RICHARD NAVA
Staff Writer
TEIGE MUNLFELD/Staff Photographer
Ambitious, driven and goal-oriented. These words have been used to describe Madelaine Behr. Though only in her sophomore year at Pepperdine, Behr has reached the senior mark by the number of her credits. Behr, who likes to be called Maddy, has managed to complete the necessary major and graduation unit requirements almost a full two years ahead of time, and she plans to graduate in December 2006.
Outside of her academic achievements, Behr, whose parents are both from Ecuador, has also been able to hold down two jobs; one through Pepperdine, and one at Starbucks. She is a young-woman who said she knows what she wants and doesn’t stop until she gets it.
How did you manage to shave almost two years off of your academic career?
I came into Pepperdine with 30 units of AP credits from my high school. I have also taken two summer school sessions here at Pepperdine, including the GE program in London this past summer. Aside from that, I have averaged 17 to 18 units per semester.
What was London like?
It was the best six weeks ever. I went to Scotland, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Wales and all over London with my friends. I had the greatest time of my life. I would love to go back on my own some time and see the rest of the world.
Wow, and you work too? Where are you currently employed?
I work at Jumpstart through Pepperdine, and I also work at Starbucks. You know, the one by Zuma.
So which job is your favorite, and why?
Oh, I love Jumpstart. The little children we get to play with and tutor are so precious. And they totally love our Jumpstart team.
Well with so much going on in your life do you ever get a chance to get out, or are you more of a homebody?
I like to stay home and just watch TV. But I also have really good friends and they like to go out and take me out, so I do leave the house every once in awhile. But I do enjoy just watching TV. Did you write that down? I love TV.
I got it. So what about after graduation? What are your plans?
I plan to take a semester off and just work full-time in Irvine with my best friend. I want to earn some money so I can go to law school at either Loyola or Chapman in the spring semester.
Other than law school, what goals have you set for yourself?
I want to be a successful lawyer and have purchased my own house and an Audi by the time I’m 30 years old, without anyone’s help. If I do get married, I want it to be after I am 30, and I want to adopt two children before then. Two children from Ecuador, by the way that’s the homeland.
If you could be anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would be the president of the free world, because then my vote would actually matter. It’s not fake like voting is now. Voting is just a façade.
You don’t have much free time, but what is your favorite hobby?
Um, did I mention I like TV? I love “Law and Order.” I just like TV, because it’s my only off time between school and work.
What advice can you give students who are coping with school and work or just trying to get ahead?
Well school and work are two necessary evils, I am afraid. But it really is all about time management. You have to learn to juggle. One important thing to remember is that Pepperdine makes it really easy to get ahead with summer school and extra programs. Going here really has some awesome advantages and provides great opportunities.
02-02-2006
