MARY WISNIEWSKI
Assistant Living Editor
Some know her as Victoria, while others call her “Sus.” Still, others know her as Susan Wooten. Most would not know her as a Pepperdine junior who formerly wanted to be a nun and a Rockette.
“I’ve always had a secret desire to be girly, but it never worked out for me,” Wooten said. “I’m kind of a semi-closeted science nerd.”
To explore her love of the social sciences, Wooten is pursuing a degree in both psychology and political science.
“I enjoy learning about interactions with other people and understanding why people are the way they are,” she said.
After taking a Middle East history class while studying abroad in London, Wooten decided to add a political science major.
“It made me realize how inadequate our own Middle Eastern politics are. We are tainted with self-benefiting policies,” Wooten said. “I want to get this degree and go to graduate school to try to help.”
Growing up in a small Tennessee town, Wooten has traveled far to go to college in California.
She said Tennessee helped her grow as a person.
“I look back now and appreciate growing up in a small town,” she said. “I received a well-rounded education that gave me an appreciation for nature.
“I don’t feel like I was limited. I got to observe a group of people in a small area, letting me see human interaction and inspiring me to travel the world while instilling southern values in me.”
What was it like being overseas in London?
It was one of the hardest times of my life, as well as one of the most rewarding times of my life. All of the stereotypes were gone. It allowed me to figure out who I am for myself and who I want to be.
What are your plans?
I want to go into politics and try to bring an understanding of the Middle East to people. I want to make people less ignorant of their culture and make them care so problems can be fixed.
What would you change about Pepperdine?
Pepperdine should encourage self-discovery instead of limiting people’s options because of the rules it tries to enforce. Young adults need to find out their own rules. I would like to see a policy more open to expanding minds and encouraging people to set their own rules.
Who is your hero?
My mother is my hero. She always inspired me to travel and experience as much as I can while being true to myself and my life. She never scared me about life but encouraged me to do anything as well as dream.
What are you most proud of right now?
The friendships I have made.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Fake people bother me a lot because you never get a true idea of what they are like or who they are. Also, you never really can know where you stand with them.
09-15-2005
