Staff Spotlight: Yahaira Verdejo

Associate Director, Study Abroad

Yahaira Verdejo
Yahaira Verdejo
Yahaira Verdejo

Q: How long have you worked at Rice?

A: Nine years going on 10.

Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?

A: The people I work with and how beautiful our campus is.

Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?

A: It is a very diverse city, and it’s so fun to continue discovering new food and things to do. I could do without the excessive heat, though.

Q: What do you do in your downtime?

A: I love to bake, craft and play with my two pups, Odie and Barley.

Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?

A: Rice Coffeehouse, even more in the summer when the line is shorter.

Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?

A: I think the most exciting time of the year is the end of each term because there’s a buzz in the air. That’s also when our students are wrapping up their time abroad, and we can hear from them soon once they return.

Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?

A: I have a deep connection to Rice as an alumna, so that is probably the piece that makes it most special to me. I truly value the memories and friendships I made as a student, and it’s fun to see students making the most of their own experience at Rice.

Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?

A: I would probably sit in my office and would have fun conducting my appointments as Sammy. I would just need to make sure I could fit through my door since it might be a tight squeeze.

Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?

A: Our team, despite being small, works very hard, and we always support each other. I love working with them and making an impact on students’ lives.

Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?

A: I see it continuing to grow but maintaining its sense of community and traditions.

Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.

A: Community, welcoming and diverse.

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