Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Three years and eight months.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: By far my favorite part about working at Rice is the people. Both staff and students make it a joy to come to work. I’ve met some amazing staff and some amazing students during my short tenure here, and it’s been a fun experience.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: Houston has so much to explore. Being a Chicago native and having lived in California (Los Angeles and the Long Beach area) for seven years, I can confidently say that Houston lives up to its name. While public transit leaves a little to be desired, I do think Houston is a fantastic city with a lot of culture, food and a special energy that makes it magnetic. I’m almost four years in, and I am still learning so much.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I spend time with my kids, cook, watch my favorite TV shows, catch up on my favorite podcasts and still find time to explore this vast city.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: I don’t have one favorite spot as the entire campus is beautiful.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: O-Week. Being that my office is very ingrained in the process of O-Week, I do find much joy in seeing the students experience Rice and learn all there is to know about its culture.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: My students. I am constantly impressed by what our students are accomplishing on a daily basis. The things they’re involved in, the way they maintain their grades, are super involved and are truly making a difference in their communities is so inspiring.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: I am proud to have gotten to this point in my career. I started out in a specific section of higher education when going to school online was virtually unheard of. Working with adult learners and veterans in making their educational goals a reality was so important to me as I was able to help a student see what was possible. Now I’m working with undergraduate students, most of whom are premed students, and some of whom are finding new and innovative pathways in making their educational goals tangible. It reminds me of how long I’ve been in the field and how transformative the work I’m doing has been. I love seeing how the landscape of higher education has changed, how the accessibility of education has increased and the importance of the work I do.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: Podcasts, television, movies and music — especially Mariah Carey.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Take it all in. Pace yourself, because there’s a lot to learn at Rice. Embrace the uniqueness of this institution, and don’t be afraid to get involved.
Q: Share a bit about your background and career journey.
A: I started out in for-profit online education in 2005, doing a mix of transfer advising and academic advising, then moved into admissions for graduate studies in 2017. In 2019 I landed a job at California State University, Los Angeles working in academic advising before coming to Rice in 2022.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: Homemade popcorn on the stove. It is way better than microwave, and it is pretty easy too. I am a salty and sweet kind of person, so I like to mix chocolate candy (Goobers or Junior Mints) in my popcorn before I eat it.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: I am a lipsync assassin.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Be patient with life. You’ll get everything you desire, plus some. Also, learn to save money.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Show up to random intramural sports around campus or random team practices to show a little love.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Rice has been great. It’s my favorite place I’ve ever worked at in my 20-plus years in higher education.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: Continuing to be innovative in its approach with three more residential colleges added to the list and expanding academic offerings.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Halloween in the Office of Academic Advising is always a great time.