Turning the Tassel: Christian Parham ('22), Caruso School of Law Class of 2025
This commencement season Pepperdine University will celebrate more than 2,500 graduates across its five schools. In order to mark the momentous occasion and celebrate the voices of our newly minted alumni, Pepperdine Newsroom asked one student representative from each corner of campus to answer three questions: “How did you get here?” “What did you do here?” and “Where will you go from here?”
The testimonies shared with us exemplify the remarkable stories of our students while also illustrating how Pepperdine propels the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers forward.
Christian Parham Caruso School of Law Class of 2025
As an undergraduate at Pepperdine, I was able to take four classes at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution through Seaver College’s certificate in conflict management program. After learning so much in these classes and experiencing incredible mentorship and community during my undergraduate experience, I knew I wanted to stay at Pepperdine to obtain my JD and master of dispute resolution from the Caruso School of Law. This desire was solidified with the encouragement and guidance of law school faculty members. With my legal education, I hoped to serve my community, support college students, and eventually work in a corporate legal setting.
During my time at the law school, I received the opportunities I had hoped for and was able to serve others. I worked as a Student Ambassador, connecting with prospective students and leading tours. I also acted as a student mentor to incoming 1Ls. These experiences shaped me, creating new chances to lead and grow.
While at Pepperdine, faculty, staff, and other students supported my goals and encouraged me whenever I faced challenges. I could not imagine getting through law school without such a supportive environment.
After graduating, I will be working as a corporate attorney and teaching legal courses at a community college. My seven years at Pepperdine taught me that education is a gift—one that you must use for the betterment of the world around you. As a teacher, I look forward to mentoring and supporting the next generation of legal professionals. As a lawyer, I hope to further hone my legal skills, while being a kind and supportive presence to my colleagues. I am forever grateful to God for the lessons and experiences I gained while at Pepperdine.