VISIT

Meet Our Owl Guides

Rice is full of amazing students who come from a diverse set of backgrounds and interests, and we are so excited for you to meet some of them! Our owl guides are passionate about sharing their Rice experience and eager to show you a glimpse of what it’s like to be a Rice Owl.

Carmine '27

Dededo, Guam

Residential College: McMurtry

What is your favorite Rice experience?
There’s so many to choose from, but I would have to say my residential college’s tradition of McScottish Week. Throughout the week the entire college comes together to celebrate McMurtry’s Scottish heritage with a variety of activities from kilt making, archery games, steinholding and, my favorite tradition, Scottish dancing. I remember the brief glimpse I received during my O-Week, but the thrill of dancing with my friends was something that I will fondly look back on. While it was a bit tricky learning the dance moves, my entire group was filled with giggles and smiles so I didn’t worry too much about messing up a step or two. After a week full of classes, this was an amazing way to destress and reconnect with my friends, whilst also learning more about my residential college!

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Caroline '28

Houston, Texas

Residential College: Will Rice

Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because I was looking for a prestigious school that fostered collaboration over competition. That is what I think Rice's Culture of Care is all about. In the academic sense, the professors go out of their way to get to know you and genuinely want to see you succeed. Your peers are willing and excited to tackle challenges together. In the residential colleges, you are provided with a strong community that values you as an individual and as part of the whole. Rice's community is one that looks out for you. I have felt so deeply supported and encouraged here.

Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RELIGION, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Charissa '28

Dallas, Texas

Residential College: Duncan

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
I would say the residential college system is a big part of the Culture of Care, since you have your friends and adult support systems to lean on. Whether it be stress, personal issues, or something else, I've always felt like the people around me had my back, and that's really what Culture of Care is about!

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, ENVIRONMENTAL, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Chidalu '27

Boston, Massachusetts

Residential College: Martel

Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice University for its great community and strong support for students. The diverse affinity groups and Student Success Initiative help me feel supported and motivated to step out of my comfort zone.

Interests: CULTURE, RELIGION, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Chloé K '26

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Residential College: Duncan

Why did you choose Rice?
I knew I wanted to go to RICE my Freshman year of high school. I’m not quite sure what exactly caused me to feel this school would be my home for the next four years, but my older family friend was touring colleges at the time and mentioned RICE to me at dinner. After he told me about the school, I just felt that was where I was supposed to be.

Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC
Christian '29

Las Vegas, Nevada

Residential College: Will Rice

What is your favorite Rice experience?
O-Week was definitely my favorite Rice experience. The first week of transition to college is very difficult, but O-Week made it feel seamless. Getting to bond with my O-Week family, being enveloped into Will Rice college traditions, and forming a strong first-year community was really empowering. By the end of O-Week, I knew I would love Rice.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Cindy '27

Changsha, China

Residential College: Hanszen

What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite Rice experiences are the spontaneous conversations I have with people - whether with friends or someone I just met! Rice students come from incredibly diverse backgrounds, and everyone has very fascinating stories and perspectives. I love talking with those who have lived on multiple continents and hearing how different cultures shape identity, discussing the future of technology and the ethics of AI, or comparing linguistic nuances with bilingual or trilingual friends. All these "random" conversations have broadened my perspective on people and the world so much. What I love most is how approachable and open everyone at Rice is: it’s just so easy to strike up conversations and explore different experiences and viewpoints together.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, RELIGION, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Claire '26

Dallas, Texas

Residential College: Martel

What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
Is it easy to get involved in research as a freshman? I love getting asked this question because as someone who was able to land an undergraduate research position during my 2nd week of school, it really allows me to highlight how much the professors care as well as how important research is at Rice. I think that this is one of the unique aspects of Rice. No matter your age or major, undergraduate research is an option for everyone.

Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Deivanai '29

Cypress, Texas

Residential College: Wiess

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
I have experienced many instances of Rice's Culture of Care. One time, I was really stressed about a presentation I had to give the next day, and I was in Wiess Commons practicing it. Some of my classmates in commons saw me struggling, and offered to sit down and be an audience for me. It was really helpful to have other people listen to my presentation, and I'm so grateful that the people here are willing to take time out of their days to do things like that for us!

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Dia '28

Short Hills, New Jersey

Residential College: Will Rice

What is your favorite Rice experience?
One of my favorite Rice experiences was during O-Week. Our sister college came to us and started chanting at us, and of course, we immediately yelled chants back. By the end, every Bakerite had a rubber duck, and they gave one to each of us. Together, we all walked over and placed the ducks into our dunk tank. It was a small but meaningful moment that showed what makes Rice special. Even though residential colleges have a lot of pride and love competing with each other, there is still a strong sense that we are all part of the same community. At Rice, competition and school spirit ultimately bring us together rather than divide us.

Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Eli '28

Waco, Texas

Residential College: Wiess

What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite Rice experiences are definitely O-Week and Beer Bike. I am a huge extrovert, so I love the energy and passion that these traditions bring to campus. O-Week was an incredible introduction to Rice. It was filled with acceptance, fun, and support, while also helping new students adjust academically. It was during O-Week that I met many of the friends who have become some of my closest at Rice. Beer Bike is another highlight of the year. The day starts early and the excitement lasts all day long. I am a chugger for the Wiess men’s team, and the adrenaline and college spirit make the experience unforgettable. Between the races, the water balloon fights, and the color war, the entire campus comes together in such a beautiful way. Moments like these capture the spirit of Rice. They bring people together, build lasting friendships, and create memories that make the university experience truly special.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL, RELIGION
Elizabeth '29

Chicago, Illinois

Residential College: McMurtry

What is your favorite Rice experience?
"One of the best memories that captures the Rice experience was Halloween weekend. After going out with my friends, we huddled together around a pot of ramen and practiced our mock trial speeches at 2 in the morning. Then, after only two hours of sleep, I changed into my suit and headed to the UH competition. While it was certainly exhausting, it was also one of the happiest days of my life, showcasing how the work-hard-play-hard balance thrives at Rice. And fueled by caffeine, adrenaline, and pure joy, I spent that day feeling incredibly thankful for the people around me and the opportunity to do something I loved.
"

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Ella '28

Anchorage, Alaska

Residential College: Will Rice

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
I think I have experienced Rice’s Culture of Care with how everyone is willing to go out of their way to help people. This is especially true in classes, but it extends beyond that as well. People are willing to help you when you are lost or to share an umbrella with you when it is raining, so you can make it back to your dorm or to your next class.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, MUSIC
Ella '29

Center Valley, Pennsylvania

Residential College: Wiess

Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because I love that we combine amazing academics with an incredibly vibrant, engaged community. I loved how residential college system builds such strong relationships and college spirit right from your first day of O-Week. Rice students are so passionate, engaged, and caring, and that was really clear when I visited for Owl Days. I felt so welcomed, and it was clear how much effort was put into making us feel at home!

Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Ethan '29

Friendswood, Texas

Residential College: Duncan

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
During weekly O-week family meals, everyone would share about their weeks and give both highlights and lowlights of the week. These conversations provided a weekly time to be able to connect with my O-week family or even just be in a non-judgemental space to go on a rant. To me, these O-week lunches help to show just how tight-knit and supportive the community at Rice is.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Evan '26

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Residential College: Wiess

What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
I really like being asked about fun classes I've had! I love to bring up some of the interesting courses I have taken, like a medieval music class or a class about extreme weather. Additionally, I like to bring up fun experiences I've had within classes for my major, like when we dipped Cheetos in liquid nitrogen during my freshman physics class!

Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, ENVIRONMENTAL
Fiona '28

Merrick, New York

Residential College: Baker

What is your favorite Rice experience?
Getting to visit random academic buildings to find good study spots!

Interests: CULTURE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Gregor '28

York, United Kingdom

Residential College: Duncan

Why did you choose Rice?
The freedom of choice that I get in my studies here is unlike anything else. I can choose every class I want to take, and explore things that I am interested in, even if it is outside of my major.

Interests: STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Helena '28

Bethesda, Maryland

Residential College: Brown

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
I was immediately welcomed with open arms onto the Brown Bike Team after never having participated in sports in school. I'm now the captain of the team and do the same for others!

Interests: ATHLETICS, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL, RELIGION
Isabella '29

Dallas, Texas

Residential College: Jones

Why did you choose Rice?
Rice not only has the opportunity to test your academic rigor while having access to an expansive range of resources, but perhaps the most striking thing I discovered when researching universities was Rice's emphasis on connection. Through the residential college system, orientation week, and overall rich culture that the campus fosters, I have truly made family here!

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Izzy '29

New York City, New York

Residential College: Chao

Why did you choose Rice?
I was recruited to Rice as a cross country and track and field athlete. Not only did I love the warm weather of Houston, the idea of competing for a D1 athletic team, and the academic prestige of the university, but what truly hit me during my campus visit was Rice’s sense of community. I believe the Rice student body is truly unique and quirky, no two students are the same. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has niche, fun interests, but we do share two things: a passion and love for learning, and a willingness and desire to help our peers. From Day 1 at Rice I was never afraid to be myself because I knew I would be accepted. Rice welcomes all their students, and they provide them the opportunities and resources they need to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Interests: ATHLETICS, CULTURE, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP