Tracy Domingo
Assistant Living Editor
Kelia Tardiff
Imagine for a moment a world where everyone is loved, everyone has a Coffee Bean beverage in hand, everyone is sportsmanlike, every girl is a daughter of a king and every trial is seen merely as a chance to excel. This world you are imagining is the ever-optimistic world that Kelia Tardiff lives in everyday.
Tardiff, 21, grew up in Encinitas, Calif., with her parents and her older brother, who she said is truly her best friend. Throughout her life, Tardiff learned from her family how to smile in every situation and how to use her vivacious life to serve God and others at all times. Now a senior at Pepperdine and graduating in April with a major in organizational communication, Tardiff said she cannot wait to get out into the real world because she “loves the world” and all its diverse people.
So you’re a senior, what do you recommend people do in Malibu?
I definitely recommend breakfast at Malibu Kitchen, Taco Tuesdays at Dukes followed by University Ministries, English breakfast lattes at Coffee Bean and an afternoon cocktail at my favorite place, Moonshadows (if you’re of age of course).
What do you do late at night while procrastinating in your off-campus apartment?
Late-night dance parties to songs like “My Boo” and “In da Club” in our apartment that is commonly known as the “S.H.G.A Shack.” Don’t look up the lyrics though, they are not very tasteful. But the beat just won’t let you stop moving.
Kelia, your friends often tease you about what you like in a guy. What are some of those things?
Is this some kind of dating service question? There are some silly things that attract me, among the few are good sportsmanship, someone who types on home row, creative writing skills (I would love to read a creative story) and someone who eats lunch by himself. But all silliness aside, the things that I truly admire are wisdom, someone who honors people and someone who loves the Lord more than life.
Speaking of men, do you have any favorite celebrities?
Yes, one of God’s finest creations, the man, the myth, the legend: Elvis Presley.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
Gandhi’s quote that says “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I just really think that change starts with yourself. I believe that our generation needs to see it lived out in order to believe it. So if we could all just be the change that others see, I think that is what really influences people.
How do you want people to know you?
I would want people to see me as a woman of God, living in her full potential who loves and fears the Lord and genuinely loves His people. I want to know that my life puts a smile on His face. Finally, I would love to be known as a person who plays a part in changing the world.
Now I know this is one of those dreaded questions, but what are you planning on doing post-college?
For a long time I’ve known that I want to work in the entertainment business. I love the people in it because they have big dreams and actually chase them. They believe in themselves and being around people like that is awesome. Plus the influence the entertainment industry has on the world is incredible.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
Well, my friends always think I’m being sweet because I always give them shotgun, but the real reason I do that is because the passenger always dies. So naturally, I’m happy to the take the backseat.
02-17-05
