My Story - By Sydney Jean-Simon

Hi! My name is Sydney Jean-Simon and I am a junior at Pepperdine University majoring in integrated marketing communications and minoring in multimedia design & psychology. I have been a disciple for 4 years this March and it’s been such a blessing living life with God. Reflecting on when I was a senior in high school, I recall feeling a heavy amount of uncertainty about where I wanted to go to college, however, God made it so clear that He wanted me out of New England and here in California at Pepperdine. The amazing church and campus ministry here in Westside made the college transition a lot smoother and enjoyable despite leaving my hometown in Massachusetts and being away from my friends, family, parents, and my older brother, Kai. While I love living in California, I always look forward to going home to celebrate the holidays with my family that I don’t get to see often. I’m so grateful to live close to my extended family in Massachusetts; my dad, Robert, and his family moved here from Haiti and they eventually settled in Boston. Some of my fondest memories with them are at spontaneous gatherings, celebrating Thanksgiving at his sister’s house, and eating homemade meals. I love Haitian food and some of my favorite dishes include pate, diri djon djon, griot, fried fish, plantains, and soup joumou. When I’m home, I also enjoy

going with my dad to grab takeout from Haitian Creole cuisine in Boston. My mom, Victoria, and her family moved here from the Philippines and they also settled around Boston. My favorite Filipino holiday tradition is celebrating Christmas; every year, we meet on Christmas Eve to eat, participate in a white elephant, exchange secret Santa gifts, decorate cookies, and most importantly, sing karaoke. Some of the food we eat throughout the night include my favorite Filipino dishes such as pancit, chicken adobo, turon, and halo halo. Then, at midnight, we all go around opening our presents and then eventually head home. On Christmas Day, my family and I sleep in and spend the day opening the presents we got for each other. Despite seeing everyone the previous night, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all inevitably gathered together again for dinner. As I reflect on my favorite traditions, I will forever have a deep appreciation for my family and a growing desire to be immersed in the cultures that shape me.

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Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Favorite Food: Beef Stew