Something so trivial as small talk can play a determinant role in initial conversations with strangers.Small talk can shape how one’s relationships with people evolve, but opinions on the importance of it vary, especially among different cultures. “You don’t just know someone deeply,” sophomore Pamela Martinez said. “Relationships are a process and … [Read more...] about Small Talk: A Culture of Its Own
conversations
If Jewelry Could Talk
For all of junior Carly-Shae Condon’s life, her dad signed every lunchbox note and birthday card with a drawing of a little palm tree. So, when he gifted her a Tiffany & Co. necklace with a personalized pendant of his palm tree drawing for Christmas, it was a lot more than a piece of jewelry to her. “It wasn't that it was just very personal, it was a very grown-up present … [Read more...] about If Jewelry Could Talk
Good News: Having Conversations Over Chai
The first chai tea latte my friend Anežka and I had was extra sweet and extra foamy, and as we sipped our warm drinks, we embarked on the beginning of a wonderful next few days together. We had our first chai early in the morning at the airport while catching up. We discussed the happenings at school, the romantic entanglements of friends and funny TikToks. In a D.C. cafe near … [Read more...] about Good News: Having Conversations Over Chai
Taylor Mathews: Songwriting For The Sake of Authenticity
Senior singer/songwriter Taylor Mathews performs original songs during a concert for friends in the Lausanne, Switzerland program in 2019. While abroad, Mathews said he explored more of his spirituality and found peace with it through the community there and time he spent alone.Photos Courtesy of Taylor MathewsIn the struggle to find his own intrinsic value and a means for … [Read more...] about Taylor Mathews: Songwriting For The Sake of Authenticity
Letter from the Editor
Last semester, statements on the Freedom Wall brought discussions of LGBTQ+ discrimination on campus back into the spotlight. The Chick-fil-A controversy and SGA's inclusion resolution revealed to many in the Pepperdine community how other students and staff struggle where heterosexual cisgendered individuals haven’t experienced do not. Many at Pepperdine don't seek to … [Read more...] about Letter from the Editor