Especially in times like these, we need to have conversations around opinions — after all, everyone has one. In her Letter from the Editor, Editor-in-Chief Rowan Toke shares her own experiences with voicing her beliefs and hopes the different viewpoints in the fall 2021 special edition provide members of the community with insight into who we are and deconstruct the negative connotation of having opinions.
special edition
Chris Ganey’s Favorite Condiment Gives Him a Spiritual Experience
Sophomore Chris Ganey said he believes Chick-fil-A sauce is the best condiment. He said the mixture of barbecue sauce and honey mustard tastes like perfection.
The Psychology and Relevance of Opinion: Pepp Community Speaks
The Pepperdine community and fellow experts speak out on how opinions form and why they are important in developing a true meaning of self. Whether faith, entertainment, politics or more — opinions play a massive role on a college campus and throughout one’s life.
Shoe Speak with Gibson Stump: Sneaker Culture Shapes Fashion and Lives
Senior Gibson Stump discusses his passion for tennis shoes and how sneakers not only cultivate high fashion but a family connection that hopefully will last generations.
Prof. Roshawnda Derrick Emphasizes the Beauty of Bilingualism
Hispanic Studies Professor Roshawnda Derrick said she is passionate about ending the stigmatism surrounding code-switching among bilingual speakers. Derrik is determined to help students develop a deepened cultural worldview.
Hope Lockwood Encourages Gender Identity Exploration
Hope Lockwood, a Pepperdine junior who identifies as non-binary, discusses the difference between gender and sex, as well as the importance of freedom to explore and express gender identity without the weight of societal constructs.
Using Her Family Heritage for Good: How Sammie Wuensche Teaches Others About Being Indigenous
Junior Sammie Wuensche said she is passionate about using her Indigenous heritage to educate her peers. Wuensche said she likes to inspire others to learn more about Indigenous people by explaining why she loves being Indigenous.
COVID-19 Breeds a Plethora of Opinions
COVID-19 has shaped the way people share their opinions and think about those of others, whether on social media or in real life. Students say everyone has some type of opinion about COVID-19 and social media could be aiding in the spread of people’s opinions about the pandemic.
Prof. Sarah Fischbach Argues Against Single-Use Plastic
Integrated Marketing Communication Professor Sarah Fischbach talks about her passion for fighting against single-use plastic waste and how she’s using her passion for sustainability in research.
Chase Johnson Champions Productive Disagreement
SGA President and senior Chase Johnson discusses the importance of being able to disagree with others respectfully and have productive conversations. He said he believes that this was once possible but that individuals have lost that ability in recent years.
