As a high school senior, you are asked many questions about your future: Which university will you attend? What will your major be? Are you excited, nervous, all of the above? Every detail of your future is questioned and telling others becomes more of things you list off rather than meaningfully engaging in your responses. As a senior, I experienced being asked these questions but there was always a lingering question that everyone asked me: “Why Rice?”  

“Why Rice?” is such an introspective question that I am still asked as a student at Rice University. It is my most frequently asked question that has led me to think thoughtfully about my acceptance and commitment to Rice as well as my current life here.

The question “Why Rice?” was more often asked out of curiosity and genuine interest. Some people who asked this question would even joke about me eating rice at Rice or why I didn’t apply to “Beans.” Although these comments were made innocently, there existed an underlying tone in how the question was posed and how the comments were made. 

The question and comments I received stemmed from where I was born and raised – Los Angeles, California. Known for its great weather, celebrities, beaches, and nightmare of traffic, Los Angeles was my home and joy for eighteen years. Within California, people are very familiar with students attending a UC or other top, well-known university. However, many people in California are not familiar with Rice University. They were not familiar with Rice’s prestige, rigor of education, environment, and oh- it being a TOP 10 University in the U.S. (yeah, that’s right). Might I even add– a “New Ivy” (read that again). Being asked “Why Rice?” was well-intended, but also felt a bit disheartening knowing that many people did not know about Rice nor where it even was located nor the amount of work and sacrifice it took to get here.  

Upon learning that Rice University was located in Houston, Texas, people quickly went “OH” given that Texas serves as California’s foil. Many people told me I would become a “cowgirl” (which hasn’t come true, yet) and held the stereotype that Texas was just Republicans and everything country-style. Rather than be discouraged by these comments, I embraced them because for me, attending Rice and living in Texas is the best blessing and opportunity! 

Rice University called to me. 

Texas called my name. 

And well, Houston → Home was calling. 

Rice University has been everything and more than I could ever ask for. Community, family, and empowerment were strong pillars at my high school; consequently, a prominent aspect I wanted in the university I would attend was a strong sense of community. A place where you could be yourself, be supported by like-minded individuals, and thrive as a student, person, and leader. An environment that would empower and encourage students. An atmosphere where Owls soared high together.

Community is much more than just the geographical location and demographics of the neighborhood, but rather it encompasses unity, support, and encouragement. A community is meant to be there to support you in turning your aspirations into celebrations. The aspect of community is prevalent at Rice University, allowing the students ample opportunities to connect with others and thrive in this environment to go on to be leaders and innovators in the world. 

From Houston to Dallas to San Antonio, my family’s roots stretch wide and dig deep, anchored in true “Texas Proud” style. Attending Rice is much more special knowing that I have my extended family here within Texas supporting me and encouraging me to keep persevering. Moreover, after living for eighteen years in the same apartment in the same neighborhood in the same city, I was ready for a change, a new scenery, a new vibe, a new atmosphere — Texas is just the place for me.

I felt as if Houston called my name. I felt peace and even excitement in the idea of moving to Houston. It truly met and surpassed every one of my expectations. In the months following my acceptance to Rice University, I listened to John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and although the original lyrics sound good, I would argue my version is just perfection: “Country Roads, Take Me Home, to the place I belong, Houston, Texas, Rice University” (it goes well with the melody → sing it, you’ll see!). Since moving to Houston, I have adapted well and come to recognize it as home. Although it differs from the atmosphere of Los Angeles, it is the different, welcoming environment of Houston and Texas that ground me in knowing that I am where I am meant to be.

When asked the question, “Why Rice?”, it often refers to why I picked Rice, but in reality Rice picked me, a blessing I am beyond thankful for. Rice has opened its doors to me, allowing me to break through the barriers and be a change-maker. As I walk through the tree-lined paths of campus, I smile brightly and full of gratitude as I am living in an answered prayer. Even when my studies and workload intensify and I encounter challenges, I find myself smiling and laughing joyfully because I am at Rice University and have the opportunity to study here! 

And so, to answer the question, “Why Rice?” 

Rice is Rice

There is no place like Rice, there is no place I would rather be.