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.

Molly '29

Albany, New York

Residential College: Wiess

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
I’ve experienced Rice’s Culture of Care in small but meaningful ways—like professors checking in during busy weeks, classmates sharing notes without being asked, and my core team genuinely looking out for my wellbeing. Rice makes it clear that you’re never expected to handle everything on your own, and that sense of support has shaped how comfortable I feel taking academic and personal risks here.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, RELIGION, RESEARCH
Nicole '28

Los Angeles, California

Residential College: Sid Richardson

Why did you choose Rice?
I initially chose Rice because of its top-ranked academic programs and the opportunity to study in a rigorous, creative environment. However, when I visited campus, what truly convinced me was the atmosphere and the people. The campus itself is beautiful, but it was the welcoming and supportive nature of the community that really stood out to me. Everyone I met seemed genuinely excited about being at Rice and eager to share their experiences. That sense of openness and care made it feel like a place where I could both challenge myself academically and feel supported along the way. Rice quickly felt like somewhere I could grow, explore my interests, and be part of a close-knit community.

Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL
Nikita '27

Houston, Texas

Residential College: Baker

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
Through Rice's Culture of Care, I got to advise new students as an O-Week parent! I loved cheering my freshmen on whether it was birthday scavenger hunts (group chat disguised as "MATH 101 study group"), hand-drawn signs with their full names for basketball games, or late-night check-ins during exam stress. It was fulfilling to be a mentor, and I appreciate how Rice's culture encourages you to be a peer who supports collaboratively instead of constantly competing, because we each have different strengths.

Interests: CULTURE, MUSIC, RELIGION, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Owen '29

Southlake, Texas

Residential College: Will Rice

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
I have experienced Rice's Culture of Care through my friends and residential college RAs. Whenever I'm stressed due to work or exams, my friends go out of their ways to cheer me up, making informal study breaks for me to rest, talking through my struggles, and cheering me on as I walk to the actual tests. Similarly, my residential college RAs know me by name and check in with me whenever we cross paths. They've taken the time to learn my interests and courses, and they regularly find opportunities to sit down and chat about studies, life, etc. Both groups of people (and so many more) constantly support me on campus, so I always feel the presence of Rice's Culture of Care.

Interests: CULTURE, MUSIC, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Paris '28

Shanghai, China

Residential College: Brown

Why did you choose Rice?
Rice offered the resources that align well with my goals of going into biomedical research, as well as the flexibility to explore and protect my curiosity. But most importantly, I think I chose Rice for its people, whose vibe really resonated with mine even before I step foot on campus. Here, there's no single definition of success, nor is it a cut-throat environment where competition reigns above all else. People are truly passionate about their studies and goals and they are willing to give it all.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Patrick '28

Grapevine, Texas

Residential College: Brown

What is your favorite Rice experience?
Traveling to LA the summer before freshman year to work as a Talent Escort at the ESPY Awards. It was my first time meeting other Rice students and getting a taste of what the Sport Management department has to offer.

Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, MUSIC
Patrick '28

Grapevine, Texas

Residential College: Brown

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
The Culture of Care is such a huge part of my experience here at Rice. I never got the competitive vibe I was dreading coming to an academically rigorous institution, people are always willing to help you out, which makes for a great college experience. Also, the residential college experience facilitates this really well through dedicated RAs and Magisters who are also great resources to enhance the student experience.

Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, MUSIC, RELIGION
Patrick '28

Grapevine, Texas

Residential College: Brown

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
The Culture of Care is such a huge part of my experience here at Rice. I never got the competitive vibe I was dreading coming to an academically rigorous institution, people are always willing to help you out, which makes for a great college experience. Also, the residential college experience facilitates this really well through dedicated RAs and Magisters who are also great resources to enhance the student experience.

Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, MUSIC, RELIGION
Princess '27

Atlanta, Georgia

Residential College: Brown

Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because of the extensive resources available to students, and the welcoming atmosphere which allows students to be more collaborative than competitive.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Qais '29

Liberty Hill, Texas

Residential College: Duncan

Why did you choose Rice?
From a young age, my interest in Pokemon led me to discover MandJTV, a big Pokemon YouTuber and a very famous Rice alum, and he spoke so highly about the university's culture and their embracing of unique interests. Even as I grew up and began to really think about where I wanted to end up beyond a surface level, I knew I wanted to apply to and attend Rice. My personal attachment to the university, coupled with the incredibly open academic curriculum at Rice that easily allowed me to balance a Neuroscience major with my interests in Arabic, religion, politics, creative writing, etc., were the main drivers for why I ended up applying to Rice as an Early Decision 1 Applicant, and it's been an incredibly fulfilling experience and a dream come true so far.

Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Ramon '27

Chicago, Illinois

Residential College: Duncan

What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
My favorite question to be asked on tour is which residential college I am part of. This gives me the opportunity to show incoming applicants the strong ties associated to the residential colleges. The meaning it holds to be part of Duncan and how it's now part of my identity.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Reva '29

Wichita, Kansas

Residential College: Duncan

Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because I fell in love with the campus and the way every student and staff member took the time to smile, wave, and spend time with me during my visit here. It was obvious that this was a school where I wasn't going to be just another statistic.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, RELIGION, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Ryan '26

Ocala, Florida

Residential College: Jones

What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
What is your favorite class that you have ever taken because the classes I give are one unrelated to my major and it is super fun to see everyone's reactions.

Interests: RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Salvador '27

Florence, South Carolina

Residential College: Duncan

Why did you choose Rice?
Plain and simple, I chose Rice for the amazing community. Any college has the opportunity to provide you an education that can take you far in life, but not a single other college provides an amazing education in a way that changes you for the better. Everything at Rice is about the students! Even housing is designed to bring people together through the residential college system! Very blatantly put, Rice gives you a stellar education while also giving you a community that will build you up.

Interests: ATHLETICS, ENVIRONMENTAL, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Sarah '29

Allen, Texas

Residential College: Brown

Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because of all the research and extracurricular opportunities available as well as the welcoming student environment that fosters friendship instead of competition!

Interests: ARTS, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Sarai '28

Fort Worth, Texas

Residential College: Will Rice

What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite Rice experience is participating in Will Rice Will Surfside. Our entire college goes to Surfside Beach to celebrate the end of the academic year. There we sing campfire songs, have S'mores, and play in the ocean!

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Stella '28

Los Angeles, California

Residential College: McMurtry

Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because of the small size and in turn smaller class environment. I really appreciate and excel with one-on-one attention when it comes to learning, and I did not want to compete with other students when it came to office hours or other meetings with professors. I always feel so seen when professors know my name and remembers me from previous semesters, it makes me feel like I have a place here at Rice.

Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Summer '29

San Diego, California

Residential College: Will Rice

How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
I experienced Rice's Culture of Care at the end of O-Week when the feelings of homesickness finally caught on to me. I told some of my friends and advisors about it, and they all shared their own experiences and helped me realize that my situation is very common among first years. Being able to confide in my peers showed me that Rice students genuinely care about supporting each other.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Sweetie '29

Dallas, Texas

Residential College: Duncan

What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite Rice experience would definitely have to be O-Week. I was and am so grateful for all the support I was met with the second that I stepped foot on campus. Being able to meet and grow alongside other new students while doing fun and silly activities was such a great introduction to Rice, and truly a highlight of my time here so far.

Interests: ARTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, MUSIC
Tamara '29

Honolulu, Hawaii

Residential College: Martel

What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite experience at Rice so far has been Orientation Week or O-Week. Prior to applying, I had no idea about O-week and was terrified to start college. Yet instantly, once I stepped foot into Martel, I felt at home. Although it was a little overwhelming at first, the fun energy that all the advisors brought made me feel welcome and I quickly got to know and love my O-week family. I loved going on late night adventures and competing with the other new Martelians. Finally, by the end of the week, I felt ready to take on the new experiences of college and was comforted that I already had a group of friends I could talk to.

Interests: ARTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Valeria '29

San Salvador, El Salvador

Residential College: Baker

Why did you choose Rice?
Moving to a new country alone is not an easy decision, but Rice offered exactly what I was looking for. I was initially attracted to apply to Rice for its green campus, warm location, and outstanding academic reputation. Nonetheless, in the end I decided to choose Rice because of the financial aid available to meet my needs. The amount of support I was offered was very unique to Rice. It was very important for me to attend a university with that type of personal care which I hoped to find in other areas as well. I liked the 6:1 faculty ratio as it helps to have a closer relationship with professors. Moreover, the residential college system felt like a good place to build community in an environment where meeting new people can feel intimidating.

Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE