It is already February and April is just around the corner. You know what that means— besides being the gracious host for the Lao New Year and boasting its legacy as National Grilled Cheese month— April is the month of college decisions. Hundreds of high school seniors will be anxiously awaiting that special letter containing a “Congratulations from Pepperdine University.” I remember that glorious day as if it were only nine months ago. But I have to admit I wish someone had written a persuading piece to answer the burning question “Why Pepperdine?” For the sake of our beloved posterity I find it is my moral duty to bear the burden of doing just that.
Congratulations folks— you’re on your way to graduating high school and you’ve been accepted into the fine institution that is Pepperdine. “Why Pepperdine you ask? Well … let me tell you.
First things first— athletics. Pepperdine’s athletics program ranks top year after year. Being a smaller, Division 1 school, you would think we would be at a disadvantage. On the contrary, Pepperdine has arguably one of the best volleyball and water polo programs in the country. Oh, what’s that? You’re into football? Then you’re in luck— Pepperdine has never lost a single football game in its history. You should know, though; the games are very underground these days, and it’s unlikely that you’ll ever actually see a game or even a player for that matter. But undefeated? Can USC say that? And I can’t forget the table tennis squad, led by freshmen hottie with a body, Coach C.J. Terral. If wiff-waff is your game, maybe we can even get you on scholarship (highly doubtful).
So our athletics program is top-tier. But what about personal fitness? Well, some get their kicks out of going to the gym but I say cut out the middleman and request to live in Fifield or Pauley Halls. You will inevitably receive a sufficient daily workout— especially if you are forgetful. Better yet, go to the gym, but right as you get to the door of the workout room, turn around and head back up to hit the showers— you’ve already done enough.
What about Pepperdine’s Cafeteria food? Eh … moving on.
College is a very unique experience. You’re away from mom and dad, no more 8:30 p.m. curfew and you can listen to all the guitar music you want. You may be interested in the Pepperdine nightlife? The social scene is hot at Pepperdine. Say it’s Friday night, what do you do? First, you hit up the HAWC for a game of pool. If you’re feeling crazy, maybe head upstairs to get a fresh raspberry smoothie or, if you just want to let it all out, get yourself a nice Italian soda. Then head back downstairs and if the place is still poppin’, grab yourself a paddle and start playing some pong (to clarify, you will be playing actual pingpong). Personally, by this point I’m wiped and need to get some sleep before 5 a.m. horseback riding lessons. But, if you’re a night owl and want to walk on the wild side, head outside to the dumpster and see how close you can get to the raccoons.
What about diversity? Will I fit in?” Multiculturalism is highly valued here at Pepperdine. There are many different clubs on campus— from the Hawaii Club to Physics Club— so there is something for everybody (especially Hawaiian Physicists). And what about political views? Pepperdine has a wide variety of stances ranging from very conservative to conservative.
Now the age-old question “Can I afford it?” Pepperdine will do whatever it can to meet students’ financial needs including grants scholarships and work-study programs. And if that’s not enough you can: sell blood (a lot of blood) cash in your gold open an ostrich farm or ask for a government bailout.
I hope this has been helpful to all those on the fence. Pepperdine is a very special place. To close I quote “The Office’s” Michael Scott quoting Abraham Lincoln: if you don’t come to Pepperdine “I will attack you with the North.”