Talk to me about: Civic Immersion participation and leadership, Alternative Spring Break (ASB) participation and leadership, Rich Family Endowment

Major: Health Sciences

Minor: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Hi everyone! My name is Catherine Nguyen (she/her) and I am a junior at Will Rice studying Health Sciences with a minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. I first interacted with the CCL as a participant in Civic Owlets (now known as Civic Immersion). I participated twice, during the two summers before my matriculation to Rice. My experiences as a participant in Civic Owlets inspired me to change my major to Health Sciences in order to pursue further education in health disparities. To deepen my involvement with the CCL, I became a remote site leader for Civic Immersion and participant in an ASB that focused on mental health in racial and ethnic minorities through the lens of mental health and racial capitalism. I have also served on the Rich Family Endowment selection committee each semester. My most recent engagement with the CCL was this past summer when I again served as a site leader for Civic Immersion, but for the in-person segment. Site leading Civic Immersion in-person provided a meaningful and impactful experience that allowed me to translate knowledge from academia into the public sphere and to develop my leadership and communication abilities. I loved guiding participants’ understanding of social issues in Houston while forming close bonds with my co-site leaders and matriculating Rice students.

Outside of the CCL, I am involved with Will Rice leadership and Rice Program Council. You can often catch me studying at cafes, playing board games, or hosting friends at home. Please feel free to chat with me anytime at ckn4@rice.edu!