sahakian Comic Writer: Luke Franklin

Sports Team

Sports Editor: Tony Gleason Sports Assistant Editor: Justin Rodriguez Sports Assistant: Joe Heinemann Staff Writers: Alex Clarke Megan Harkey

Digital Team

Digital Editor: Gabrielle Salgado

Graphic Staff

We recognize the trust you put in reading our content, and we take the utmost care to ensure our stories are reported ethically, thoughtfully and factually.

Pepperdine is such a special community full of passionate,

Perspectives Team

peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com

Submit Ideas Here

Graphic Staff

Life & Arts Editor: Madison Luc Senior Reporter: Beth Gonzales Life & Arts Assistant Editor: Kylie Kowalski Life & Arts Assistants: Ivan Vicente Manriquez Amanda Monahan Samantha Wareing Life & Arts Staff Writers: Emma Ibarra Sophia Luo

Pixel Editor: Yamillah Hurtado Social Media Producer: Christina Buravtsova Assistant Multimedia Producer: Milena D’Andrea Video Social Producer: Emma Schnaible NewsWaves Pixel Assistant: Rachel Flynn

Copy Team

Copy Chief: Aubrey Hirsch L&A Copy Editor: Lila Rendel Perspectives Copy Editor: Paige Johnston

Photo Team

Photo Editor: Mary Elisabeth Assistant Photo Editor: Perse Klopp Staff Photographers: Millie Auchard Riley Haywood Olivia Schneider Liam Zieg Guest Contributor: Sharon Stevens

Design Team

Creative Director: Skyler Hawkins Assistant Lead Designer: Will Fallmer Design Assistants: Kiara Bromberg Marley Penagos Heera Sattani

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Art Editor: Jackie Lopez Assistant Art Editor: Sarah Rietz Staff Artists: Tim Gay Ella Katz Caroline Maloof Adri Sahakian Cara Tang Adriana Zepeda

Podcast Team

Podcast Producer: Joe Allgood Podcast Assistant: Nancy He

Abroad Team

Abroad Correspondent: Hunter Dunn

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February 16, 2024 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Rant: Remove nolaptop policies

Rave: No laptops enhances class

Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

Faith Oh Perspectives Staff Writer

I

’d like to think I’m a good student. I don’t just try to get good grades, I try to understand the content too, especially if it is a particularly fascinating subject.

However, I can rarely fix my attention purely on a single subject, even if I do take some interest in it.

But aren’t laptops a detriment in classrooms since they are a source of potential distraction?

Yes and no. However, I still advocate against a no-laptop classroom policy. Let me explain.

“The arousal theory of motivation suggests that people are driven toward situations and activities that will maintain an optimum level of arousal, such as alertness, interest and energy,” according to Verywell Mind.

Many believe that the absence of laptops will allow students to give their full attention in class, but my mind wanders regardless.

“Too low arousal can lead to a lack of focus and boredom,” according to Simply Psychology.

Classrooms banning laptops typically leads to me doodling excessively in my notebook while listening to the lecture.

The optimal level of arousal, or the

Jackie Lopez | Art Editor level that enables someone to perform tasks most effectively, can depend on individual differences, according to behavioral scientist Jason Hreha.

Personally, I function best when I have other work on my laptop during the lecture. It is particularly useful to keep me alert when lulls in the lesson occur.

But, not everyone functions the same. I’m sure at least a few professors are punching the air at my argument.

Fair enough, but consider this as well: We are college students — young adults — who can make decisions and also take responsibility for the consequences of those decisions.

If we choose to misuse our technology use in the classroom and end up with a terrible grade, it is the deserved result of our actions.

We enrolled in college to learn not only academics but also life skills.

We have to learn how to manage our work ethic and lifestyle on our own, and that includes deciding how to use the ever-prevalent, information-teeming devices in our hands.

faith.oh@pepperdine.edu

Laury Li Perspectives Assistant Editor

C

omputers are convenient for accessing class materials but also create severe challenges to learning effectiveness. A no-laptop policy seems too restrictive for college students, but it brings meaningful changes to everyone in the classroom.

Time management should be college students’ own responsibility, but the reality is not optimistic. College students spend almost two-fifths of class time on the internet for off-task use, and exam scores reflect its disruption on students’ academic performances, according to a journal article in Psychological Science.

What’s more, the harm extends to fellow students in the same room.

Those sitting in direct view of a multitasking laptop tend to score lower on tests, according to an article in the journal Computers and Education.

Professors implementing a no-laptop policy promote the function of classrooms by removing the sources of temptation. Especially with interaction-heavy seminars, having less technology leads to more invested conversations.

The policy also reinforces respect for the professor’s devotion, classmates’ contributions and your own

Jackie Lopez | Art Editor expensive tuition.

A no-laptop policy also encourages old-school, hand-written notes. Typing efficiency often leads to copying word for word from the slides or transcribing from the lecture.

However, the speed disadvantage in handwriting pushes notetakers to process and summarize the content. This extra step helps digest the information, thus leading to a deeper understanding of the subject.

The study also shows that writing on physical paper is a more effective way of note-taking. The spacial and tactile notes written by hand provide a unique benefit in memory coding and are associated with improved memory, according to a journal article in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.

“No laptops” is an attempt to protect an intellectual space based on scientific findings. Hopefully, professors won’t need to implement the policy as more students voluntarily put technology away.

laury.li@pepperdine.edu

‘Scott Pilgrim’ is best transmedia franchise Adri Sahakian Perspectives Staff Writer Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

B

eing able to create multiple variations of the same story and having each one positively acclaimed by audiences is a craft that takes loads of time, patience and talent.

Transmedia storytelling is the ability to tell a single story “across multiple platforms and formats using current digital technologies,” according to Wikipedia.

In 2004, Bryan Lee O’Malley created a graphic novel series titled “Scott Pilgrim.” It focused on the titular character who fell for delivery girl Ramona Flowers and was required to brawl with her “seven evil exes” in order to pursue a romance with her. Throughout, the two learn to accept their pasts and make peace with previous relationships.

The series became a major success internationally, soon gaining a cult following. A movie adaptation was released in 2010 along with a video game around the same time. Recently, in 2023, an animated series was released on Netflix.

With the overwhelming success of all four adaptations, I wholeheartedly believe “Scott Pilgrim” is the best transmedia franchise to exist.

All four versions of the story were

enjoyable to experience. They each stayed true to the main storyline and kept some minor details consistent as well.

A lot was cut from the video game as it was more action-based with the player fighting villains the majority of the time. There wasn’t as much storytelling going on. Even so, it still got the main objective across and kept some details from the novels consistent such as the locations where the seven exes were fought.

To be successful in transmedia storytelling, each version of the story that’s being told needs to be executed properly by sticking to the original source material.

Along with staying in line with the original source material, each of the “Pilgrim” adaptations also had their differences. They introduced fresh twists and exciting surprises that separated them from the others.

Some argue the animated series took a way too different approach, according to reviews on Google. The series shifted its main character focus from Scott to Ramona, despite the former’s name in the title.

However, I believe the series still stayed true to the main storyline — “defeating” the seven exes and learning to embrace the past.

While the novels and movie showed the story through Scott’s perspective and focused on his character development, the show instead turned to Ramona. Viewers were able to see how

Adri Sahakian | Art Editor she confronted each of her exes and realized she needed to stop running away from her past.

There needs to be the perfect happy medium of the familiar and unknown to keep audiences engaged while also holding the familiarity of the story people know and love.

Along with this factor, “Scott Pilgrim” also had something not many franchises — I’m looking at you, Disney — can say they’ve got. The secret ingredient to any successful project is the passion that’s poured into it.

“Scott Pilgrim” had passion. Loads of it.

“That’s probably the most fun I’ve had on a movie…The cast was very connected,” said Chris Evans in a GQ interview.

Every person from the main cast reprised their roles. The same band who worked on the music for the video game worked on the music for the show. The director of the 2010 film was an executive producer. O’Malley was also heavily involved in the project as a writer and producer.

It truly paid off, considering the series won a Critics Choice Award last month.

Still not convinced? Take a moment to read the novels or watch the film.

“Open your eyes. Maybe you’ll see!” said Scott, during his fight with the first evil ex.

adri.sahakian@pepperdine.edu

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February 16, 2024 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Faith Oh Perspectives Staff Writer

Wear a mask to reduce seasonal suffering

Adri Sahakian | Staff Artist

Women have deeper friendships than men Fiona Creadon Perspectives Editor Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

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ne of the most frequent tropes I have heard about male friendships is that they are surface-level compared to the friendships women have with each other. While I initially never questioned this, as I have gotten older, I have begun to wonder whether this is really the case and, if so, why that is.

One of the primary reasonings behind this idea is that men generally are not as emotionally mature as women.

This can manifest in them being less likely to confide in their friends.

Women, on the other hand, share personal challenges and troubles more freely, according to a 2021 survey conducted by the Institute for Family Studies. Vulnerability is a key component in forging closeness. The reluctance to be vulnerable can be a significant barrier to fostering a deep friendship.

For instance, when a female friend of mine is going through a breakup, they will tell me every detail about the unraveling of their relationship.

Conversely, my boyfriend rarely seems to know any information about his friends’ breakups besides the fact that they happened.

While that seems very bizarre to me, he does not think anything of it. His reasoning is, if his friends do not bring it up, then they must not want to talk about it. This logic seems par for the course for many men.

The issue of a lack of male vulnerability harkens back to the cultural pressure surrounding toxic masculinity and the stigmas that are associated with sensitivity. Historically perceived as as sign of weakness and frailty, vulnerability has been acceptable in women but not in men, according to Mission Harbor Behavioral Health.

Additionally, male friendships have often been stigmatized as an indicator of homosexuality between said men, according to an article in the American Psychological Association. This stigma seems more prevalent among male friendships than female friendships.

So, in some ways, women have been

predestined to forge tight-knit friendships in a way that is not feasible for a lot of men. As a result, one of the more common friendship types for men is activity-based friendships, according to Institute for Family Studies.

These do not hold as much stability as friendships based on emotional connection, according to the Institute for Family Studies. Furthermore, since these friendships revolve around an activity, like golfing for example, if one of the people in the friendship is unable to continue the activity, the primary source of connection is gone.

While women certainly can, and often do, create friendships based on similar interests or activities, emotional intimacy is paramount, according to Psychology Today. However, it is not always advantageous to have all friendships be intensely intimate.

Because male friendships tend to be more transactional and based around a shared activity, the relationships are sturdier. Many men can go extended periods of time without interacting with a friend and still consider them to be a close confidant, according to Psychology Today.

So, in some ways, women have been predestined to forge tight-knit friendships in a way that is not feasible for a lot of men.

seems undeniable that male friendships appear to have low stakes and low rewards, as opposed to female friendships, which require more emotional investment for a higher caliber of support.

That being said, it becomes much easier for men to perceive themselves as having many close friends due to the barrier of entry being so low. Women are more likely to be thoughtful and particular in what level of closeness they categorize each friend, according to a different Psychology Today article.

This also gives context to the frequency of men who prefer to confide in their female friends or romantic partners as opposed to their friends of the same gender, according to Psych Central. I believe this suggests that, on some level, men perceive emotional intimacy, whether platonic or romantic, as being more easily achieved with women.

I would imagine a lot of this assumption is based on the societal perception of men and women. Despite there being no significant findings to suggest women are more compassionate than men, the idea still persists in culture to this day, according to Greater Good Magazine.

While it’s challenging to say with any certainty which gender grouping produces better friendships, it seems clear that women incorporate emotional connection more successfully than men. However, emotional connection leads to a different expectation of effort that may require, in my opinion, more time than men are willing to give.

Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of an advice column based on new topics and rotating writers each time. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

Hey Waves, I sit down in class, ready to kick back, relax and enjoy the lecture. All of a sudden, I hear the agitating, grating sounds of indisputable sniffles and coughs liberally spreading germs throughout the classroom.

That’s right. Once again, it’s the season of sickness.

Of course, skipping class every time we’re riddled with illness is not always an option — the coughing and sniffling are bound to happen.

However, failing to apply the one thing we should have learned from the pandemic — wearing a mask — is another issue.

Wearing a mask is a simple courtesy to other students in the classroom.

The spread of illness is minimized, and I’m sure your peers would feel a little better with the mask minimizing coughs and sneezes.

Although the common cold is generally not as concerning as catching COVID-19, being sick during school is never a fun time.

As someone who gets absolutely demolished by a silly, little cold every semester, trust me, it can be pretty rough.

A lot of people find masks inconvenient to wear, but let’s be real: not everything in life exists purely for our own comfort.

People take off apparel like hats and jackets without complaint. Masks are much smaller and pocketable — why should it be any different?

So, if you find yourself battling illness, I heavily implore you to wear a mask. It doesn’t take much to be considerate for the good of your Pepperdine peers.

With care,

Fiona Creadon Perspectives Editor

Female friendships, on the other hand, are more dependent on frequent communication and can be fractured by perceived negative motives or uneven amounts of disclosed details on one’s life, according to Psychology Today.

This is not to say that one way is better than the other, but given the data collected by Psychology Today, it

Send your questions to PGM via email: peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com fiona.creadon@pepperdine.edu

February 16, 2024 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Take advantage of the ocean

Caitlin Murray Perspectives Assistant

Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

I

grew up 20 minutes from the beach in North San Diego County.

When I first toured Pepperdine during my junior year of high school, it seemed unreal. I remember laughing as I drove up to campus because I could not fathom such a scenic location for a university.

This realization helped me understand the benefits of living by the ocean I had been taking for granted.

It provides physical, mental and community growth.

Pepperdine students often take these benefits for granted. While the view is always accessible, it is easy to overlook its beauty and benefits in our lives.

Beaches Provide a Sense of Community As I mentioned earlier, the beach was the primary activity I did with my high school friends. Whether it was going surfing, taking walks or tanning,

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the beach is a wonderful way to connect with peers.

The beach is also a popular place for community members to assemble.

When running along the beach, I frequently smile and wave at strangers passing by. This instills values of unity and friendliness within my neighborhood.

Beaches Boost Physical Health The ocean is a scenic setting perfect for a variety of activities. The beach makes it easy to participate in water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, swimming and kayaking.

The beach also often has an abundance of sun. When taking proper precautions such as applying sunscreen, Vitamin D from the sun increases the absorption of calcium in the gut, reduces inflammation and promotes cell growth, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Furthermore, saltwater in the ocean contains minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium, which can increase relaxation, decrease inflammation and assist skin health, according to Business Insider.

Beaches are Affordable and Accessible One of the main reasons going to the beach is my favorite social activity is because it is free. Other popular pastimes such as going to restaurants, shopping or attending events can add up in costs.

Pepperdine students are especially lucky to have the ocean so close because college students are more likely to have an unsteady source of income,

Caroline Maloof | Staff Artist according to Ohio State University.

While pastimes such as sports can be limited to those wealthy enough to afford the necessary gear, the beach is free for everyone to visit.

Beaches provide a sense of community.

Caitlin Murray Perspectives Assistant

also seems to lead to a higher quality of life.

People who live near the ocean report higher levels of happiness compared to those living in an urban environment, according to The Guardian.

Nevertheless, I understand that some people do not have the financial means to live close to the ocean.

Coastal cities in southern California are some of the most expensive areas to live in the United States, according to KTVU News.

Since these costs are so high, students should take advantage of the university’s location as much as possible.

Although the price of living by the ocean is high, it can save people from spending money on other activities.

Beaches Lead to a Higher Quality of Life These benefits demonstrate why living by the water is enjoyable, and it

caitlin.murray@pepperdine.edu

Pepperdine Law Library is better than Payson Library Ana Villarreal Perspectives Assistant Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

S

tudying is an essential element to success while taking college courses. For many students, study spots make or break how much information they are able to grasp.

Payson Library is a crucial space for students because it is equipped with all the necessities needed for a study session such as coffee, chargers and study rooms.

In the bottom area of Payson Library, the on-campus Starbucks line is constantly hustling, and the Grubhub order machine sound is always going off loudly.

Students sitting near Starbucks can be easily distracted by the rush of students exiting and entering the library.

On the other hand, the “study rooms” are sometimes used less for studying and more for conversing.

Ella Katz | Staff Artist Although I wish the study room walls were thicker, unfortunately, all conversations can be heard throughout, which leaves no room for a peaceful and quiet environment.

The last and most important reason why Payson Library is not ideal for studying is because it is likely

Art by Jackie Lopez | Art Editor

students will run into friends.

Conversing with friends is very normal, but when studying needs to get done, a simple hello can turn into a conversation, leading to a distraction.

On the other hand, I find the Jerene Appleby Harnish Law Library the complete opposite of noisy.

This library is huge and is intended for law students, but Seaver students occasionally visit and study here as well.

The Law Library has individual study desks with signs that specifically state the entire library is a notalking zone.

I think having various tables and individual desks with no noise is very helpful when it comes to studying.

Students seem to uphold the quiet rule in the Law Library better than in Payson Library. Payson Library could become a distraction-free environment if students would use it more for studying and less for talking.

To me, the Law Library provides a much more

ana.villarreal@pepperdine.edu

WAVES COMIC Written by Luke Franklin | Comic Writer

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February 16, 2024 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Unveil wisdom through four laws of life of surrender. In college, I chose to detach from a long-standing friendship that had become increasingly challenging. It was initially difficult, but the decision allowed me to prioritize personal well-being and create space for growth.

This detachment led to unexpected opportunities for self-discovery and a renewed sense of independence. By relinquishing the need to control every aspect of my days, new opportunities seem to gravitate toward me. Detachment has created harmony in my life.

Victoria La Ferla Managing Editor Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

I

n the tumultuous journey of young adulthood, I’ve often encountered unforeseen challenges and unexpected twists that leave me grappling for a better understanding of the way life is.

I have found solace and wisdom through the lens of four distinctive laws: Murphy’s Law, Kidlin’s Law, the Law of Detachment and the Law of Assumption.

These laws, each carrying its unique perspective, offer profound insights into how society can not only survive but thrive on earth.

The Law of Assumption

Sarah Rietz | Assistant Art Editor

Murphy’s Law

Kidlin’s Law

Murphy’s Law, which famously states the more you fear something, the more likely it will happen, speaks to a profound idea — thoughts shape reality.

Fear has an uncanny ability to draw situations toward us, almost as if our apprehensions act as magnets, pulling at the very circumstances we dread.

I vividly recall my first pointe show. It was an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience. As the performance date approached, I found myself consumed by a fear of faltering during the show. The more I fixated on the fear of making mistakes, the more it felt like those apprehensions were drawing the very circumstances I dreaded closer to me.

During the performance, the fear manifested itself, and I stumbled during a crucial moment. It was as if my anxious thoughts had become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The lesson from Murphy’s Law hit home — the more I feared stumbling on stage, the more likely it was to happen.

Kidlin’s Law encapsulates the idea that a problem written down is a problem halved, which underscores the importance of expression in problem-solving.

When I articulate my challenges, I gain clarity and a sense of control.

Personally, I’ve found solace in jotting down my concerns in my Notes application or journaling.

Writing acts as a therapeutic outlet, halving the burden of problems through the simple act of acknowledgment. When I transform my worries into tangible issues, then I can uncover potential solutions.

The Law of Detachment Inspired by Buddhist principles, the Law of Detachment teaches us that, by detaching from everything, we attract everything. It’s a paradoxical concept — the less we cling, the more effortlessly life unfolds.

Embracing this law, I’ve witnessed the magic

The Law of Assumption posits that by assuming a positive outcome and adopting a positive attitude, one can influence their own reality. It’s a reminder that our perception molds our reality, and by assuming the best, we pave the way for a more fulfilling journey.

I also take the Law of Assumption to mean that many people every day assume they know the result of a situation or expect an outcome — good or bad — to occur exactly as they predict in their minds.

I have found, when I adapt my previous assumptions and try a new approach — an approach where I don’t set a good or bad expectation — I see more extraordinary outcomes. I believe in a higher power, and I wholeheartedly believe what is meant to enter my life can never pass me — I won’t miss it.

So, if I stay right here right now in the present moment and have these mindsets, I often uncover an option I never even thought existed.

I urge others to consider these four laws and try to adapt their mind to an alternative method of emotional, intellectual growth.

victoria.laferla@pepperdine.edu

Envy hurts female friendships Alyssa Johnson Perspectives Staff Writer Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

I

n the past few decades, the question of who controls the narrative around women in art has been the center of criticism, debate and reform in the creative world. The history of women as the “subject” of art, viewed through the lens of the producer, has implications for societal norms and expectations for women in reality.

One phenomenon that has emerged from the history of women as muses is the “Madonna-whore dichotomy.” This is the idea that the female personality can be reduced to how she fits in with traditional ideas of virtue or purity, and one archetype may be more favorable than the other depending on the situation.

I have found that the derivatives of this concept are prevalent in media.

Many works of literature and film portray the notion that beauty and intelligence rarely exist in one woman and the subsequent internal conflicts that women may face as a result.

One example is Elena Ferrante’s novel “My Brilliant Friend,” which features two best friends growing up together in Naples, Italy. In childhood, the narrator, Lenù, is the prettiest of the two, while Lila seems to be the

titular “brilliant friend,” eclipsing all their classmates with her genius.

However, as the two grow up, Lenù becomes an awkward, insecure teenage girl, finding solace in her studies as she rises to the top of her classes. Lila becomes exceptionally beautiful, drawing both admiration and scathing hatred from the people around her, and abandons all her academic ambitions in favor of an advantageous marriage.

It is not because either girl lacks beauty or intelligence that they take on opposing roles; rather, the demands of their environment pressure them into these roles.

Lila’s brilliance and brash personality become at odds with her beauty as she grows up, and they begin to jeopardize her future as she starts to attract male attention. Even though Lenù knows Lila has been forced into a kind of self-betrayal and feels trapped by the opinions of the men around her, she feels as if she lives in the shadow of Lila’s looks.

Though we never see Lila’s perspective directly, it is implied she also resents Lenù when her talent and education begin to approach her level.

Though Lila has succeeded in her community’s eyes by marrying well, she is facing a dark future in which she has very little agency.

Both of them are extraordinary women who cannot realize their full potential without drawing more judgment than they already do. They are both envious and targets of envy, each wishing to be somebody they are not

Ella Katz | Staff Artist because there is nothing they can do to please everyone in their environment.

Though I appreciate archetypes for making sense of literature and sometimes to reality, they are not dependable ways to digest the human condition. “Female nature,” as described by male artists throughout history, is no more dependable than any broad summary of the way people are.

So, we know artistic paradigms like the Madonna-whore complex are oversimplified depictions of what kind of people women can be, but what does it do to female relationships? Lenù and Lila’s friendship is not healthy, and much of it is motivated by an unspoken desire to see each other beaten in one way or another.

Neither of them has total control over their own lives or self-concepts, but the way they each lack control is different. This fuels their envy against each other, and it may fuel envy in real female friendships.

Comparison against others is a common problem among women and also among female friends. A 2017 study

by Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft found that, among the 232 college women who participated, people often made negative physical comparisons about close friends.

In order to combat envy against others and poor self-image, it may be helpful to develop healthier perceptions of human complexity, especially the complexity of women. Placing ourselves and others into inescapable boxes is limiting; nobody is one thing, and often people are made up of elements that contradict each other.

If women confine themselves to these dichotomies, they might always wonder what it’s like to be on the other side. By rejecting these dichotomies, women can instead act as dynamic humans who are free to change and embrace who they are.

alyssa.johnson@pepperdine.edu

Februar y 16 , 2024

The Graphic

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pepperdin e - graphic .com

Haejin Fujimura converses with an observer in front of “Sea Beyond” on Jan. 20, in the Weisman Museum. The mystifying hues created a gentle horizon amid a sea of waves.

An observer stands in front of “Walking on Water — Forest” on Jan. 20, in the Weisman Museum. This painting is a display of blue beauty and was made of pulverized azurite.

9/11 survivor brings art of healing to the Weisman Museum Ivan Manriquez Life & Arts Assistant

Liam Zieg | Staff Photographer An observer contemplates “The Fire and the Rose Are One” on Jan. 20, in the Weisman Museum. The explosion of colors featured vibrant red, blue and green shades.

Pepperdine’s Weisman Museum welcomes its latest exhibit on campus — “Water Flames”

by Mokoto Fujimura, an artist that chooses to look within the flames and paint new life from his trauma and anguish. The painting “Walking on Water — Forest” features over 100 layers of paint to create a display of electric colors emulating walking through hardship.

Former attorneys present new poetry collections Madison Luc Life & Arts Editor On Jan. 30, Assistant Professor of English Kate Bolton Bonnici and visiting poet Laura Reece Hogan read aloud from their new poetry books in the Surfboard Room of Payson Library. The reading was their opening event to showcase their recently published books, and they plan to take an extended tour during spring break in Alabama, according to Bonnici’s website.

Lisa Smith, assistant professor of teaching of English, introduced the two poets. Both Bonnici and Hogan are originally from Alabama, started their careers as lawyers and share the same faith background, Smith said.

Bonnici holds a Doctorate in English from UCLA, a Master’s in Fine Arts from UC Riverside and a Juris Doctor from NYU School of Law. Hogan holds a Juris Doctor from UCLA

School of Law and a Master’s in Theology from St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California.

Hogan pulls from the natural sciences and uses imagery of animals, the elements and celestial bodies. She read first from her book “Butterfly Nebula,” published Oct. 1. “‘Butterfly Nebula’ reaches from the depths of the sea to the edges of space to chart intersections of the physical universe, the divine, the human and the constantly unfolding experience of being one thing in the act of becoming another,” Hogan said.

From the collection, Hogan read several poems including “Soul as Half Moon,” “Playing with Tiger Sharks on the Missile Range” and “Heart as Siphonophore.” People interested in Hogan’s work can find samples of her poetry on her website.

Bonnici presented from “A True & Just Record,” published Oct. 31. The book weaves together materials from the English witch trials, contemporary

“Almost all the paintings in this exhibit have to do with this reality of facing Ground Zero and having been traumatized by violence but choosing to move into those images until those flames of destruction became flames of sanctification,” Fujimura said.

Fujimura said the unexpected loss of his mother and surviving the 9/11 attacks of 2001 have inspired him to create art.

The slow art of “nihonga” is a meticulous Japanese painting

poets and philosophers and Bonnici’s own family as a form of experimental scholarship, Smith said.

“With fury and care, haunted by absences, these poems — all also forms of experimental scholarship — interrogate, disrupt and play,” Smith said.

After finishing her dissertation in 2020, Bonnici said she wanted to approach scholarly work in a novel way.

“I wanted to think and create like a scholar but without writing in sentences in essay form,” Bonnici said.

“And so my question was, ‘How can I compose something that would think through this material?’”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bonnici had access to digitized archive texts, she said. Thanks to the work of librarians, most of the material she drew from was available online.

Bonnici and Hogan both experiment with various poetic forms, creating different experiences for those who hear the poem read aloud versus those who read with their eyes on the page.

When observing a poem on the page, readers notice features like the shape and line breaks more clearly — listeners can miss these characteristics in spoken poems.

People often encounter poetry in isolated sessions ­­— perhaps as an assignment in an English class; however, with poetry books like Hogan’s “Butterfly Nebula” and Bonnici’s “A True & Just Record,” one can appreciate the

approach using natural pigments, powdered minerals and a unique fixing of animal hide glue according to Namora Kakejiku.

Nihonga allows Fujimura to manipulate the opacity and colors at the same time, creating an electric spectrum of hues, he said.

The exhibit is on display in the Weisman until March 31.

ivan.manriquez@pepperdine.edu

full arc of a narrative and the resounding effect of many poems layered together.

Liam Zieg | Staff Photographer Kate Bolton Bonnici (top) and Laura Reece Hogan read from their new poetry collections Jan. 30, in the Surfboard Room. Both poets used to be attorneys. madison.luc@pepperdine.edu

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February 16, 2024 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Students celebrate Lunar New Year Caroline Maloof | Staff Artist

Sophia Luo Life & Arts Staff Writer Lunar New Year is a vibrant time of celebration in Asia when families gather around tables of fragrant dishes and streets light up with festivities.

Feb. 10, commenced the Year of the Dragon.

While studying at Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, Asian international and diaspora students find ways to carry out Lunar New Year traditions.

Muddled in thousands of years of history, Lunar New Year has many plausible explanations for its existence, according to the Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology.

For instance, the tradition of Lunar New Year may have

stemmed from a Chinese folklore story. The story starts with a mythical beast named Nian, who terrorized the countryside by consuming animals and children, according to The Paris Review. People began putting food on their doorsteps to appease Nian before realizing loud noises and the color red frightened the monster. Since then, firecrackers and red decorations have become synonymous with Lunar New Year.

Alumna Cecilia Chen (‘23) said Lunar New Year represents the gathering of families.

In her hometown of Guangzhou, China, Chen said many people move far away from their parents in search of work.

As a national holiday in China, Lunar New Year presents a special opportunity because most

companies give their employees roughly one week off.

“That’s the only chance that they can come back to their parent’s place and to celebrate, spend time with families,” Chen said.

With the dance troupe RnD, Chen performed in the Chinese Students & Scholars Association’s 2023 Lunar New Year celebration.

In 2024, several clubs on campus celebrated Lunar New Year, including the Mandarin Christian Student Ministry and the Taiwanese Student Association.

Senior Esther Li serves on the executive board of both organizations. She is an international student from Taipei, Taiwan.

Esther Li said Lunar New Year is a tradition everyone up-

holds in Taiwan.

“It’s just like Christmas,” Esther Li said.

This year, she planned a Lunar New Year hotpot dinner with the Mandarin Christian Student Ministry members.

Around Feb. 10, the Taiwanese Student Association also planned to host a Lunar New Year dinner or dine at West LA’s Sawtelle Boulevard, Esther Li said.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate tradition with my friends,” Esther Li said.

Senior Jack Li said his hometown of Qingdao, China, kicks off Lunar New Year by lighting fireworks. His favorite Lunar New Year activity was watching the fireworks in Qingdao, which would start in the evening and last until midnight.

In response to how he would describe the significance of Lunar New Year in one idea, Jack Li said, “Unity, because it’s one of these festivals that brings people together.”

People also celebrate Lunar New Year among Asian diaspora. Although in the United States, Lunar New Year is not widely recognized as a national holiday, many Asian communities actively celebrate it as a way to preserve their cultural heritage.

As a Chinese American, senior Jenny Chu said Lunar New Year was important in her childhood.

Chu said her home church

back in San Jose, California, would hold traditional Lunar New Year activities such as calligraphy and paper lantern making. She also recalled fond memories with her mother.

“She [Chu’s mother] would make dumplings, and then, with each dumpling, there’s something different,” Chu said.

“Either a piece of candy or a coin or ribbon or something else or just normal dumpling.”

Previously, Chu had not attended on-campus Lunar New Year festivities because she did not know about them, she said.

However, she would participate if the event information was widely available.

Growing up in Shanghai, China, sophomore Jordana Xu said she found lots of joy in the Lunar New Year tradition of receiving red envelopes from older relatives. Associated with good fortune, the red envelopes bear cash or small trinkets. With her red envelope money, Xu said she would splurge on snacks that were usually off-limits.

This year, Xu said she will be participating in Lunar New Year festivities hosted by the Mandarin Christian Student Ministry.

“It’s really about love and caring,” Xu said. “Being able to share what you value and what you cherish the most.”

sophialuo.luo@pepperdine.edu

Tidepools fosters campus community Kylie Kowalski Life & Arts Assistant Editor Tidepools, Inter-Club Council’s biannual club fair, hosted its spring semester fair Jan. 23.

The fair allows student-run clubs to market themselves around Mullin Town Square to attract potential new members. Students set up their clubs at tables and showcase their achievements and work.

Inter-Club Council President Emma Carter facilitates Tidepools. Carter said that her team coordinates the budget and oversees over 90+ clubs on campus.

“We like to call ourselves the ‘clubs’ club,’” Carter said.

Tidepools gives visibility for clubs to the student body, Carter said. Many people do not know about many of Pepperdine’s clubs if they do not learn about them during Waves Expo or New Student Orientation.

“Our entire budget goes toward students,” Carter said. “We’ve had almost double the attendees as usual this year.”

Returning Clubs Student Alumni Organization, or SAO, is an on-campus organization that works to bring alumni back on campus to network with students.

Vice President of Operations Joell Vaca said SAO is very important to Pepperdine because the organization believes being a Pepperdine student is not just a four-year journey but a journey for

the rest of one’s life.

Alumni have a lot of knowledge to offer the student body, Vaca said. They are often willing to help students network and learn because they share similar values.

The Pepperdine Climbing Club prides itself on facilitating connections between members.

Vice President Chase Giglio said the club’s goal is to get students who might not otherwise climb to get out and start climbing.

“You kind of need a group of people to climb, so it’s a way for people to be able to connect and climb,” Giglio said.

Chloe Jurdana, vice president of marketing and outreach, said Climbing Club could help students who do not have the gear and knowledge to go themselves.

“It is intimidating to start climbing, so we get a lot of people who want to join a group,” Jurdana said.

New Clubs A few new clubs joined Tidepools for the first time this semester.

The Middle Eastern Student Association, or MESA, is a new club on campus highlighting students of Middle Eastern heritage to create a community of students who share similar cultures.

President Mirna Sophoclis plans to develop connections between Middle Eastern students at Pepperdine.

MESA’s goal is to bring a community to Pepperdine and help students get to know each other, Sophoclis said.

They plan on having mixers with other

Kylie Kowalski | Life & Arts Assistant Editor Senior Joell Vaca poses at the Student Alumni Organization table on Upper Mullin Town Square on Jan. 23. Vaca represented SAO at Tidepools.

cultural clubs to bring students together.

“Our main goal is just to bring community to Pepperdine, especially to international students,” Sophoclis said.

MESA’s first meeting was the Monday after Tidepools, featuring games and Middle Eastern food, according to Sophoclis.

“As a new club, it was definitely hard to get our name out there, but many people have stopped by to ask what it was,” Sophoclis said.

Another new club at Pepperdine is Fashion Association.

Co-Presidents Mason Woolfolk and Katerina Grabinger said they started Fashion Association to create a space for everyone to express themselves on campus.

The club is open to everyone and is

planning events with guest speakers and workshops, Woolfolk said. They will also host a fashion show March 21.

Grabinger developed her love for fashion at a young age, she said.

“My mom taught me how to sew when I was younger, and I started creating my own pieces over the summer,” Grabinger said.

Tidepools has given their club a place to show everyone who they are and see people face to face for the first time, Woolfolk said.

kylie.kowalski@pepperdine.edu

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February 16, 2024 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

‘Poor Things’ serves up cinematic surrealism Emma Ibarra Life & Arts Staff Writer Transparency item: A review provides an informed and opinionated critique. These informed critiques make recommendations to readers. This review is the opinion of the writer. This article contains spoilers for “Poor Things.”

Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos is known for making outlandish, quirky films, and in his latest work, “Poor Things,” he does just that. Adapted from Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel by the same name, “Poor Things” tells the unique story of a woman-turned-science-experiment who must reacquaint her brain and body with the world.

The film takes place in a liminal version of Victorian-era London, though the steampunk, gothic landscapes and imaginative costuming make it difficult to limit the film to any realistic time period. The film’s dreamlike imagery, avant-garde characters and quick-witted

conversations take viewers on a surreal journey unlike anything seen on screen before.

A postmodern recreation of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” Lanthimos’ film features the beautiful and curious Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, and mad scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter, played

by Willem Dafoe, who revives her dead body.

Godwin’s mad ingenuity leads him to teach anatomy by day and experiment with human and animal bodies by night.

The film opens in black and white as Bella startlingly falls off a bridge and into a river. In the following scenes, Dr. Godwin fishes her dead body from the water and begins operating on her brain. As Bella was pregnant when she died, Godwin decides to harvest the unborn infant’s brain as a replacement for her own.

After performing the procedure and shocking Bella’s new brain with a series of electromagnetic jolts, she resurrects

— though when she wakes, she acts new and naive to the world, as a freshly born infant would.

With no recollection of her past life, Bella faces a fresh start. She slowly learns how to walk, stumbling around Godwin’s spacious home and laboratory and innocently picking up new words and expressions through their interactions.

Each day, Bella develops in the same way a child would.

With her motor skills and linguistic capabilities constantly improving, she gains greater awareness of the world. She grows more curious about the fleshly desires she has and begins to experiment with her sensuality and body through sexual exploration.

Eventually, she becomes too difficult to manage for the aged Godwin alone, and he enlists the help of his student Max McCandles, played by Rami Youssef, to monitor and record Bella’s progress.

Max observes Bella, and after some time, falls in love with her refreshing innocence. After receiving Godwin’s blessing, Max asks for her hand in marriage; Bella agrees haphazardly, without any awareness of her commitment.

However, Bella refuses to remain in the confines of Godwin’s mansion and decides to seek the outside world. When womanizing lawyer Duncan Wedderburn, played by Mark Ruffalo, visits Godwin’s estate to work on Bella and Max’s marriage documentation, he

Ade Zepeda | Staff Artist offers Bella a proposition to explore the world before settling down.

Bella, confounded by the notion of free will and intrigued by the mysterious Duncan, decides to leave London and join Duncan on his voyage across oceans to Lisbon, Alexandria and Paris.

Along the way, Bella broadens her horizons and learns more about the outside world .

As she explores cities across the world, the film takes on brighter hues and vivid imagery that starkly contrast with the black and white tones at the film’s beginning.

“Poor Things” adds an eccentric dimension to Lanthimos’ already unique cinematic repertoire. Similarly, Emma Stone’s complete dedication to the role of the enigmatic Bella

shows her acting expertise and her ability to gracefully handle unusual source material.

Audiences find themselves enchanted with the bright, bold world posed in “Poor Things,” viewing life with amazement and wonder through Bella’s fresh eyes. Although some critics argue against the necessity of the film’s overt sexual depictions, Lanthimos’ daring storytelling techniques uniquely allow audience members to explore all the adventures that accompany growing up in this world — again.

emma.ibarra@pepperdine.edu

Vinyl records make a comeback Amanda Monahan Life & Arts Assistant Vinyl records outsold CDs in 2022 for the first time since 1987, according to the Recording Industry Association of America’s year-end report. Despite their antique fashion, students have shown their continuing affection for vinyl records.

Senior Bob Emrich has worked at the Record Outlet in Thousand Oaks for over three years. He said he’s wanted to work at a record store since he was 16, so getting the job in 2020 was a total dream come true.

“I’ve been collecting records since I was 8 years old,” Emrich said. “It’s been a huge part of my life.”

Emrich said both records and CDs are special because they are tangible items you can hold and look at.

Senior Rufus Florin spends his time outside the classroom as a DJ, using vinyl records to create unique music.

In 2019, Florin began teaching himself the ropes of digital DJing. Soon enough, he was learning to do so with physical records.

“I started mixing with records because a lot of my favorite DJs were doing it, and it felt more authentic,” Florin said.

Nonetheless, Florin said the task

Photo courtesy of Bob Emrich

Senior Bob Emrich (left) poses on the roof of the Record Outlet with his coworkers in Thousand Oaks on June 19. Emrich said the staff was celebrating the store’s 27th anniversary.

took a lot of dedication.

“You have to be so focused on what’s happening, and it’s a form of fine art,” Florin said. “It takes a lot more concentration because you have to be able to match by ear.”

Florin described DJing with vinyl records as being a whole different world.

Florin said people are finally starting to realize the difference in quality and the unique characteristics one cannot get digitally.

Due to these special traits that only records possess, Florin said he knows they will be a part of his life forever.

“Once I have my own personal house, my record collection will always be a way more important part than the TV,” Florin said. “It’ll be the main part of my living room.”

Similarly, first-year Kamea Miranda said she recognizes the rare qualities that records possess. Despite not owning a record player, she still enjoys collecting them.

“I’m also really into books and think my desire to collect records stems from that,” Miranda said. “It’s different from using Spotify because you have something physical that you can collect.”

“They’re [vinyl records are] also nice to have for decoration because they can show your interests,” Miranda said.

Thinking back on the COVID-19 era, Emrich said he remembers 2020 and 2021 as the Record Outlet’s best sales years yet. He said sales were particularly popular among teenagers as they were starting to discover the tangibility of music they never grew up with.

Photo courtesy of Rufus Florin Senior Rufus Florin DJs at a party in Los Angeles on Sept. 11, 2022. Florin said he was the event’s first DJ to use vinyl records.

“People love the aesthetic, the big covers or the sound quality,” Emrich said. “Cross the charm with nothing to do in peak COVID, and it led to a major comeback.”

Whether it is because of the special artwork or the enhanced sound quality, vinyl records possess a special nature that digital music does not. Because of this uniqueness, it is no surprise to students that this medium of music is finally making its comeback.

amanda.monahan@pepperdine.edu

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February 16, 2024 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Ella Katz | Staff Artist

Students compare local farmers markets Samantha Wareing Life & Arts Assistant Weekends offer an opportunity to spend time with friends, get work done and explore Malibu. Many students said they spend time on the weekends at nearby farmers markets, catching up with friends and picking up groceries for the next week.

Students can explore the local Malibu Farmers Market in the Malibu Country Mart on Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., closest to campus, but there is also the Pacific Palisades Farmers Market, Calabasas Farmers Market and Brentwood Farmers’ Market near Pepperdine’s Malibu campus.

“These farmers markets have definitely added value to my experience so far at Pepperdine because it’s something to do with friends and be more connected to the area that you live in,” junior Marla Steel said.

Photos courtesy of Marla Steel Marla Steel holds a fresh coconut at the Calabasas Farmers Market in fall 2023. Steel said she enjoys finding items like these that one would not expect to find at a local farmers market.

Steel said she started visiting the nearby farmers markets when she moved off campus because she found them to be more accessible — she was used to driving and wanted to explore new places. The desire to explore coupled with her passion for food led her to these farmers markets.

Steel said she loves that most of the produce is organic, and she can find quality items such as farm-fresh eggs and sometimes wild fish. She said she also enjoys finding unique things from local businesses.

“I love to look around, supporting local farms and people,” Steel said.

Steel noticed there is a different farmers market culture in the Los Angeles area compared to her hometown of Coronado, California, she said.

“The ones here are a lot more trendy, meaning there are a lot more items at these farmers markets you wouldn’t think would be at a farmer’s market — paleo pancake mixes, gluten-free crackers,” Steel said. “It’s L.A., so there’s a lot more access to more things compared to my small hometown farmers market.”

Malibu Farmers Market The Malibu Farmers Market on Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Malibu Country Mart is the easiest to navigate, so it is harder to miss something, junior Aoife Klopcic said. At the Malibu Farmers Market, students said they enjoy buying flowers, produce, hummus and sourdough bread.

“I feel more hesitant going to the Malibu one because it becomes more social in my experience,” Klopcic said.

Senior Capra Schwabe said she enjoys that the Malibu Famers Market is close to where she lives and has a good atmosphere.

“The Palisades one is better, but I want to say the Malibu one is my favorite because it’s the only one I go to weekly,” Schwabe said. “They do a great job. It’s right in Malibu; it’s family-friendly; it’s cute, and it’s perfect.”

Schwabe recommends hummus from Brothers Products, which she said is one of her favorite items to buy each week.

Unlike Klopcic, Schwabe said she loves to run into friends at the market in Malibu.

Steel said she has, surprisingly, never been to the Malibu Farmers Market because it became less convenient to go to after she moved off campus.

Pacific Palisades Farmers Market Many students said the Pacific Palisades Farmers Market on Sundays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., in Palisades Village is their favorite because it has an abundant variety of goods, it is expansive without feeling too crowded, and it seems to keep its loyalty to both vendors and customers — making it a great community to be a part of.

At the Palisades Farmers Market, students said they enjoyed the

berries, pastries, yogurt and pesto.

Steel said she loves the Palisades Farmers Market and has purchased a variety of items including tamales, granola and fresh fruit.

Steel and Schwabe both said they enjoy how the Palisades Farmers Market sits in the middle of the village, so one can pick up a coffee or stop at Erewhon while visiting.

Klopcic said she discovered the local farmers markets for the first time during her first year when her “big” sorority sister took her to the one in Palisades Village.

Klopcic said the farmers market she goes to the most is the one in Pacific Palisades. She likes it because it seems a lot bigger and offers a variety of different goods but does not feel crowded.

She likes how the Palisades Farmers Market is far enough away from campus that she does not know anyone, so it is like an escape from the Pepperdine “bubble,” Klopcic said.

Similar to Steel and Klopcic, Schwabe said she likes the Palisades Farmers Market because it is bigger and has a greater variety of goods.

Calabasas Farmers Market At the Calabasas Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in Old Town Calabasas, students have found fresh tuna to make poke bowls, fresh coconut water, pickled ginger, seaweed salad, paleo pancake mixes and farm-fresh eggs, students said.

Steel loves the Calabasas Farmers Market because it is in the sweet area of Old Town Calabasas, she said. She has met many fun people, and the vendors recognize her when she comes back.

Steel recommends Mingles Coconuts at the Calabasas Farmers Market.

favorite because the Calabasas one is bigger, but the Palisades one is more quaint and less busy,” Steel said. “I guess I’ll go with the Palisades one, but I love the Calabasas one too.”

The Value Farmers Markets Add Going to these farmers markets has definitely added value to her experience at Pepperdine, Steel said. It is something to do with friends, something to make an event out of and a way to get plugged into the area that you live in.

“It is good to discover what is offered to you in the local area as a student,” Steel said. “Attending these farmers markets is a good thing nutritiously too.”

Steel said she finds shopping at farmers markets to be fulfilling because most of the items are healthy and organic, and it is beneficial for the community as it puts money toward local businesses.

“It’s something to do on the weekends that’s holistic, healthy and wholesome,” Steel said.

In comparison to the farmers markets in her home state of Michigan, Klopcic said it is nice that the farmers markets here are open year-round. The ones where she lives are harder to find and offer produce that is not as lush.

Schwabe said she started going to

Brentwood Farmers’ Market Students can explore the local Brentwood Farmers’ Market, located in the Brentwood Country Mart, on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Because this market is farthest away, Steel, Klopcic and Schwabe each said they have not yet visited it.

Steel has heard many wonderful things about the Brentwood Farmers’ Market, and it is higher on her bucket list to visit than the Malibu one is, she said.

Customers walk through the Calabasas Farmers Market in fall 2023. Steel said she loves the variety of different vendors.

Similar to the Palisades Farmers Market and Malibu Farmers Market, the Brentwood Farmers’ Market is located inside an outdoor shopping center.

Each of these markets offers its own unique elements, making it difficult for students to decide which is their favorite.

“It’s hard to decide which is my

Fresh produce waits to be sold at the Calabasas Farmers Market in fall 2023.

Steel said she enjoys buying fresh, organic produce.

farmers markets in the area during her junior year because her first year was during COVID-19, and she spent her second year abroad.

These farmers markets added immense value to her time at Pepperdine, Schwabe said.

They elevate her whole mood every Sunday, and while the specialty, gourmet items are more expensive, Schwabe said she has found buying her produce for the week at these markets is cheaper than going to the grocery store. It is a fun outing each week and a way for her to feel a sense of community.

Additionally, students can look forward to attending the upcoming on-campus farmers markets that will be on the first and third Tuesdays of each month for the rest of the spring semester from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in Mullin Town Square.

“I like it [visiting the local farmers markets] because it’s grounding to go, and it’s rejuvenating, especially if you’ve been locked up in the library all day,” Klopcic said. “It’s something that can transport you to a kind of calm — a good reset.”

samantha.wareing@pepperdine.edu

February 16, 2024 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

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brarian at the City of Calabasas Library, said LFLs are great for increasing literacy, especially in rural areas or even inner cities.

“Years ago, one of our city council members had an idea to leave books around the city on public benches, but people kept bringing them to the library despite them having no library markings,” Lockwood said.

do a curbside pickup through our local library, but it wasn’t the same as being able to browse for books,” Paz said. “I joined a Little Free Library group on Facebook and was able to see fun events like scavenger hunts and photo ops. I had a newborn at the time, so it was a nice little adventure for us.”

Paz said LFLs were especially useful during the pandemic and remote learning, and it helped keep her children interested in reading and going outdoors. LFLs helped conquer the isolation slump as well as the summer slump many kids experience due to a lack of inspiration to read over the summer.

“I would say my daughter’s favorite book that we found was a ‘Dork Diaries’ book,” Paz said. “That became her favorite book series — she was even inspired to write to the author, and she received a letter back.”

LFL Stewards

Beth Gonzales | Senior L&A Reporter A Little Free Library stands in California in January. Calabasas City Librarian Barbara Lockwood said LFLs are a great way for children to learn to share, and they add a whimsical feeling to any neighborhood.

‘Book it’ to a Little Free Library nearby Beth Gonzales Senior L&A Reporter Little Free Library frequenter Chloe Guild said she could not help “her shelf” and traveled around her home state of Minnesota looking for Little Free Libraries — little, wooden book homes nestled throughout neighborhoods and cities — and donating over 100 books, making a viral TikTok in the process.

Little Free Libraries, a nonprofit run out of St. Paul, Minnesota, promotes book access 24/7 for children and adults with over 150,000 registered LFLs in the United States alone, according to their website. LFLs got their start in 2009 when Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a model of a small schoolhouse in honor of his mother, who loved to read.

Bol filled it with books and put it in his front yard, according to the LFL website, creating the first Little Free Library.

Today, Guild said she found many unique and themed LFLs in her area and beyond.

She found a fire-hydrantthemed LFL at a city fire station and a “Tangled”-themed “Rapunzel’s Library.” She said many LFLs have benches nearby where people can sit and enjoy LFL books.

“I think LFLs are great for giving new life to what you have and helping the people in your neighborhood — just sharing the joy of what you once loved,” Guild said. “Get it, pass it on to other people; if you outgrow different books in your collection, it’s a great way to just be a good neighbor.”

Museum of Institute and Library Services awarded the Little Free Library organization

a major $1.4 million grant to improve literacy among Native American youth. The museum donated over 1,500 LFLs to communities across the country. They also run the Read in Color program to “bring diverse books to Little Free Library book-sharing boxes around the world, distributing books that provide perspectives on racism and social justice, and incorporate experiences from all identities for all readers,” according to the LFL website.

When I first had my library, someone left me a note thanking me for the library, and I thought it was the sweetest note.

Leah Ramirez LFL Steward

Donating to LFLs Guild said she saw LFLs for many years growing up, but after buying her new home in Minneapolis, she and a friend decided to check the official LFL map on the website and donate over 16 bags of books left by a previous owner — as well as stuffed animals and other treasures. Since she has revisited, almost all her donations were taken.

“I found a mixtape that

someone had left — I just think it’s so cool that local artists will share their music, and I love to see ‘Goodnight Moon’ and all the classic kids’ books that I grew up reading in them,” Guild said.

After posting her TikTok, Guild said many librarians interacted with the video and thanked her for spreading books and goodness into the world. Many parents also commented on her video and said their children found “how to” books in LFLs, inspiring them to pick up new hobbies.

“I volunteer at a kids’ church, and they told me they love to go to the little libraries, and a lot of them are in neighborhoods where they might not have access to even buy books,” Guild said. “That is so wonderful that they can have that access.”

LFLs for Students, Malibu and the Community Junior Fatima Reyes said she has seen many LFLs in her Texas hometown and one at The Grove Mall in Los Angeles that included a birdhouse, purple flowers painted on the side and “The Grove” engraved at the top of a brown roof.

Not only does she enjoy finding books on unique topics in LFLs but she also loves the unspoken bond one creates with their community through these little libraries, Reyes said. She believes Pepperdine should have an LFL on campus for students who would like to participate — near the fountain by Elkins or right outside the Caf. “Somewhere that is easily accessible so students are aware and eager to try it out,” Reyes said.

Barbara Lockwood, city li-

LFL steward Leah Ramirez said, when she opened her LFL, there were only one or two in her area, and she has loved reading since her avid library trips with her mom and brother as a child.

“When I first had my library, someone left me a note thanking me for the library, and I thought it was the sweetest note,” Ramirez said. “I was also given a zucchini a family had grown in their backyard.

They told me that they visited my library often and wanted to thank me.”

Ramirez became inspired to have her own LFL after watching an ad promoting LFLs on Disney Channel when her children were younger. She said her husband built it during the pandemic, and her children painted it with rainbows, hearts and suns.

“I thought it would look more inviting and colorful,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez said she finds books for her LFL through her book club, donations and visiting the public library bookstore. She checks her LFL every morning for signs of activity.

Ramirez promotes her LFL through social media as well as officially registering and buying her “charter number” through the organization. However, she said, if one does not feel comfortable sharing their address online, word of mouth can still make an LFL popular.

The map on the LFL website shows locations nationwide.

“Books can be expensive, especially for kids that need to read a set number of accelerated reading programs,” Ramirez said. “I try to add books for all different grade levels so that there are more to choose from for all who visit.”

In honor of different holidays, Ramirez said she adds books to reflect the holiday and decorates year-round to keep visitors coming “write” back for more. She also includes items such as bookmarks, bubbles and pens.

LFL Impact Children and Education Former librarian Lorena Paz said she first heard about LFLs through her job. Paz said after the library hosted a class building LFLs for the community with the local Boy Scouts, the activity became her and her children’s favorite hobby during the pandemic.

“My children and I were still able to put books on hold and

Adventure and Love of Reading Ramirez said she has always loved reading. She loved exploring new worlds and after reading “The Baby-Sitters Club,” she wondered what it would be like to live in Connecticut.

I think LFLs are great for giving new life to what you have and helping the people in your neighborhood.

Chloe Guild LFL Frequenter Most of all, Ramirez said she loves the surprise and unexpected joys of owning and providing a Little Free Library to her community — and the new friends she was “bound” to meet along the way.

“I love hearing my neighbors tell me they love my LFL — it makes me happy,” Ramirez said. “I feel like I am doing something for people in my community. I met a fellow LFL steward, and we have become friendly. We meet for lunch a few times a year and exchange books we’ve read and talk, since we both love the same books. It makes me happy to be sharing the love of reading with others.”

beth.gonzales@pepperdine.edu

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February 16, 2024 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Pepperdine Baseball opens against CBU Tony Gleason Sports Editor The Pepperdine Baseball season begins with a doubleheader against California Baptist and the University of Utah on Feb. 16, at Eddy D. Field Stadium. This will be the third year in a row the Waves have hosted opening day.

The Waves will begin their season with a doubleheader against California Baptist and the University of Utah on Feb. 17.

The Pepperdine Baseball season begins with a doubleheader Feb. 16. The Waves will play against the California Baptist Lancers and the University of Utah, both at Eddy D. Field Stadium.

Following opening day, the Waves will play Utah again at home Feb. 17, before facing Cal Baptist and Utah in Riverside, California. Pepperdine will then return to Malibu for a game against UC Santa Barbara on Feb. 20, and a three-

game series against Western Michigan on Feb. 23-25.

This will be the third season in a row the Waves have hosted opening day, according to Pepperdine Athletics. At the previous opening days, the Waves put out a strong offensive showing with a 13-3 victory over Villanova on Feb. 18, 2022, and a 9-0 victory over Boston College on Feb. 17.

The Waves ended the previous season 19-30, tied for eighth in the conference.

During the offseason, The Waves went through a roster shake up during the offseason as three players went on to play professionally, and four players transferred to a different school, according to previous Graphic reporting.

Pepperdine also welcomed in eight transfers, according to Pepperdine Athletics. The Waves brought in graduate pitcher Nick Upstill, freshman pitcher Collin Valentine, redshirt senior outfielder Connor Walsh, junior infielder Julian Nunez, graduate infielder

Brady Renck, junior catcher Andrew Savage, junior shortstop Justin Rubin and graduate pitcher Matthew Boyer.

Pepperdine also brought in 10 freshmen, according to Pepperdine Athletics. A couple of notable returns include senior outfielder Charles Masino and redshirt sophomore pitcher Tommy Scavone.

anthony.gleason@pepperdine.edu

Redshirt freshman Jack Grossman

Sophmore pitcher Nick Bonn Photos courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics The 2024 Pepperdine Baseball team poses for their team photo at Eddy D. Field Stadium before the 2024 season. The Waves will begin their season with a doubleheader against California Baptist and the University of Utah on Feb. 17.

Redshirt freshman pitcher Adam Troy (left), freshman pitcher Braden Guentz (right)

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February 16, 2024 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

OSU, WSU join WCC as affiliate members Tony Gleason Sports Editor

ing, but we’re up for it.”

Oregon State University and Washington State University will be joining the West Coast Conference as affiliate members for the 2024-25 and 202526 fiscal years, the WCC announced Dec. 22. Each school will compete in 10 sports with the two competing in 12 different sports combined.

The WCC currently has four affiliate members, but OSU and WSU will become the only schools competing in multiple sports, according to Front Office Sports. Members of Pepperdine Athletics said they are excited about the levels of competition and recognition being added to the conference.

“Anytime you’re adding more institutions and ones that have the history that the Oregon State and Washington State do and their involvement in the Pac-12, it’s only going to help add to the WCC’s exposure,” said Amanda Kurtz, associate director of Pepperdine Athletics.

Both schools will compete in the following: Men and Women’s Basketball, Men and Women’s golf and Women’s Rowing, Soccer, Volleyball and Cross Country. Only OSU will compete in Softball and Men’s Soccer, while only WSU will compete in Men’s Cross Country and Women’s Tennis.

With Pepperdine traveling to new locations and new teams coming to Malibu, Pepperdine will be able to build more recognition for itself, Kurtz said.

“It’s a different market that we’re able to go to,” Kurtz said.

“Different fans that maybe have never been to Malibu and watched the game here get to experience what Pepperdine is about.”

As former members of the Pac-12, OSU and WSU were routinely facing schools that were nationally ranked in many different sports such as UCLA, USC or Stanford, according to Niche. Despite consistently facing high levels of competition, Wong said it’s still undetermined what these schools will look like in a new conference due to roster and coaching changes.

“The other question is, how did these schools invest or even value volleyball now going forward?” Wong said. “Because it is a little change, they’re going to be at a different conference, and they’re there with us for two years. There’s a lot of question marks.”

OSU and WSU are the only two teams remaining in the Pac-12 that aren’t becoming a full time member of a different conference at the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to The Ringer.

Wong said this conference realignment is beneficial to Pepperdine and WCC teams because they get to stay on the West Coast, while ACC or Big Ten teams will have to travel across the country.

“Those schools — it’s just bizarre because it’s a whole different travel,” Wong said.

“You’re going across all kinds of time zones and stuff. So, our travel has gotten into the big picture of things. It’s always been great, but it’s still great where a lot of schools have gone downhill with that.”

The Contract Between OSU, WSU and the WCC

Departing From the Pac-12

Colton Rubsamen | Spring ‘23 Staff Photographer Scott Wong, Pepperdine Women’s Indoor Volleyball head coach, celebrates in the background after his team scored a point against USF on Oct. 29, 2022, at Firestone Fieldhouse. Wong said the conference is still trying to figure what schedule will work the best with the addition of two teams.

Oregon Live received a copy of the contract between OSU, WSU and the WCC and released it Jan. 25. Most of the information in the contract was in the original announcement, except for some details such as that OSU will pay $307,000, and WSU will pay $273,000 to the WCC per year.

A couple of other pieces to note from the contract are both schools had the option to add their baseball teams to the WCC, and the two schools will not be a part of the Presidents or Executive Counsel.

“They don’t have voting rights for when we make changes to scheduling models or bylaws or anything like that,” Kurtz said. “Or, if we were looking at expanding to permanent members, they don’t have votes in those kinds of proceedings.”

There is nothing in the contract about the schools remaining a part of the conference past the 2025-26 fiscal year. It is unknown if OSU and WSU

will look to remain in the WCC once the contract expires, Kurtz said.

“If there’s interest in this being a more permanent relationship, I think that will evolve in time,” Kurtz said. “But, right now, there’s no way for us to know what that’s going to look like.”

Playing Against New Opponents The addition of two new teams means each sport will have to figure out how more games will fit into their respective schedule.

Scott Wong, Pepperdine Women’s Indoor Volleyball head coach, said in previous years, each Women’s Volleyball team would do a round robin in which they played every team twice. WCC coaches are currently figuring how they will rework the schedule because 20 conferences in a season is a lot.

“We’re trying to figure out

what’s going to be best to send the most amount of teams to the NCAA’s,” Wong said.

“And then, just our overall conference experience — to have the best experience possible.”

Victoria Romero, Pepperdine Women’s Soccer senior defender, said one positive of more games in a season is more opportunities for teams to develop their game.

“Adding those games will also be very important to keeping our rhythm and finding more of a connection within our own team,” Romero said.

Additionally, since more teams will be competing for the conference title, Romero said this brings new levels of competition her team is excited about facing off against.

“We definitely had that fire under our belly to really come back and be strong and really want to win and grab that championship,” Romero said.

“Especially adding two more teams like that will be challen-

anthony.gleason@pepperdine.edu

Photo courtesy of Victoria Romero

Infographic by Tony Gleason

Victoria Romero, Pepperdine Women’s Soccer senior defender, runs to the ball in a game against UC San Diego at Tari Frahm Rokus Field on Sept. 21. Romero said she is excited about the competitiveness OSU and WSU will bring to the WCC.

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Febuary 16, 2024 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

International athletes represent Pepperdine Nina Fife News Editor Malibu is one of the most recognizable cities in California, according to CNN. Being the home of many celebrities to being mentioned in numerous songs, Malibu attracts people from all over the world. Since Pepperdine is the only university in the city, many students seize the opportunity to come to school in Malibu.

Over 80 countries are represented at Pepperdine, according to the university’s website.

Some of these students come to Malibu to play for Pepperdine’s Division I athletics teams.

“I ended up speaking to most schools, but in the end, Pepperdine just really felt like the right fit,” said Edward Winter, freshman tennis player and Australian native.

These talented athletes have come from around the world to compete for the Waves. As they adjust to living in a new country, they are also working to bring success to their teams.

Choosing Malibu With enough talent to commit to a Division I school, many Pepperdine athletes have the opportunity to continue playing at schools around the world. So, that poses the question: Why choose Malibu?

Each athlete interviewed said a major factor in their decision to commit to Pepperdine was the beautiful location. The beauty of Malibu meant different things for each athlete.

Some spoke about the sunny

weather, while others said seeing the Pacific Ocean daily was a highlight.

“Malibu is a great location,” Winter said. “California is nice. The people here are really good.”

Aladji Gassama, men’s basketball redshirt sophomore, said there are some differences he enjoys between Malibu and his home country of Mali, Africa. For example, Gassama said Mali has more of a humid climate, similar to Florida. Gassama said, while he loves his home country, he cannot deny how great Malibu is.

“Pepperdine’s campus is a great campus,” Gassama said.

“I’ve never been somewhere like this view-wise. The location is great. It’s by the beach and also [has] great weather.”

Junior golfer KaYee Kwok is from Tianjin, China and said she likes living in Malibu because of its proximity to other places and range of things to do. Kwok said she enjoys the ability to choose a relaxing beach day or a busy day exploring Los Angeles.

“We can really choose to be social or not social,” Kwok said. “When we want to focus, look at the ocean; you’re in this calm, serene place. But, if you want to have some fun, you can just drive 30 minutes; like, go to Downtown LA.” Cultural Differences International athletes come from around the world to play in the United States. As they pursue their passions at the next level, they must also adjust to living in a different country.

Kwok said she has been pre-

paring to come to college in the United States since she was in the second grade.

“Two different countries on two sides of the world,” Kwok said. “My goal was always to come study abroad in the U.S. because the U.S. is leading in education.”

One positive adjustment for Kwok has been receiving better resources for her sport, Kwok said.

“Back home, not a lot of people are playing golf,” Kwok said. “It’s growing now, but there are better resources out here [in the U.S.]. There’s not a lot of space for us to build golf courses. It’s just not a thing within our culture because it’s more like ping pong or badminton.”

Winter said he had a similar experience to Kwok, as there is more tennis competition in the United States than in Australia.

“There’s so many more players than back home,” Winter said. “There’s just so much more happening over on this side of the world.”

Winter said, with so much happening in the U.S., he is learning to deal with a faster pace of life.

“It’s just so much bigger in America,” Winter said. “The cities, the population — there’s so much more happening. I feel like it’s a bit more go, go, go. I do like the fast pace of society, but that’s probably the main difference.”

While some of these differences help international athletes such as Kwok and Winter, a new culture can also be a challenge for others.

Gassama said the biggest difficulty he had upon moving to the United States was the language barrier, as his first language is French.

“In Mali, we never speak English there,” Gassama said.

“There is a huge language difference. I came to the States without knowing any English.”

Gassama said language wasn’t the only change for him.

“Culturally, it’s really different too,” Gassama said. “We only have lakes in Mali, all meals are cooked freshly, we don’t save food for days and our recipes are totally different.

Academically, our schools in Mali are the same as France.

All the classes are in French. ” Finding Community

Photo courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics Freshman Edward Winter, an Australian native, was Pepperdine’s top tennis recruit in 2023. Winter signed with the Waves in Jan. 2023.

service and leadership — it’s perfectly illustrated.”

Kwok also said, though she isn’t religious, she has learned a lot about Christianity since coming to Pepperdine.

“I like how Christianity builds a community,” Kwok said. “We’re so helpful to others, and we’re really family-like.

You get to know the professors, and everybody on the staff is so nice.”

Gassama said the community at Pepperdine is one of his favorite parts of the university.

“The teachers have been very open-minded with my language,” Gassama said. “I also like being around my teammates and the workers here. I really enjoy the people here — like, their personalities.”

Winter said the supportive community at Pepperdine is one of the things that drew him to attending in the first place.

“I liked the sort of community feel of a small school,” Winter said. “I got along really well with the coaches and everyone in the staff. I really did feel inspired to come here compared to other schools, and that’s nothing against other schools. Everyone has really good programs, but Pepperdine always stood out to me.”

The community initially drew Winter to Pepperdine, and he said it has been one of his favorite parts of his time so far.

“One of the nice things about Pepperdine is definitely the community feel,” Winter said. “When I go to the Caf, you’re seeing familiar faces.

The staff, the professors, the coaches — they all care about developing everyone as people as well.”

Making Waves of Success

Photo courtesy of KaYee Kwok Junior KaYee Kwok is a part of the Women’s Golf team, which is ranked No. 22 for the 2023-24 season by NBC Sports. Kwok is looking for more success after the golf team captured their 19th WCC title in 2022.

While international athletes adjust to living in a brand new country and simultaneously balance academics and athletics, many of them said the supportive community at Pepperdine has helped ease this transition.

“I just really like this community,” Kwok said. “Purpose,

Calling a new country home has brought challenges to many international athletes, but it has also brought massive opportunities for success.

Winter recently competed in the Australian Open, defeating Franco Agamenone in the first round to move on. For the

Waves, Winter earned WCC Preseason Team Honors for his success early in the year. His fall success helped him earn a #23 ranking in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Singles Rankings, according to Pepperdine Tennis.

Winter has had some huge individual success during his first semester at Pepperdine but said he is very excited for the tennis team as a whole.

“We see ourselves as a topten, top-five national program,” Winter said. “If we can keep building in these next few years, I do believe that we can have an NCAA title. We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re trending that way. I don’t see anything holding us back from that perspective.”

Kwok said she also has her eye on a national championship, especially after the golf team’s recent success.

“We won back-to-back championships to start,” Kwok said. “This summer, we had a top-eight finish in the Nationals. We’re definitely grinding, and then, hopefully, we can make it another one.”

Gassama said the basketball team has been missing key players, but they are working toward success.

“I would say we are still building,” Gassama said. “It’s going to be better from now on.”

Gassama said his success is more personal. His goal is to graduate with a Pepperdine degree and take the skills he has learned here into the real world.

“The academics teach me how to be a very good student,” Gassama said. “How to take care of business, how to turn things in on time, how to be responsible — those types of disciplines are things you’re going to need in order to be successful.”

nina.fife@pepperdine.edu

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February 16, 2024 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Hot Shots: Athletes benefit from revolving door of NCAA transfer portal Megan Harkey Sports Staff Writer Transparency Item: This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

College athletics has been heavily changing since the implementation of the transfer portal in 2018. The “portal” allows for collegiate athletes of all levels to place their names into an online list to be recruited by other colleges in hopes of finding better teams, coaches, academics or overall college experience, according to the NCSA. In 2023, I entered the transfer program in hopes of a better women’s basketball program for my two remaining years of eligibility. I entered the portal after my third season at Xavier University of low playing time and low spirits and was excited when Pepperdine called me.

The portal has also been affected by recent NCAA rule changes, including immediate eligibility for transfers, the addition of the COVID-19 fifth year and the passing of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), which allows for college athletes to profit off of their personal brand. Despite this growth for student athlete freedom, coaches and fans have expressed frustrations about the revolving door of the NCAA transfer portal.

As of 2024, athletes are competing with four to even eight years of eligibility and have used the portal to play for the best teams and get the best degrees. There were seven new transfers on my team this season, and all but one have more than four years of eligibility.

Rule Changes The impact of COVID-19 on college athletics gave active fall and winter athletes an added fifth year of eligibility, which created more opportunities for transferring, according to the NCAA. There have been recent rule changes to help protect the transfer recruiting process and student athletes. Up until recently, athletes could only transfer one time during their undergraduate years without having to sit out of competition for a year, according to the NCAA. This gave athletes freedom but also restricted overuse of the portal.

Those who would attempt a second transfer would need a waiver signed by their athletic department and the board of directors at the NCAA. An example of this grueling waiver process is Devontez Walker,

Sarah Rietz | Assistant Art Editor University of North Carolina Chapel Hill wide receiver, who was initially denied a waiver before fighting for months to be able to play.

As of December 2023, athletes are now allowed to transfer more than one time during their undergraduate career and do not have to sit out a year, according to Front Office Sports.

There were seven new transfers on my team this season, and all but one have more than four years of eligibility.

Megan Harkey Sports Staff Writer

Problems with the Portal Coaches and fans are extremely frustrated by the waiver process when it comes to recruiting a two-time transfer athlete. The process requires multiple athletic departments of the athletes’ previous schools and the NCAA to comply.

Others believe the waiver

process should not be allowed, and two-time transfers should not be immediately eligible at all, according to Mississippi State’s Cowbell Corner.

Although the waiver process is currently necessary, it neglects the fact that athletes are adults with free will. Deciding on a college is often the first impactful decision an athlete makes out of high school, and their desires can change over the next four years.

Off the court, switching schools during undergraduate years can be difficult with transferring college credits.

Personally, because I transferred to Pepperdine, I added another year to my four-year degree.

Even though coaches are fighting the transfer process, they still have no issue recruiting out of the portal themselves. Recruiting an already experienced athlete gives the team an upper hand against teams recruiting out of high school.

The portal also means that no athlete needs to stay put.

As a result, there is a constant change of teams, causing programs to start from scratch each season with team culture and chemistry.

Mental health advocacy has been a trend in college athletics. A 2022 survey showed mental health concerns increasing by 1.5 to 2 times since 2020, according to the NCAA. Today, it is the main reason athletes transfer.

In my own experience, the transfer process brought me to the best culture I have been a part of. Leaving a school can be difficult, but for me, it was worth the risk.

Name, Image, Likeness NIL, which was passed in California in 2019 and fully enacted in 2021, has also changed the playing field, according to the NCAA. Although athletes have the opportunity to transfer into a better degree, they have the same opportunity to find the highest bidder.

NIL allows college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness and create their own brand to sell to companies who are willing to pay them for certain services, according to the NCSA. Universities are making an effort to bring NIL to their campuses and can even have team NIL deals where every athlete benefits. For example, Texas Tech football has a deal with alumni within The Matador Club for a promised $25,000 per player.

move to schools where they have more opportunities, a better degree or even higher pay due to NIL. It is important to remember college athletes are mostly legal adults who signed to their initial colleges when they were in high school. Change is a part of college athletics just as much as it is a part of life.

Coaches move around just as often, as they are constantly trying to climb the ladder in their professions. Relocating is a part of life for a coach, according to The Athletic.

Coaches move around the country looking for better opportunities at new schools, so why is it an issue when athletes do the same?

College athletics has been changing for years, but the transfer portal gives athletes an opportunity to conduct their own change. Whether people agree with it or not, college coaches and athletes are taking full advantage of the new rules, especially when it benefits their records.

Benefits of the Portal The transfer portal has been expanding every year.

Even though skeptics believe collegiate athletes having more freedom is hurting college sports, athletes are also getting the opportunity to act like the adults they are. Students can

megan.harkey@pepperdine.edu

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Februar y 16 , 2024

The Graphic

pepperdin e - graphic .com

SPORTS

Former Cowboys cheerleader becomes Waves new head coach for sixth season self as the UCLA Cheer Cap- want to instill in these girls the Justin Rodriquez tain as a senior. This is where confidence that they’re able to Sports Assistant Editor she said she transitioned from go after hard things, and they The Pepperdine Cheer team has a new lead this year, as Daphne Janes, a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, has found her way to Malibu to become the new cheer head coach, according to Pepperdine Athletics.

Janes brings in three seasons of experience as a member of the DCC Team, and members of the Pepperdine Cheer team said her arrival is making an immediate impact on the team.

“I get comments from outsiders saying that our team has improved immensely from prior years, so it’s great to hear that she’s making a change to this team,” junior Cheer Captain Paige Porter said.

Other members say it’s her enthusiasm and passion for cheerleading that’s made the most impact. “She’s extremely passionate and just really driven,” junior first-year member Tatum Lopez said. “She has a strong focus on where she wants this team to be in the future.”

Janes said she began dancing at the age of 3, but it didn’t immediately click with her. It was only in second grade that her passion began.

Janes is pictured at her first dance recital in Orange County at age 3. Though she started dancing at a young age, her passion for the sport began years later.

“In second grade, there was a local group — it wasn’t really a competition team and nothing too serious — but they came into our school and taught us a dance,” Janes said.

“I fell in love with it and decided that was the sport I really wanted to go for and dedicated all my time to from second grade up to college.”

College is where Janes said she began her cheerleading career. She became a member of the UCLA Spirit Squad her junior year, promptly finding her-

dancing on a stage to cheerleading on a field or court.

As the current Cheer Captain, Porter said Janes has helped her in leading the team.

“I have definitely learned a lot about confidence from her,” Porter said. “She’s very confident in what she does — how she speaks, how she dances — and I feel I have improved as a person in my confidence to lead this team.”

In 2018, Janes said she was invited to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading training camp, making the team as a first-year invitee. She was an active member until 2021 and developed a deeper understanding of cheer.

“They really teach you performance and connecting and engaging with your audience,” Janes said. “It’s not necessarily about having the craziest tricks or being the most technical on the field but really being approachable and making the fans have a great time — even when the game isn’t in play.”

Janes said those three seasons were a surreal experience and one she wants to bring to Pepperdine.

“I’m trying to adopt that and bring it to Pepperdine and instill in the undergraduate students here that are on the team similar things like performance, engaging with the fans, always being a great ambassador for Pepperdine Athletics,” Janes said.

Bringing that experience to Pepperdine fell into her hands abruptly, as Janes said everything started with a Caruso School of Law acceptance letter. She said, once she was accepted, involvement with the Pepperdine community was important, which lead to her desire to contact the cheer department.

“I reached out to the cheer program and really wanted to work with them in any capacity, as a choreographer or as a judge, whatever it may be, and it just turned out that the coaching position was open,” Janes said. “Before I knew it, I was coach, and I was kind of thrown into it, but it was great.”

Now, as a head coach, Janes said her primary goal is to grow the popularity of Pepperdine Cheerleading.

“I want to give them the most opportunities at Pepperdine that there are while exposing them to as many people as possible to kind of gain that respect as a sport here on campus,” Janes said. “I also

can conquer any obstacle that comes their way.”

For members of the cheer team, Lopez said Janes’ skill in performance and more specifically, her professional experience stand out the most.

“She has a lot of experience being on DCC, and it’s very challenging to get onto,” Lopez said. “I know she’s danced her whole life, so having that as a coach and as a team member — it is very valuable to have her experience.”

Janes is coming on as a firttime head coach; however, she’s no stranger to coaching, as she said she has coached dance since she was 15. Some of that coaching experience has benefitted members of the cheer team such as Lopez.

“It was a little bit easier to adjust just because I’ve had a background of dancing, so I am very used to having several different coaches and just the style of dance,” Lopez said. “I immediately loved Daphne’s style right away, and I would say, for some other girls, they definitely love it too; they are just trying to adapt to it but are really taking a love for her style.”

For Porter, she said she has benefitted from the dedication Janes displays.

“I had never danced her style or danced in general; I’d always been a cheerleader,” Porter said. “Her skill set is a big takeaway for me, and I learn more and more each practice, but also her dedication to this team and her work ethic stands out. I believe she just cares so much about dancing and especially this team.”

Going into the season, Janes said she’s trying to pair her background and dance experience with the cheerleading skills the team already has.

“I’m making sure they have the musicality, the performance — the things that go along with being the leader of the crowd at all the games,” Janes said.

“Also, as a coach, [I’m] just learning what works for a team and what doesn’t along with giving them the feedback and the necessary skills to be successful — not only on the court but as students here at Pepperdine.”

The members of the Cheer team express excitement surrounding the future, as they said the focus is to be ambassadors for Pepperdine and Pepperdine Athletics — which is exactly what Janes wants these

Janes performs for the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in 2019.

Janes spent five years cheerleading before her hire at Pepperdine — two collegiate and three professional.

girls to become.

“I only see us going up,” Lopez said. “What I really hope for is students to see that we are really trying hard, and we are trying to promote Pepperdine.”

Engagement with the fans is something Janes said she hopes to adopt within these girls, and Porter said school spirit is something the cheer team is looking to bring back to Pepperdine.

“I’ve met some of the most amazing people and gotten to work with such amazingly talented girls, and it’s just been, overall, such a positive experience,” Janes said. “So, hopefully just trying to grow [the experience] throughout this next year, and you know, whatever happens, happens.”

Photos courtesy of Daphne Janes Daphne Janes (far right) takes a picture with the cheer team following their performance for Blue and Orange Madness at Firestone Fieldhouse in Oct. 6. The team is entering its sixth season following a relaunch during the 2018-2019 season.

“I feel like more students are coming to the basketball games, and that’s really good to see,” Porter said. “It’s good for the basketball team; it’s good for us; it’s just good for the overall morale of the school.

So, the hope is just getting more school spirit and seeing that in the stands.”

The future of the season remains uncertain; however, the experience of first-time Head Coach Daphne Janes has been one to remember she said.

justin.rodriguez@pepperdine.edu