Jennine Guanchez • Jones College • Policy Studies in Healthcare Policy and Management, Sociology
Looking back, the most meaningful part of my Rice career, in addition to the amazing classes, has been making friends from all over the United States and being involved in all the activities. I have been involved at Rice and Jones almost more on a social level than an educational level. I have probably grown and learned more from all the club activities and leadership positions than I have from some of my classes! I ran for Jones College floor representative my freshman year because I wanted to get involved in the Jones community early on. The position was a great way for me to become a part of the college system, which I honestly can say is my favorite Rice attribute. This nurturing family-like community has been my most comforting support during my Rice career. I have visited many college campuses and can attest to the fact that Rice has the best social institution. Since I was an involved member of Jones, the president at the time asked me to plan a dinner party for 300 people in the old commons before it was torn down. I worked with two other freshmen who lived down the hall from me, Ellen Montz and Semra Malik, and we became best friends in the process. We worked so well together that we ran for the position of Jones Socials and have been inseparable ever since. I have lived with them for the past three years, visited both of them in their hometown of Austin, and gone on all spring break vacations with them. We talk about the future and remember all the times we shared at Rice. I know we will be friends for the rest of our lives. This year, I am vice president at Jones, and I thoroughly enjoy my leadership role. I also have been very involved in the Rice Owl Dance Team for four years. I grew up doing gymnastics, cheerleading, and
38
Rice Sallyport
dancing, and I joined the dance team freshman year because freshmen are not allowed to try out for cheerleading. I ended up staying on because I liked the girls and preferred the dance program to the cheer program. I was elected captain at the end of my junior year. During my sophomore year, I ran the concessions part of Beer Bike and was responsible for getting food and beverages for the entire student body. Although the Beer Bike budget was very low that year, I had two tents, 440 pizzas, 1,000 donated burritos, and soda, water, and lemonade. It was crazy fun! Last year, Ellen and I were campuswide coordinators for Beer Bike, and it was the largest event I have ever planned. I made it my job to improve the quality of the Rice track for the event. The track had not been renovated in 10 years. It was a very bumpy path, and no one I encountered wanted to help or take responsibility. I finally found light at the end of the tunnel in Max Amery and Zen Camacho. Max was very helpful by arranging to have the track paved, and Dr. Camacho came through with financial assistance. Dr. Camacho and I became very close during this time as well as when I shadowed him. He was one of my favorite people at Rice, and I was extremely hurt to see him go. I’ve participated in many other projects here at Rice, including being a manager of Willy’s Pub and formals co-chair for Esperanza 2004. All of these positions have created indelible memories for me, and they have helped me further my goals. I will be able to combine the skills I’ve learned in my social activities at Rice with the wonderful education I’ve received here to empower me in the future, and for that I’m truly grateful.