RICHARD NAVA
Staff Writer
Attending a school with a student body that is often stereotyped as being blonde and blue-eyed can be difficult for those who do not fall into that category. It is true that not everyone drives a BMW or owns a RAZR, and those who don’t can feel overshadowed by the vast majority.
Lily Ngo, however, has embraced life at Pepperdine and finds her unique identity refreshing. She said she enjoys being different and thrives on change. Ngo is a junior, international studies and economics major from Pennsylvania. Though she is unsure of where the future may take her, she is satisfied for now being on the West Coast, making of few waves of her own.
So Lily, what brought you from Pennsylvania to California?
Well, I wanted to experience something different and leave my comfort zone behind. Being an East Coast girl, I wanted to live where the lifestyle would be something other than what I was used to.
What do you plan on doing with your double-major in economics and international studies?
Um, actually I’m not sure yet. Right now I’m applying for an internship with the United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia. I guess I’d like to someday work with a non-governmental organization that specializes in international relations.
What kind of international experience have you had the opportunity to gain so far?
I went to London this summer with International Programs, and I got to travel all over Europe. I also took a train for the first time in my life, which was pretty interesting. But it was really challenging being in countries where I was unable to communicate with the locals. I hope that experience and going to Paris next semester will expand my ability to communicate with others on a global level.
What, if any, goals have you set for your semester abroad?
I hope to learn a lot more about the French and European culture. On a more personal level, I really want to have visited 21 countries by the time I’m 21. My birthday is in February, and so far I have nine countries under my belt.
Are you involved with any extracurricular activities on campus?
I’m involved with the radio station, KWVS. OK, so here’s my shameless plug; I have my own show on Sunday nights from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. called The Late Night Bakery. And as to reply to last week’s Graphic editorial on KWVS, we very rarely play heavy metal music.
So do you enjoy working for the radio station?
Yeah. I’ve worked for college radio stations for the last couple of years. I wasn’t really interested in KWVS until I found out they were allowing secular music to be played. I want to revive it a bit.
What CD is in your stereo right now?
Gatsby’s “American Dream” … I think. I listen to a random mix of music. I don’t really have any favorites though. I pretty much like it all.
If you could eliminate any person or thing off the face of the earth, who would it be and why?
The Fancy Feast cat. I hate that stupid cat. It walks around on that commercial like it’s all superior. I like dogs. The Fancy Feast cat acts real smug and better than everyone else or at least better than dogs. I’m a dog lover. I actually don’t know where that came from. I mean, I don’t want PETA to come after me or anything. Don’t look at me like I’m crazy. I’m not insane. Just a little eccentric. Someone told me that it’s been proven that people with cats tend to be schizophrenic. Anyway. Next question please.
Yeah, moving on, what did your family and friends think about you moving all the way to California?
Everyone thought that because I attended Pepperdine, I was going to lose my views and convictions on organized religion. A lot of people told me that they’d give me one year before I came back.
What is the greatest lesson that Pepperdine has taught you?
Oddly enough, Pepperdine has taught me to be happy with who I am. You shouldn’t be all concerned and worried over what others think about you. As long as you’re happy with yourself, nothing else matters.
04-06-2006
