By Micah Kafka
Photo Editor
Boro Isalovski wasn’t expecting that day to be any different than the day before or any other day. The 16-year-old was skateboarding down Third Street as he had done every evening since coming to America from Macedonia a few months earlier.
He didn’t see the two smiling strangers the first time they tried to get him to stop, but the next time they got his attention. Since he didn’t have anything else to do, Isalovski stopped
“They were very friendly and smiled a lot,” Isalovski said.
After having his first teriyaki chicken dinner with them, they invited him to church.
“I was, sure, got nothing else to do.”
Now, four years later, Isalovski sees how that day turned his life around. His time at Pepperdine has also helped him grow in his faith.
“I’ve definitely figured out a lot of stuff at Pepperdine, only because a lot of people have been in my life to hit me in the head and say, think a little bit,” he said.
Isalovski grew up an only child to his adopted parents in Skopje, Macedonia. His road to America began when his mom, who already had a visa, moved to the United States. The goal was for Isalovski and his dad to join her there as soon as possible. But it was hard for them to get into the United States. It wasn’t until his mom, who was the only one supplying money, got breast cancer that they were able to get a visa to join her.
It was hard for Isalovski to adjust to the absence of activity on the streets, so he spent his days skateboarding on Third Street, just so he could be around people. After meeting the two strangers, Isalovski got involved in church and finding out what Christianity was really about. It amazed him that people actually did what they believed.
“In Macedonia that was weird, (it) meant becoming a pope,” Isalovski said.
His involvement in church and his time at Pepperdine has continued to strengthen his faith.
“I started thinking, do I really, really from the depth of my heart believe that this is how I’ll live my life, until the day that I die?” Isalovski said. “I’m thankful to God that I worked out through all that fear to say this is really what I want to do.”
What is one cultural difference from Macedonia to the United States?
I think you’re much more exposed to social life. The community is much tighter. It’s still a safe city. My parents didn’t have to fear what people would do me on the streets, only what I would get myself into.
What were your religious beliefs when you lived in Macedonia?
I always believed in God … but never followed that. I never believed in hell, for some reason, it wasn’t appealing to me. The way you grow up in Macedonia is according to tradition. It’s Christian Orthodox so you go to church once or twice a year, light a candle when somebody dies.
What were you like in Macedonia?
I was a likeable person and that was my security. I’ve always enjoyed being around people and smiling a lot. In my neighborhood, I was known as the “clean kid,” because Mom always bathed me. I was the one getting bullied until high school. Later, I had this image of a hardcore punk. I was just a part of the crowd, wherever the crowd went, without even thinking, I’d follow. When I came out here, this changed.
How have your religious beliefs changed you?
Before I had little hope. Like every adolescent, I had no direction and no sense of identity. Becoming a disciple of Christ has changed my perspective on life, my relationship with God and gave a purpose and a desire to see others do the same.
How would you describe yourself?
I try to be encouraging. I like to think I’m funny, but most of my jokes people laugh at because they are stupid not because they are funny.
What do you do in your spare time?
Play volleyball, surf, play soccer, listen to music, hang out with friends.
What do you like about Pepperdine?
I like the fact that it’s a small school so you can build friendships easier. Also the people that go here. The characters and the incredible stories are amazing, providing me with much to learn from.
What is one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?
To be an inspiration and a tool so that God’s love can move my family to come to Christ.
Who’s your favorite superhero?
Superman. Not only because he’s a superhero but his character. It’s honest and sensitive and his pure motivation is to help.
What’s your favorite food?
I like food. I would say my cultural food, enjoying a meal with my family around. It’s a lot of ingredients, a lot of meats, a lot of vegetables and very juicy. My favorite is meat and potato stew, Macedonian style. And I also like burritos.
How do you say “hello” in Macedonian?
‘Zdravo.’
How do you say “goodbye”?
“‘Imaj dobar den.’ It means “have a nice day.”
February 13, 2003
