Lovetteer dives into campus life
When we interviewed Lovett College freshman Grace Nosek in September, she had known about Rice for less than one year, having discovered it on a list of best-value universities the previous December. Far from her home in New Jersey, Nosek felt welcomed into the residential college community even before she began Orientation Week.
Since Nosek began at Rice, she has discovered activities she likes and found a job but still has not definitively decided on a second major to add to French Studies.
Even without narrowing her academic interests yet, Rice has provided Nosek with a multitude of new opportunities and challenges, she said.
Nosek said she has adjusted well to life at Rice, although it differs vastly from her small public high school. Not even the Houston weather was a difficult adjustment, she said.
“I sometimes forget I’m in Texas,” Nosek said. “I’m surprised.”
Nosek credits O-Week and the college system with making her feel comfortable in a new environment.
“I think [O-Week is] one of the best things Rice does,” she said. “[The O-week advisers] almost become like a mom and dad. … I immediately felt like it was like home.”
After the successful O-Week, Nosek signed up for a full load of classes, her favorite of which was POLI 211: Introduction to International Relations.
But not all of Nosek’s energy is spent on her classes. A high school soccer player, Nosek looks forward to participating in intramural sports, including soccer this semester and Powderpuff in the fall. Nosek also fills her free time with a part-time job at the Nehemiah Center, where she tutors at-risk children through the “America Reads” program. Nosek said her job is ideal.
“I’m getting paid but also getting to do this awesome community service,” Nosek said.
Nosek has branched out beyond Lovett, serving as a new student representative in the Student Association. She attended the Impact Rice Retreat at Camp Allen Jan. 12-14. Nosek said the trip provided her with the unique opportunity to meet new people and enliven her own pursuits.
“I wanted to talk to people who are driven,” Nosek said. “I always find that inspiring.”
Nosek said if she were to give advice to incoming freshmen, she would emphasize the importance of balancing academics with a social life.
“Don’t focus so much on school that you miss good relationships,” she said.
— Matthew McKee
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