How to Train Your Jedi
Adina Olson
Psychology 2028
Philadelphia, PA
Get ready to meet the one and only Adina Olson! Adina is always performing, as both a cello player in on-campus musical performances and the president of Rice's acapella group Nocturnal, she's always on the go. But somehow, she always manages to make time for her friends too! Adina is one of the kindest, friendliest, and most caring people that you might ever meet on campus. She always shows up to support those she cares about, whether she's rooting for you at a performance, lending you a helping hand, or just listening to you when you need someone to talk to. And it's not just those in her close circle that Adina cares about; as a psychology major with a minor in politics, law, and social thought, she's super passionate about making changes in the world for the good of others. So don't be shy, Adina is always excited to make a new friend! If you want to start a conversation with her, try talking about Broadway, Will Rice's bike team, or anything outdoorsy.
Julia Ward-Mulligan (Will Rice '28)
Mariela Garcia
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 2027
Houston, TX
Who's that returning from her fifth concert of the month? None other than our very own hometown hero, Mariela Garcia! She may be an eepy girl in a wakey world, but you can still catch her at 3 AM having a crazy yap sesh with her friends or screaming over an F1 race. Don't let her loud voice scare you though, she's just the coxswain for the crew team (so she's used to yelling at rowers). Mariela is a Chemical Engineering major with a specialization in Biomolecular Engineering and is minoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, but her true passion is taking care of the rats in her lab at the BRC (if you know what we mean). You'll often find Mariela grinding through thermo problem sets at O'Connor, where she's always down for a quick coffee run to Dandelion Cafe (bonus points if you offer her your tetra). But what really sets her apart is her kindness: she will stop what she's doing to help you understand orgo or just listen when you need to vent. Cheerful and sweet, Mariela will be the best O-Week mom you could ask for!
Emma Daly (Will Rice '27) and Krish Patel (Will Rice '27)
Gabe Sanchez
Bioscience: biochemistry 2026
Gurabo, Puerto Rico
I smell coquito...is that THE Gabe Sanchez? You're so lucky to have this Puerto Rican stud as your advisor! As a Biosciences pre-med, this upcoming Will Rice senior is either in the kitchen cooking some of the best meals you'll ever have or yapping more than studying! Additionally, he's a part of Rice University's own mexican band, Los Búhos Del Norte, often showcasing his insane drumming skills. He also takes very good care of his friends, always checking up on them and helping them in any way he can! Whether you need someone to get advice from, to grab a late-night snack with, or to study with, Gabe will always be there for you no matter the situation.
Pedro Garza (Will Rice '26)
Ben Lindenbaum
Computer Science 2027
New York, New York
Ben Lindenbaum (or, to friends, Bagel222) is a force to be reckoned with. As a brawl stars warrior, you'll often see him grinding up the trophy ladder, probably while watching Love is Blind or Rick and Morty. Ben is currently studying computer science and philosophy, but he's changed his majors so many times we can't really keep track anymore. He loves listening to music, so you'll probably hear him blasting Frank Ocean, Isaiah Rashad, or Kendrick from a couple floors down. Whether you're looking for silly presentations about the pizzas of his life (it's a New York thing apparently) or a deep intellectual conversation about current American politics, you'll find it here with Mr. Lindenbaum. Lastly, if you see someone tall walking around in a large Cookie Monster onesic, don't fear. That's just your o week dad!
Nihar Shetty (Jones '27), Samvita Gautham (Jones '27), Navya Dronamraju (Jones '27)
