Sarah Carrillo
Living Editor
Senior Jeremy Stolee could easily be described as a “Renaissance Man.” His range of activities and skills varies from acting as chaplain in Sigma Phi Epsilon, his fraternity, to practically rebuilding his car from scratch over the past two years, to using his skills as a finance major at his internship at Viacom Consumer Products in the Paramount Studios. Stolee, from Mount Vernon, Wash., also studied abroad with Pepperdine in Florence, Italy his sophomore year. There he learned Italian (well enough to order pizza, at least) and also said he learned a lot about himself.
What do you think of senior year so far?
It’s a whole mix of emotions. I’m excited, but I’m worried about finding a job. I’m stressed out, but I’m still having fun. It’s a kaleidoscope of emotions. I’m so super busy, but it’s good. I don’t know how to live without being busy.
Do you have any plans for after you graduate?
Well, it changes every week. Right now I’m thinking of taking the summer and fishing professionally in Alaska with my uncle. For one, it’s really the only time I’ll ever be able to do this, and two, I’ll make a lot of money. There are guys that do this and make a year’s worth of money in three months. So it’ll be nice to have some financial stability when I look for a job at the end of the summer.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Probably people flaking out on something that they were supposed to do. When you count on someone and they don’t come through it can really throw a lot of stuff off. I think that’s why it can be hard for me to trust people sometimes.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you bring?
Suntan lotion, because I burn pretty easily. Seriously though, if I knew I was going to be stuck and I could take something then I would want something that’s going to get me off the island. Maybe I’d take a big sheet that I could use to make a boat and sail away.
How have you changed since freshman year?
I’m more outgoing now. I’m more willing to change. Before everything was set, I had my life planned out for the next 40 years, but now I’m just living day by day. I think it’s good to embrace change and spontaneity and let life happen to you, not you make it happen.
How did this change come about?
From all the people I’ve met and going overseas was a big part of that. Over there every day is a new thing, you really couldn’t plan because it would never work out the way you planned it.
How would you summarize your time in Florence?
Chicken wings in Munich. No, not really, that’s just the first thing that always pops in my head. There’s really no way to summarize it. My experiences are summed up in the people I met and the experiences we had and it’s really impossible to put into words.
Who are the most important people in your life?
My mom and dad, definitely. They’ve both always been the center of my life. They’re both my best friends and I can tell them anything. They’re a cushion to fall back onto and I fully credit anything I’ve done in my life to them.
What is your favorite place at Pepperdine?
Really anywhere that you can see the ocean.
I love watching the waves, there’s a freeness and an openness to it all.
10-07-04
