HALEY ODORIZZI
Staff Writer
She may appear to be just an ordinary fun, young adult, watching MTV shows like “Next” and sharing embarrassing college stories. But take another look. Samantha Barrientos is full of surprises.
In fact, her life is living proof of a special gift and purpose. She has an extensive educational background, numerous accomplishments and previous teaching experience. Does she sound like someone who is still in her twenties?
This is Barrientos’ first year as a professor at Pepperdine University and she is already making a difference by bringing with her a refreshing spirit to the classroom.
“Her kind and somewhat upbeat and unconventional attitude makes for a relaxing mood in the class,” said one of her students, Stephen McNeil, “which is good for an uptight class like public speaking that would normally cause nervousness and anxiety.”
Barrientos earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Pepperdine University when graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Spanish minor. She continued her education at the University of Georgia and earned her master’s in speech communication with an emphasis in interpersonal communication.
Since attending Pepperdine University, there was nowhere else she thought of teaching. She realized there are many aspects of Pepperdine that students take for granted. The values represented by this university shape the lives of its students. The school is unique in the way that it focuses on the student and the individual. Barrientos recognized the importance of working at a university that possesses this quality.
Of course, like the majority of professors, the least enjoyable part of her job is the grading. However, Barrientos’ favorite aspect of teaching is the interaction she establishes with all her students. She loves watching their personalities blossom. “Without that,” she says, “there would be less meaning in my job.”
Barrientos’ love for her students is evident. A huge, beautiful smile is painted across her face every time she mentions them.
Several challenges are facing Barrientos this year, but she is overcoming them with confidence. Both her strength and her weakness are one and the same— her age. Being considerably younger than most professors, she has to make sure her students still give her the respect she deserves. On the other hand, she can identify with her students and can give them more relevant examples and personal experiences.
Barrientos’ main worry is that being young and a woman, her students would not take her seriously.
No problem, say her students. “I like that [Barrientos] is young,” said research and methods student Ashley Assemi, “because she can relate to us and still is a good teacher, so the line between teacher and student is very clear.”
Another challenge is keeping track of the four classes she is teaching this year: Communication Theory, Message Creation and Effects, Public Speaking and Communication Research. Although it is difficult and exhausting to stay on top of all the grading, planning and organizing, she is succeeding so far.
Barrientos has always felt energized by being around others.
“She is what some might call a ‘goofball,’” McNeil said, “as she can be pretty perky at times when most professors would not.” Assemi agreed, explaining that her sense of humor and understanding nature keeps the class from ever feeling boring. Barrientos thrives on that interaction.
Resilient was the one word Barrientos chose to describe herself. This is because she believes everyone is dealt a hand, and no matter your walk of life, you are defined by the way you handle the obstacles that are thrown your way. She is a perfect example of the determination, optimism and resilience it takes to triumph over the challenges in life.
Barrientos overcame the struggle of growing up in a single-parent home. Her parents divorced when she was very young and her father died when she was only 13 years old. Because of this, she lacked the guidance of a male figure. But instead of letting that hinder her from accomplishing her goals, she turned this tragedy into a positive situation.
Before her father died, he told her that he attended Pepperdine University and that he wanted her to go there just like him. So Barrientos decided to apply to Pepperdine because of her yearning to find a way for her dad to be a part of her life.
Barrientos has recently been grieving the death of her close mentor, Pepperdine Professor Michael Casey, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer.
“He pushed me hard to realize my potential,” Barrientos explained. “Even until his passing, he played an intricate role in where I am today.” After taking a few days to grieve, she returned with a renewed sense of determination to finish the semester.
Not only is this young professor a gift to Pepperdine, but she has been special from the moment she was born. Delphina Bedarte, also known as Auntie Del, experienced first-hand the amazing joy of Barrientos, who was born shortly after her husband’s death in a tragic car accident.
“I truly believe that God sent her to me to give me a purpose in life and she did, because of her I am alive today,” Bedarte explained.
Barrientos brought meaning and joy into her aunt’s life. Bedarte actually became her second mother and has seen her grow and become the successful woman she is today. Bedarte named three redeeming qualities that she has observed as Barrientos achieved her goals. She is a good organizer, meticulous, and focused on whatever she does.
Barrientos’ aunt left her with an important piece of advice for this chapter in her life. This quote by Bob Perks says it all:
“Take the most difficult challenge you are now facing and turn it into the greatest opportunity to grow simply by changing how you see it. Dead ends then become the turning points.”
“So many times I could have said this is too hard and I don’t have to,” Barrientos admitted, “but I never quit. I kept going even though it was not easy.” She pushed herself beyond where she ever thought she would be today.
“She is an excellent addition to Pepperdine’s teaching staff,” says colleague Kristin Reid, “and I can only hope her students appreciate how deeply she cares about their education and how much effort she puts into each of her courses.”
Barrientos considers her only regret a blessing. It is that she does not have the normal life a woman her age should be living. She made a choice that put herself beyond her years.
“To see no one falling asleep in class,” says McNeil, “she’s got to be doing something right!”
12-06-2007