Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: Working with the students in our RISE program because I get to be a mentor for students and guide them in a two-week matriculation before school starts in the fall. This is an exciting head start before O-Week begins for students to gain more knowledge of resources available to them.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: Houston is a melting pot of cultures and of great people. Although Houston is huge, exploring different parts of the city can bring the comforts of culture, family and delicious food.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I love to spend time with friends, to read a good book and to enjoy quality time with my fiancé.
Q: What is your most memorable accomplishment?
A: Graduating with my master’s degree in higher education in December 2024. I have a passion for working with students and was a bilingual teacher at an elementary school. Working with my students made me realize that I wanted to see them in the future and be of support to my Latino community. This drove me to pursue my education further, and now I can support first-generation and low-income minority groups at Rice.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Explore what Rice has to offer, not only for students but also for yourself. Although I am an introvert, I have found that networking with different programs and employees has helped me understand Rice even better.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: Playing the drums. I have been playing the drums since I was 6 years old and continue to do so at my church. My favorite part is seeing people’s faces in amazement when they see a woman playing the drums.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Things happen for a reason. Although life might have shifted into a different career, it doesn’t mean that I will not love what I will do in the future.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I would love to experience a day at a football game as I can act silly and get the crowd excited to cheer on our team.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Taking a tour of the campus, led by my mentor Christine from the Office of Academic Advising, and enjoying the unique architecture of Rice.