Fun with Chemistry volunteers

As Reyhan Umurhan ’25 (Martel) participated in her graduation ceremony, she reflected on her Rice experience with fondness and appreciation.

Her path to Rice was not easy. A native of Turkey who immigrated to Sugar Land, Texas, in high school, Reyhan relied on a family friend to help her navigate the public school system and lay a strong foundation for college applications. On an unofficial visit to Rice, she fell in love with the university, but admits it felt like an unattainable dream.

Reyhan’s confidence soared when she was accepted to Questbridge’s College Prep Scholars Program, which helped her apply to Rice. The Rice Investment eased her concerns about affordability so she could fully focus on her application. She recalls the moment she received her acceptance letter as “the ultimate joy.”

“Not only was Rice my dream school, but it was also the most generous offer I received. I wanted to make sure my college education was not a burden to my family.”

Reyhan presents a research poster at the Natural Science Undergraduate Research Symposium.

As her first semester at Rice approached, Reyhan became nervous. She was the first member of her family to attend an American university, a non-native English speaker and a self-described introvert. But she calls O-Week the best week of her life.

“Rice made it really comfortable to get to know people and get close to my advisors,” she said. “I’m still in touch with my O-Week family. I feel so privileged to have had that experience.”

Those connections proved to be critical to her academic success as she adjusted to her first year of coursework.

“I reached out to my O-Week advisors and professors, and they guided me on how to best study for exams,” Reyhan explained. “I’ve improved a lot academically. I’ve gained critical thinking skills and life experiences, growing into a human being who’s going to step into the real world.”

Her appreciation for this support system has inspired her to become involved as a peer leader for Owl Access, a college transition program for first-generation and/or limited income students. She also serves as student director of the Peer Career Advisor program, helping students hone their resumé-writing and interviewing skills.

“I love sharing my experiences so people can see it’s okay to struggle, reach out for help, and use all the resources that are at your disposal.”

Contributing to The Rice Fund is an investment in the future. Students are given the tools to reach their full potential, setting them up for success at Rice and beyond.

“I truly appreciate the generous support that donors provided to me that made this education possible, along with all the opportunities I got to take part in on campus,” she said.

“Without my scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to choose Rice so confidently. My financial aid from The Rice Fund provided peace of mind and comfort so that I could really focus on the important things — to grow as a student and as a person.”