Cole Derksen’s path to Rice University was definitely unconventional.
The sport management and history double major from Singapore started his college career playing volleyball in upstate New York. But the sunshine-loving Derksen found himself missing one thing: a warmer climate.
“After a little while, I realized the cold wasn't necessarily for me,” Derksen said. “So I looked at where I could transfer but I still wanted to maintain that sports connection even if it wasn't at the varsity level.”
The McMurtry College senior has found zen in his academic life as well. “I think the best aspect of Rice is just the balance,” he said. “It's the balance between academics and social life, academics and work experience. They really try and focus on letting you become your best self in life.”
As Derksen looks forward to a career in the sports marketing world, he reflects back on what attracted him to Rice. “I came and visited when I was looking at potential schools, and just literally every student I met was just so happy and it didn't seem fake,” he said. “One of my biggest pet peeves is when people come off as inauthentic and they're trying to, like, put on a face. Rice kids, they love Rice, they love Houston and they just want to let you know about that.”