Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Going on eight years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: Two things that come to mind are my wonderful colleagues both past and present whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting along the way and the friendships I’ve formed with them. Another favorite is the convenience of having a golf cart readily available when moving across campus. It’s a lifesaver in this Houston heat.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: Houston has a wide variety of Filipino restaurants and eateries. You must try halo-halo, a popular Filipino cold dessert. My absolute favorite is the one from Halo-Halo Atbp., [a food stall located in] Seafood City.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I like watching true-to-life stories, historical films, documentaries and a good K-drama every now and then. I’m also into chess, card games and board games with family. I love sharing funny Instagram memes with friends and family — it’s my little way of staying connected.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: Whenever I onboard a new employee, I enjoy taking them on a golf cart tour around our beautiful campus. The Sallyport holds special significance for me as a Rice parent, so I always make sure to show it to them.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The winter recess for sure.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: Rice holds a special place in my heart because I have experienced it both as an employee and as a parent of a Rice graduate. My older daughter completed her undergraduate studies at Rice a few years ago, and I am truly grateful for the positive college experience she had and how it has shaped her into the person she is today.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Its dynamic and collaborative nature, especially the chance to meet and interact with diverse individuals from various departments and to learn new skills.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Getting my Professional Administrative Certificate of Excellence most recently from the American Society of Administrative Professionals.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Build relationships and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I grew up in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. over 20 years ago when my husband pursued graduate studies here. During our early years, I stayed home while our kids were small. Since then, we’ve lived in several cities across different states, but Houston has been my favorite so far — I love the vibrant food scene and the easy access to the beach. Professionally, I have over a decade of experience in the administrative field and truly enjoy it. I love keeping things organized, supporting my executives and co-workers and finding ways to make everyday processes run more smoothly. It’s a rewarding experience.
Q: If you could be Sammy the Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I would initiate a flash mob in the quad and crash a few lectures.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Fulfilling and full of opportunities for growth — professionally and personally.
Q: What else have we not talked about that merits discussion?
A: I’d like to give a shoutout to all the behind-the-scenes staff, especially my fellow administrative professionals as well as the help desk teams, facilities crew and custodians who quietly create magic here at Rice. We all play a part in making Rice a special place to work, and I think that’s something worth celebrating.