Lindsay Tuggle
Staff Writer
Senior Ryan Breedyk
There are many Pepperdine students who will admit that they’ve endured some bad summer jobs. But, while flipping burgers or tearing movie tickets may seem like unglamorous ways to earn money, senior Ryan Breedyk’s summer job for the past four years takes the cake when it comes to less-than-pleasant undertakings. Growing up outside of Roswell, N.M., Breedyk spent the majority of his free time on his parent’s dairy farm. It sounds harmless, but about four years ago, the business major started helping his cousin inseminate cows in order for them to be milked.
Now, this self-described easygoing guy, who also happens to be the Senior Class president, continues this job during his summers at home as well as over the Christmas and Spring breaks.
Have you always helped out on your family’s dairy farm?
Yes, almost all of my life. In fact, I started working on it when I was 12 with my dad. But I didn’t start doing the artificial insemination until about four years ago with my cousin. I’ve done that every summer since and also when I am home for holidays, like over Christmas break.
Sparing us the uncomfortable details, what exactly does this entail?
Well, I basically insert the cow semen into the cow with my hand using this special tube that I insert into the cervix.
What was it like growing up on a farm in a small community?
It was a really small town, so everyone knew everyone else’s business. You couldn’t really get away with anything because everyone found out, including your parents.
What was it like living close to Roswell, a city that is known for its connection to the extraterrestrial?
It is kind of strange. It isn’t very big, but everyone knows about it. There is a big alien convention or something like that every July. There is a UFO museum, but I’ve never been to it.
How did you choose to come to Pepperdine from New Mexico?
It was random chance. My mom and I found some schools that fit me really well and I applied to them. Then I waited to see which ones accepted me, and I somehow ended up here at Pepperdine.
As the senior class president, what have you been working on recently to improve the school?
We have weekly meetings, and we’re moving more toward policy this year. We have been redoing the Convocation guidelines. This year we made senior sweatshirts. We are working to get e-mail notifications of package arrivals in the mail room started so you can know if you have a package sooner. We also want to get an online final exam schedule and a machine in the CCB to add money to your ID card for copies.
What do you feel like is the most important thing you’ve learned at Pepperdine?
I’ve learned a lot of business smarts. I also really feel like I’ve learned how to get along with people. I’ve done so many group projects that I feel like I’ve really learned how to mesh with different people.
Submitted 03-31-2005
