Richard Nava
Staff Writer
Outgoing, funny and friendly. Nick Deisler is all of the above. A self-proclaimed “simple” guy from Big Bear Calif., Deisler is a person who enjoys the outdoors and all that life has to offer. He is a man with stories to tell, and a humorous tone to tell them in. Deisler is a junior here at Pepperdine who likes the beach, sports and talking with other students about current events and topics of interest.
He is a man liked by many. So much in fact, that several of his friends could not stop themselves from throwing napkins and quips at him throughout this interview. And how did this Pepperdine student respond? Well, he threw them back, of course.
With a sister as a former R.A., Deisler is the second in his family to attend Pepperdine. Nonetheless, he has managed to find his own way and has made his mark upon the people of Malibu. Friends say he is bright, pleasant and has his priorities set in place.
In fact, during his freshmen year of college, he made a decision that has shaped his academic career to what it is today. After watching a sports game between UCLA and Arizona, Deisler said he vowed never to let school get in the way of sports.
Many of us have caught a glimpse of that Jeep of yours, with the painted pictures and colorful scenes around campus. What’s the story on that?
Well, my dad gave me the Jeep in high school, and my friends and I just never took it seriously. They used to throw rocks at it, and eventually we painted red racing stripes on it. Then my roommate suggested we paint the whole thing. So one weekend we invited anyone who wanted to, to come and paint a picture on the Jeep. The original color was gray, and the idea was to cover as much gray as possible. We did it twice, but we kept all the original art work on it.
Next we want to paint the ceiling like the Sistine Chapel.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
I would describe myself as simple. Being from Big Bear, there isn’t a lot to do, so to pass the time, I like going to the lake and skipping stones on the water. I also like hiking and biking and really just the simple pleasures in life.
How has Pepperdine changed you from the person you were before you came here?
Well, coming from Big Bear to Malibu, there is a really big difference in the viewpoints of the people. I enjoy hearing the different perspectives that people have on different issues. I like having intellectual conversations, and the wide range of opinions that people have here has made me more open-minded.
So what kind of girl are you looking for?
I’m looking for someone I can just have a great conversation with. Someone who can go out and play frisbee, and who I can joke around with. I definitely want an intelligent girl, but one who isn’t too serious.
What kind of Dad do you want to be when you have children?
Well, when I was growing up, my dad would play with me and then he would get tired and we would stop. I want to tire my kids out, so they’re the one’s that say ‘I want to go inside now.’ What should the people of Pepperdine know about you?
This is going to be a shameless plug for my Dragon club. Its official name is the Secret and Ancient Society of Dragonologists. We found a book about the anatomy and habits of dragons in Barnes and Nobles, and decided to create a club. We have T-shirts and everything. It’s really just a huge joke we take very seriously. The people of Pepperdine should know that if they think dragons are awesome, they’re in.
How has God used you in the live of others? Or do you feel you have yet to be used?
I really feel that I have yet to be used. I think there is still a lot out there for me to do. I want to do some volunteer work after graduation or maybe join the peace Corps. I think I need to experience a lot more before I am ready for God to use me in the lives of others.
01-20-2005