Ibana Delgado (she/her)
Class of 2026, Will Rice College
Major: Neuroscience
What is something you’re proud of this year?
This academic year, I am proud to have earned my first 4.0 semester. I once thought achieving this was impossible for someone like me, who encountered several challenges during her transition into higher education. Going from a top-performing student in high school to a seemingly average college student struggling to keep up with the material and grasping for success was detrimental to my perception of my abilities and potential. However, through trial and error, I learned which strategies and resources truly helped me and which were a waste of time and effort. Bringing those effective approaches together this past semester enabled me to excel in all of my classes while still juggling extracurricular responsibilities.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Ask for help! You are not expected to handle or understand everything from the start on your own. There are people whose job is to help you digest the new information you are being exposed to. Nobody comes into college as an expert in the subject they wish to study. I certainly didn’t, and neither did the people I’ve met over the years. Knowledge is gained with time and practice, and there is no fixed timeline for acquiring it. Professors are always willing to provide additional support as long as you are willing to ask. Remember: closed mouths don’t get fed.
How have you utilized the RESP office this year? How has RESP been beneficial for you this year?
RESP laid the foundation for my Rice career and has slowly helped me build it up over the years. Since freshman year, I have turned to the RESP office when in need of career advice, opportunities, or simply someone to listen as I worked through my worries. Attending biweekly meetings with my advisor(s) over the past four years has helped me stay grounded and feel a sense of belonging. These moments, even if only briefly, help my worries dissolve and reassure me about my next steps. Similarly, the SSI office has helped me cover expenses that would have otherwise posed a significant financial burden. As a low-income student, the financial aspect of attending college is a never-ending concern, but SSI has played a crucial role in alleviating that stress.
Any advice for other students?
Embrace the uncertainty. There are very few moments in life when you are 100% sure of the steps you are taking, and that is more than okay. Explore the options and opportunities you encounter, even if they were not part of the original vision you had for yourself or your career. I never thought I would end up studying neuroscience when I started college as a computer science major, yet here I am, and I don’t regret it at all.