Lovett O-Week:
Pass the Torch
Mei Tan
Advisor
Connor Pasich
Advisor
Rah Rah Phelps and the Magnificent 7th
HOW DO YOU SPELL LIFE?! E-O-L R-R-F!!! Welcome to the best college on campus, Lovett. Please allow us to introduce you to one of your many qualified team captains, and our best friend: Connor Pasich. Connor’s great at skating, playing lacrosse, and sparking new friendships. But don’t take our word for it; he’ll make sure to tell you himself. If you’re ever having a hankering for fast food then Connor’s your man. Fueled solely by Dr. Pepper and Cheese Whiz, he’ll take you to McDonald’s…or Whataburger…or order Domino’s…or all three in one night. Sometimes he doesn’t know who he is. On a serious note, college is a tough transition to go through, you’re learning how to be an adult, and that takes time. We love you, and we’re glad that you have Connor there to help as your advisor. He has a good heart, and a wealth of experience; utilize him, draw upon him, because he already loves you too. Like Connor always says, “Life is short. Too short, in fact, to go to court.”
~Allen Simon and Eyoeal Yohannes, Lovett ‘16
I can’t express how lucky you are to have Mei as an advisor. Hailing from College Station, TX, Mei is one of the sweetest, nicest people I know. She’s quick to give hugs, and always greets everyone with an enthusiastic, beaming smile no matter how stressed she is. Mei is also extremely hardworking—despite excelling as a Computer Science major, she also somehow finds time to be a phenomenal ballroom dancer, actor/director of stellar plays, and an accomplished artist. She’s also Ms. College Station, initially intended to be a SWGS major, and loves singing while playing her ukulele. Basically, she’s one of the most interesting people at Lovett. If you go back enough on Mei’s Facebook pictures, you’ll find a whole host of pictures that she took as a model for a Chinese billboard (they’re priceless). Her love for TV shows and the rate at which she watches them is legendary. In fact, she binge watched all of Grey’s Anatomy in less than four weeks this past semester. If you ever want to earn some brownie points with her, get her something “Book of Mormon” related; it’s by far her favorite musical. Her spirit animal is certainly and undeniably a puppy, and once you get to meet her, you’ll see why. Mei is an extremely reliable and loyal person, and I’m proud to call her my friend.
~Rishi Suresh, Lovett ‘17
As you enter the commons to get breakfast in the morning, don’t be alarmed by the blanketed bundle of mass laid out across several chairs, slightly quivering and occasionally shifting. It is not the Blob, but Anjali Kumar – sleepless queen of the commons. If that title seems intimidating, you are well mistaken; feel free to approach her as her iPhone alarm goes off for the sixth time and embrace the jolly, wholesome goodness of Anjali – she’ll reciprocate with a sleepy welcome and a hug (and also hummus, if she has that). Needless to say, our friendship consists of more than me begging for her mom’s delicious Indian food (at least, I hope). A future doctor, Anjali has fervor for helping others, whether it’s through PAIR, an organization that aids refugee children in the Houston community, or through serenading the very stressed with her powerful renditions of Beyoncé in her faux-Indian accent. A future self-proclaimed trophy wife, Anjali has a knack for shaking her hips in which she does through her own dance team – the appropriately named Rice Swagatam (or as I call it, Rice Full-Of-Swag) – and the show Desperate Housewives, whose characters provide her with glimpses of her future life, murder and cheating not withstanding. Without a doubt though, Anjali is one of the most bubbly and jubilant personalities you’ll meet during your time here at Rice (seriously, she should be called An-Jolly) so get to know her!
~Thomas Chen, Lovett ‘16
Mason Daumas goes by many names—Grandmaster of Coffee, El Presidente, Mace the Ace, Everybody’s Friend—but how to properly introduce this kid? Standing at 6’2”, don’t be freaked out if he picks you up in one of his signature bear hugs; they’re almost as famous as his latte art skills. He speaks movie quotes fluently, he knows (and can sing) all the Disney songs worth knowing and can tell you anything—yes, anything—about coffee. He’s seen all the episodes of Avatar: the Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra at least three times over, and if you’re ever in need of a Doctor Who marathon, he’s your man. Hailing from the wonderful and weird town of Austin, Mason brings to Rice his love of Tex-Mex and indie music, as well as a great deal of southern hospitality and charm. Don’t let the French last name fool you; he’s half Mexican and Paraguayan and speaks Spanish like a pro. Among his many, many talents are trumpet-playing and pie-baking, and he’s a total whiz at all things chemistry and math related. You can always find him working or studying in Coffeehouse, his natural habitat. Order a Whiteout, this genius invented them. He’s super laid back, but start a conversation on any of his passions and his enthusiasm shines like no other. He’s the kid who knows how to do it all, including have a good time. Wherever Mason is, if you’re there, it’s gonna be awesome. He’s the straight-up nicest guy you’ll ever meet and if you’re lucky enough to have him as an advisor, he’ll be one of the best friends you’ll ever have.
~Vicky Comesañas, Wiess ‘16
Anjali Kumar
O-Week Assistant
Mason Daumas
Co-Advisor
