By Sarah Pye
Assistant Lifestyles Editor
Junior Jennifer Williamson may be an employee of the Pepperdine mailroom, but she swears she’s not going to go “postal” any time soon.
Williamson has worked for Pepperdine mail services for 2 1/2 years, and said she loves it — along with many other aspects of this university. This Fresno native is happy to be living here in Malibu, so close to the ocean, — one of her favorite places.
“I love the ocean,” Williamson said. “It’s one of the most amazing things on earth.”
This economics major always tries to keep things in balance, even when it’s not all so pleasant. One of her favorite sayings is “You have to have the sour with the sweet. Otherwise, you won’t appreciate the sweet as much.”
Williamson said she values all of her life experiences, even the few that have resulted in broken hearts. That’s why her other favorite cliche is “It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.”
“Your experiences in life form who you are,” Williamson said. “I’ve had my heart broken a couple of times pretty badly, and if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It’s good to have that kind of life experience.”
What’s a common misconception people have about Fresno?
Everybody thinks I lived on a farm and raised cows. I lived in suburbia. There were no cows, no milking.
Well, if there are no cows to brag about, then what do you like best about Fresno?
My friends and family are there. That’s what keeps me coming back. It’s a good place to raise a family.
What’s taking up all your time right now?
Being president of Gamma Phi Beta, without a doubt, but that’s not a bad thing. It takes up so much time, but I don’t really mind. I can’t complain about getting to hang out with my friends. Heck, I get to be president. That’s kind of cool.
Why did you decide to run for president?
I saw the potential of our girls and I felt it was just a matter of having the right leader step in there. I have to give credit to the past presidents Emily, Kara and Jessica, who were amazing. It was just an awesome opportunity. And it was great to know that people want me there and that they support me.
Any best friends?
My best friend in the whole wide world is Angie Hofstedt. People refer to us as “Jengie.” She’s the best (sorority) little sis, and we have the best family.
Have you been reduced to the Ramen Noodle stage of college poverty yet?
I was my freshman and sophomore years. It was, “Let’s see how many things we can make in the microwave!” Now I understand the Freshman 15 — it’s for lack of cooking options.
What’s BYOW?
“Bring Your Own Water.” It’s because Angie just did not ever have water in her apartment. I always had to go back to my room and get my own water. Is it really so hard to get Britta?
What’s in your backpack?
A cell phone, even though I don’t get reception on campus; sunglasses, because I would go blind without them; gum, got to have fresh breath; my planner, because I would miss half my stuff if I didn’t have it; and some Gamma Phi stuff.
I just wouldn’t feel right without Gamma Phi stuff.
Jeans or skirts?
Definitely jeans. I’m a low maintenance girl. Not that I don’t like to dress up once in a while … but I like jeans. That’s the cool thing about Malibu — you can wear jeans and flip-flops year round.
Cats or Dogs?
I love dogs, but I’ve got to give it to the cats. I’ve got my baby at home. Her name is Trasher. She always knows when I’m sad and just comes and curls next to me and purrs.
Read any good books lately?
Mostly cheesy romance novels. I want to read “Lord of the Rings,” but for lack of time I haven’t started it yet. “High Fidelity” is a good book. I would recommend it to anyone. It’s funny.
Do you like your job?
I’ve been working at Pepperdine Mail Services for 2 1/2 years. I like it. I get to hang out with my friends, and it’s not very hard.
Would you consider yourself a disgruntled postal employee?
Definitely not. I feel bad, though, because people get mad about things happening to their packages. It’s not our fault, I promise. It’s the post office.
Any wild and wacky things ever happen to you in the mailroom?
After Sept. 11, we had a few anthrax scares, but it was really just a powdered-sugar-from-a-doughnut kind of thing.
Ever committed a crime — mail related or otherwise?
Does jaywalking count? Or eating the candy at the grocery store?
I got a speeding ticket once. The policeman wrote me down to 88 instead of 105, though. That was nice. But I’m usually the one to be like, “No, you can’t do that, that’s wrong.” I’ve been classified as “the good girl.”
What has been your greatest accomplishment at Pepperdine?
Sorority has been my life. One of my greatest accomplishments of being here is my position as president.
I’m really proud of where our sorority is and what it represents. Not that working in the mailroom isn’t a big deal, but…maybe that’s my second greatest accomplishment.
Are you counting the days until graduation?
I can’t decide if I want to count the days or not. I love being here, and when I leave, that’s when reality sets in. It’s a scary thought.
January 31, 2002