Tracy Domingo
Assistant Living Editor
Having your college campus situated just moments away from some of the best beaches and best climates in the nation has unfortunately created the notion that Pepperdine students skip the whole studying part of college and become beach bums instead. Senior Jessica Blackstock refutes this stereotype with her long list of activities and jobs that gives a whole new meaning to the well-known lyric “she works hard for her money.”
Blackstock, who came to Pepperdine from the far away land of Edmond, Okla., described her hometown as “fascinating and riveting.” While she has spent most of her life in Oklahoma, as a child her family moved frequently before finally settling down in Edmond.
Aside from her regular class schedule this semester, Blackstock is also an active member of the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council (PAC) and Delta Delta Delta sorority. She also is currently working for the International Justice Mission and the British Consulate as an intern.
In what free time she has left, Blackstock is an official Crest Tennis Court Monitor –a job she wittily describes as “difficult and challenging.” And last but not least, Blackstock serves for Hospitality for University Ministries. She is responsible for making the “after 10” snacks for approximately 400 people every Tuesday.
Among all the activities that you are involved in this year, which is your favorite?
Only second to tennis court monitoring, I am really enjoying my PAC experience not only because I love wearing blue blazers in 90 degree heat, but because I really get to experience Pepperdine beyond the students and faculty. I get to meet and interact with the people behind the scenes that make Pepperdine what it is.
What did you do this summer?
I went to Asia for two and half weeks. I went with a non-profit organization to work with deaf and mute children there. I got to interact with the children and give them attention that they don’t always get. It was a very humbling experience. All the people were so helpful and hospitable even if they didn’t have the means. I also traveled by myself to Hong Kong and Tokyo, which was interesting. I found myself reading a sign and realizing I don’t read Japanese. It was like “Lost in Translation” minus Bill Murray.
Also I went to the Scimitar Leadership Training Program in Washington state. One of the activities was we were given only a compass and a topography map and were forced to find our way through the wilderness. Now, given my family’s idea of going camping is staying at the Hyatt, this was a big accomplishment.
What is your favorite life experience?
Being the good witch in a Wizard of Oz play in first grade was definitely a highlight. But besides that, spending a year in Europe was stellar. I love traveling and spending a year in Europe allowed me see new places and how different people live.
09-09-2004