Chrysamei Simbo

Home country: United States

Home state: Philadelphia

Residential College: Sid Richardson

Student Involvement: Rice Women in Business, Rice Coffeehouse, Rice Athletics tutoring

Previous Internships: EY-Parthenon, Bain & Company

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice Business experience? 

The most surprising part has been how many students are drawn to Rice Business and how much the program continues to grow each year. I didn’t expect such a strong business presence at Rice, but building community here is incredibly easy, and there’s truly a place for every interest. What stood out most was how quickly it felt like home, even without knowing anyone beforehand.

What has been your favorite thing about your Rice Business experience?

My favorite thing is how collaborative the culture is. In the classroom, students support one another rather than compete, and everyone works together to ensure success for the group as a whole. That spirit of collaboration makes it easy to form meaningful friendships and build a lasting support system that extends beyond academics.

What do you love most about Houston?

What I love most about Houston is its diversity. The city brings together people from so many different backgrounds, which creates a rich mix of cultures and perspectives you can experience every day. Beyond that, Houston offers incredible food, vibrant neighborhoods and countless activities, so there’s always something new to discover outside of class.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective student? 

Come to Rice with an open mind and allow your perspective to evolve as you gain new experiences. The world is much bigger than you may realize, and Rice is the perfect place to explore it. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone because that’s where the most meaningful growth and opportunities happen.