Incoming Fall 2024 MEML Students,
The MEML Student Association welcomes you to Rice University! You have made a bold move for your professional career and life will soon take you in new directions. Here, you have much to do and a short time to do it.
Your RCEL and Engineering courses will take a tremendous amount of effort. At the same time, you need to prepare for career success through Rice programs through the Center for Career Development (CCD), Fondren Library, Doerr Leadership, Career Fairs, and more. And campus life is critical to your student experience. The Rice community is built in intramural sports, athletic events, Shepard school concerts, Moody Center art openings. So much to do.
MEML-SA is here to help. We are hosting technical and professional development seminars. We are organizing social events to forge bonds. We are connecting students with professionals for career opportunities. We are participating in Rice activities together. We are all here, as fellow students, to offer our perspectives on what has worked for us at Rice.
You have put jobs on hold, are preparing for the future, and will be responsible for many academic obligations. On top of that, MEML is asking you to participate in activities every week. It can overwhelm you. It is tempting to skip important events or get careless on assignments. MEML-SA is here for you. And we hope you will be there for your classmates.
Remember: When you feel exhausted and withdrawn, just take a minute. Stop, breathe, and return to the present. Cut the nonessential things. Organize your priorities. Sleep, exercise, and eat real food. Fill the well of inspiration. Continue valuing personal connections. Have compassion for each other and yourself.
You can do this. You will thrive.
Best,
Chris Ordoñez
MEML-SA President
Chris Ordoñez has over two decades of experience in ocean technology, including marine robotics manufacturing, hydrographic mapping, oceanographic research, and offshore construction. He’s held roles from Field Engineer to Program Manager and worked on the boats from small inflatables to world-class Construction Vessels. From Trinidad to Iceland, Laos to Mozambique, Chris has worked around the globe and with diverse cultures. Chris has a BS in Ocean Engineering (Texas A&M), a MS in Ocean Physics (Oregon State), held numerous leadership positions in the Marine Technology Society, and is currently earning a M.Eng in Management & Leadership at Rice, graduating in December 2024. His interests include live music, books, bicycling, big ideas, and cats.