Why did you decide to transfer from your previous college?

After high school graduation, the most affordable and convenient option for me was my local community college. I took general electives and core classes during my first year, which helped me realize that I was not being challenged academically. I wanted to find a way to push boundaries and grow as a leader, so I enrolled in The Honors College. This program exposed me to international education, undergraduate research, volunteer work and public speaking. Most importantly, it also granted me access to a supportive network of students who shared the same goal of transferring to a prestigious university. I wanted to continue my mom’s journey as a Rice Owl. She started ESL classes at Rice when she first immigrated to the United States, but eventually had to quit because it became too expensive. Eligibility for fully funded financial aid through The Rice Investment was yet another influencing factor.

What were you looking for at Rice that your previous school didn’t provide?

There are so many opportunities and resources for students at Rice! I’ve taken advantage of Owl Access and AOP textbook funding, as well as the CCD who helped me refine my CV and land an internship. FGLI students also have additional resources at their disposal. For example, I was able to request funding from the Hanszen Magister to buy a new iPad. 

I have also taken advantage of the Doerr Institute Leadership program, which provides personalized leadership coaching for students. In Activation Leadership 1:1, I was coached by Mike Bonem, a Rice/Harvard alum. Having access to that kind of mentorship is incredibly valuable and you CAN’T find that anywhere else. Additionally, Rice students have incredible exposure to career development and professional work opportunities (e.g. career fairs, Fortune 500 company presentations, business clubs and organizations) that prepare us for life after graduation.

What factors made you choose Rice?

I was drawn to the newly established undergraduate business program. The Rice MBA program was already well-known, and I wanted to be part of the brand new Virani Undergraduate School of Business. 

Also, Rice is conveniently located near Hermann Park, multiple museums and numerous food options in Rice Village. Our campus reflects the diversity of Houston — the people, the community, and especially the food — and there is so much to explore in this city! As the "Energy Capital of the World," Houston has a diverse economy with top sectors like oil and gas, financial services, and healthcare located here. I hope to have many work opportunities after graduation.

What was your first impression of the Rice campus and community?

I feel like I am part of a rich history when I reflect on the age and architecture of the buildings. And the campus feels homey, like a small village. The community is friendly and supportive. People at Rice want you to feel welcome and see you succeed. 

How did O-Week help (or not help) you transition?

O-Week definitely helped me transition to Rice. Learning about the residential college traditions and cultures was such a unique experience. I am lucky because I knew other people at Rice when I transferred (I had already made friends by attending Moody Civic Immersion and Owl Access) as a junior. Having that connection with others made me feel more at ease. However, I do wish that I had been here for freshman year because I found it challenging to make friends in my year. 

What resources or people helped you the most in your first semester here?

I had a handful of friends from Lone Star College that I transferred with, and we helped each other through the transition. My O-Week family was also very supportive, and I became good friends with most of them.

How easy or difficult was it to make new friends here?

It was surprisingly very easy. I thought I would have a harder time fitting in as an introvert, but Take Flight, Moody Civic Immersion and Owl Access helped make lots of friends before O-Week. Attending different events, such as College Night, FITQs, and Hanszen College’s Magister parties helped me meet more people. Rice is small, so everyone somehow has mutual connections. It’s easy to branch out and meet new people. Working at the Rec also helped me become good friends with my coworkers. Rice helped me get out of my shell and made me more outgoing.

Are you involved in any student clubs or organizations on campus?

Currently, I serve as a Take Flight Alumni Ambassador, and I'm working on starting a Thai Student Association Club with two other friends. I also work at the Rec center and as a student assistant at the AIE office. I play intramural soccer too.

What’s your favorite thing about being a student here?

I am always meeting new people who are skilled, talented, and unique in their own ways. Having friends from all around the world, like Europe, South Korea, and South America is so cool. Rice is very diverse, and I feel like I learn so much from meeting and talking to other students.

Can you describe a moment when you felt like you truly belonged?

Chanting "HFH" with other Hanszenites during O-Week, Rice Bike Race and College Night! 

How has transferring here impacted your academic or personal growth?

Overall, I think Rice has helped me expand my horizons in all aspects. I am more comfortable with networking in general. And if I find myself struggling academically, I can go to a professor’s office hours to talk not only about class, but also to receive life advice. These are things that I would have been scared to do a few years ago, but Rice is a place where you are encouraged to ask for help and get support. As a business major, this is something that is essential for me to get used to. 

-Chaianan, Hanszen '27 (Published on 08/19/2025)