Dorea Novaez
Hometown: Houston
Class: Senior
Major: English and Visual Arts
Scholarship/Fellowship: Gordon R. West Scholarship
Residential life
One of my favorite experiences was definitely O-week. I was exhausted by the end of the week, but I had so much fun. The experience provided an opportunity to meet and greet my fellow Martelians in a setting that would not be possible in a traditional residential college system. I met many of my best friends during O-week, and I feel confident that they will continue to be my closest friends beyond my college years. Before coming to Rice, I had never experienced a place with such a strong sense of community. It’s such an accepting environment. The residential system gives every student a group to belong to — no one is left behind.
Favorite class
So far, my favorite was Professor Scott Derrick's American poetry class. He really pushed us to think outside the box — in the classroom and in our everyday lives. I always left class thinking about the world in a different way. He made poetry come alive for us in the 21st century. We even experimented in writing imitations of the different poets that we studied. Ultimately, I walked away from the class having been academically and personally challenged. I have encouraged all of my peers to take it before graduation.
The Rice experience
Rice has given me the opportunity to pursue a first-rate education that would have otherwise been beyond my family's financial means. It has also provided a rich and diverse learning environment. I am extremely proud to be part of a university known for its race/class interaction. By extending its reach and increasing its depth within the community, Rice has proved to be a symbol of unlimited educational endeavors. It is an institution committed to diversity and richness for both its students and faculty.
Thank you
Without the aid of this scholarship and others like it, I would not be able to attend Rice. Neither of my parents attended college, and there wasn’t any money set aside for my education. If it were possible, I would extend my deep gratitude to the West family. They have given me an opportunity that has changed the course of my life. I have discovered so much about myself here, and I will soon attain a college degree with distinguished value. Not only has an education ensured my road to a career, but it has also given me the gift of unbounded knowledge. It’s a gift my parents taught me to value above all. For that, I would like to say thank you many times over to all those who have given the gift of education. It truly is a service that is vital to the success of our country.
