International Student Ambassador Program
Meet the 2023-2024 Student Ambassadors
Contact the Ambassadors: isap@pepperdine.edu
Mikela De La Flor
- Senior, Major: Nutritional Science, Mathematics
- Favorite Food: Avocado Toast
Hi! My name is Mikela de la Flor, and I am a senior doing a double major in Nutritional
Science
and Mathematics. I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. Since I was little, I always
dreamed of
going to college in the US, and Malibu has definitely exceeded any expectations that
I may have
had. Still, leaving my home to create a new home at Pepperdine was, at first, a very
challenging
experience. I understand the fears and doubts that this big step may bring to most
international
students, but this has all been extremely worth it for me. Being an international
student has
shaped me as a resilient, strong, and determined person and it has brought to me many
valuable lessons throughout its ups and downs. Now, I want to help you feel the same
way
about your experience, regardless of any challenge this may bring. Know that I am
here for you,
and that you can reach out to me, whether you need guidance, advice, or even just
a friend. I
can’t wait to see what this new experience has in store for you!
Paulina Martini
- Junior, Major: Biology
- Favorite food: Empanadas
Hello everyone! My name is Paulina Martini and I’m so happy to be an ambassador this year! Up until turning 18 and coming to Pepperdine, I lived 1/3 of my life each in a different country. I understand what starting over is like and how difficult but amazing it can be to experience a new beginning. I want to help make your transition to Pepperdine as exciting as my ambassadors made mine. If you ever see me on campus don’t hesitate to come say hi! Can’t wait for the upcoming year!
Ana Paula Ruiz Cervantes
- Junior, Majors: Political Science, Journalism
- Favorite Food: Steak
Hi everyone! My name is Ana Paula Ruiz Cervantes, and I am a junior studying Political Science and Journalism. I was born in Lima, Peru, where I attended a British school and had the opportunity to be surrounded by an international community and meet people from across the world. I also attended schools in England and Australia, and during my sophomore year at Pepperdine I was part of the Heidelberg Program, so I love getting to expand my horizons and get to know others. From these international experiences, I know that leaving your home and adapting to another culture can be a challenge, and as someone who had never experience American culture until my freshman year, I hope I can provide you with some guidance, because I can say that being an international student at Pepperdine has been a rewarding experience. Here at Pepperdine, I have been able to find a home away from home, with the faculty, international and domestic students. As an international student I have been inspired to get to know others and get out of my comfort zone and have been embraced by culture at Pepperdine. I am excited and grateful to serve as your ambassador and as a friend, and it will be a pleasure to be by your side when you start your journey with us! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or just want to talk.
Ana Silva
- Senior, Major: Business Administration, Minor: Data Science
- Favorite Food: Brazilian Chicken Stroganoff
- Clubs/Organizations: Latinx Student Alliance/ Career Center Student Specialist
Hello! My name is Ana Silva and I'm studying business administration and data science
at Pepperdine. I was born and raised in Goiania, Brazil and moved to the United States
in 2021 for college. I learned english as an extracurricular starting in middle school,
but I never studied in an American school, which is why it had always been my dream
to move abroad and immerse myself in a different culture and language. Being an international
student, as the one and only Taylor Swift once said, means we're happy, free, confused,
and lonely at the same time, and like everything in life it has its obstacles and
rewards. Going into my senior year has made me reflect on how much I've grown, matured,
and learned in a foreign country, and that's the experience I wish all the new international
students get at Pepperdine. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you and being of
assistance in some way to make your abroad experience as awesome as possible. Please
don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about my time here or if you
just want to grab a cup of coffee (coffee is the way to my heart) and hang out! I'd
love to be friends with you!
Luis Joffily Silva
- Sophomore; Major: International Business, Minor: Entrepreneurship
- Favorite Food: Brigadeiro
Hello! My name is Luís and I'm a sophomore studying International Business and Pursuing a minor in Entrepreneurship. I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and attended an international school in Brazil before finally moving abroad to the US. My love for traveling and meeting new people made me realize that the bond between international students is something that, when fostered, can lead to a lot of interpersonal growth and help us become the best version of ourselves possible. Moving to a different country can be very difficult and overwhelming, especially during college. We're here to make sure your transition goes as smoothly as possible, and to make sure you have the best 4 years at Pepperdine! I'm looking forward to meeting all of you, and feel free to reach out if you'd like to hang out!
Camila Velayos
- Senior, Majors: Public Relations, International Studies
- Favorite Food: Lomo Saltado
- Clubs/organizations: Kappa Kappa Gamma, Latino Student Alliance, PRSSA
Hello! My name is Camila Velayos and I am a Senior studying Public Relations and International
Studies. I was born in Fort Lauderdale, FL, but I moved to Lima, Peru in 2005. I lived
there until 2020, however I moved to South Africa and Australia between the years
of 2017 and 2019. And now I’m here in Malibu, California. From my multiple experiences
abroad, I know what it feels like to be constantly moving around the world, experiencing
culture shock and having a hard time explaining where home is. I’ve learned that having
people to rely on is the best way to overcome these challenges, so I want to be that
person for you and make your arrival at Pepperdine as smooth and pleasant as possible.
Having lived in 4 countries, I’ve also learned there can be more than one place you
call home, being a citizen of the world is a thing. I’m proud to say Pepperdine has
become another one of my homes, and I can’t wait for you to become immersed in it’s
culture, it’ll be a pleasure to grow alongside you and together contribute to making
Pepperdine become an even more globalized community. I’m so grateful to be able to
serve as a friend and guide for you while you start your journey at Pepperdine. Please
feel free to reach out to me anytime, I would be happy to answer any questions, be
a person you can talk to and hang out with. I can’t wait to hear from and meet all
of you!
Fan Zhang
- Junior, Majors: Finance, Economics, Minor: Applied Math
- Favorite Food: Spicy Sichuan Chinese food
- Clubs/organizations: Alpha Kappa Psi, Model United Nations
Hello! My name is Fan Zhang and I am currently studying Finance and Economics. I grew up in Enshi, China, and came to the United States in 2018. I had gone to local schools my whole life when I was in China, and decided to study abroad after I graduated from middle school. Therefore, I studied in an international high school in Beijing for one year and went to North Carolina as a sophomore in high school. Since all of my family are still in China, there are many times when I feel homesick and need support. I am very excited to serve as one of your international student ambassadors for this school year and will always be here for you. Our journey here at Pepperdine is challenging but is also full of excitement! I can not wait to learn more about you and support you in this transition. I love trying all kinds of food and outdoor activities, so feel free to connect with me to a casual hangout!