Name: Mary Draper
Hometown: Annandale, Virginia
Age: 18
College: Hanszen
Major(s): Undecided (Humanities/Social Sciences)

Extracurricular activities: Freshman representative to Hanszen Cabinet, wide receiver on the Hanszen powder-puff football team, Hanszen Bible Study, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Intramural Tennis.

Favorite thing to do at Rice: There are so many things to do; I can’t just choose one. First and foremost, I love playing powder-puff football. The Hanszen team has so much fun, and we recently made it to the championship. I also love sitting in the Hanszen Quad. On a beautiful day, it’s a great place to do homework and, at night, it’s a wonderful place to chat with friends. Finally, I love going to study breaks. Whether there is ice cream or karaoke involved, study breaks are a great place to hang out and avoid doing homework.

The thing that surprised me most about Houston: Who knew it could be humid in the winter? I still don’t understand it.

What I like most about Houston: The amazing Mexican food.

Ways in which Rice has changed/shaped me: Rice has allowed me to explore opportunities and areas of study that I would have previously overlooked. From activities like powder-puff football to classes in religious studies and sociology, I’ve been able to branch out and explore many different opportunities. 

Something I’ve done at Rice that I didn’t expect to do: I never thought I would adapt so quickly. Coming from out of state, I was apprehensive about going to college so far from home. I had lived in the same house my entire life, so moving to Texas was a huge change. However, upperclassmen do an excellent job of acclimating freshmen during O-Week. From learning college traditions to making new friendships, I felt a sense of belonging to both Hanszen and Rice within a week. 

Favorite food at Rice: Blue Bell ice cream in little containers.

My plans after graduation: I have no idea, but I’m fine with that. Until I decide my major, I will explore all of the different opportunities that Rice has to offer.

Rice is: Absolutely fantastic. I can’t imagine myself at another college or university. The people, professors, classes, and opportunities are amazing. No matter what you are interested in, you will find your niche at Rice.