As an international student who had never been to California before coming to Pepperdine, one thing became very clear to me during my first year: to live in Malibu, you need a car.
Although I have come to realize California is an interesting place, with its cinematic history for the movie buffs, natural parks for the hiking enthusiasts and gnarly waves for the surfers, last year I wasn’t able to enjoy any of it, because I couldn’t get anywhere.
Malibu Country Mart runs and SoCal roadtrips were a luxury I couldn’t afford, as ride-booking services are hard to get ahold of in Pepperdine and car-sharing rates are not very college-friendly.
My friends and I lived through an unattended ear infection as I was unable to drive to the ER, confusing MetroBus rides and a stolen purse recovery during our first year at Pepperdine. Experiences which tested me and proved the complexity of living in Malibu without a car.
The struggles I faced last school year, mainly due to my lack of transportation, made me quickly realize that when the new school year rolled around, I needed to make a change.
A 2022 Jeep Compass sat on the lot at Kearny Mesa’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, and it was love at first sight. I test drove it through the 405, opened and closed every door and compartment box and sat through a two hour long deal-closing conversation.
Having a car has changed my college experience because it has given me a sense of freedom. I don’t feel limited by my lack of transportation anymore, whether it is for an emergency or leisure.
In comparison, the benefits of having a car far outweigh the disadvantages of having to park at Drescher or having to move my car from the Seaside Lot on game days.
The ability to get anywhere, anytime, without having to worry or depend on third parties, has made college a more enjoyable experience.
Most importantly, I get to enjoy my new home and all the things it has to offer.
The only thing missing now, is a name for my car.
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Contact Karla Suzuki via email: karla.suzuki@pepperdine.edu