Being a sophomore at Pepperdine, I have now been a part of this community for almost two full years. So as my fourth semester at Pepperdine comes to a close, I started to think about "what defines me as a Pepperdine student." With that came what my years have consisted of, and there were constant things I remember hearing from the outsiders and "non-Pepperdiners." I've decided to compile a list of phrases and questions that I am often used to hearing being a student of this school.
1. "Dry campus? Do you guys even party?"
Probably the most common question I hear. And to answer it, yes, there are parties and things to do. Have you seen Santa Monica? I mean sure we don't have your classic frat parties like the state schools. But if you want to party, that's definitely doable.
2. "Wow, you go to Pepperdine? How rich are you?"
Actually, the only reason why I'm here is because I am on a scholarship just like 72 percent of the students here, thank you. But yes, we do also have our fair share of nice Maseratis and BMW's.
3. "Where's Malibu?"
I'm sorry, this is going to be very "Malibu" of me, but are you kidding me?
4. "Wait is that like PCH from Zoey 101?"
Well campus yes, young high schoolers, no.
5. "Do you even go to school?"
Um, yes. Just because we have amazing beaches doesn't mean that all we do is tan. We have a 72 percent four-year-graduation rate, which is just slightly under Stanford's 79 percent.
6. "So do they force God down your throat?"
This is a very divided issue at Pepperdine. Some, like me, agree that it's very accessible and available (especially when you know that signing up for Pepperdine meant going to a religiously affiliated school). But, some argue that the 14 convocation credits needed per semester and the religion classes that are a G.E. requirement is too much.
7. "What celebrities have you seen?"
Yes, some are lucky enough to take a selfie with Orlando Bloom on the Malibu Pier, but some go all four years not seeing anyone. You can find both people at Pepperdine.
8. "How many times have you surfed?"
Not once.
