Inside Rice Leadership: New Chao College Leader Prasanna on O-Week & Student Life

In this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Prasanna, a first-year student at Rice University, incoming O-Week Coordinator for Chao College, and student leader deeply involved in campus life. Prasanna shares how curiosity—not a rigid plan—has guided his leadership journey, from stepping into roles like Parliamentarian and Floor Representative at Jones College to building community through small, meaningful events. He reflects on balancing structure with fun, leading without having all the answers, and the power of simply reaching out.

From navigating unexpected challenges to learning how to delegate, adapt, and lean on others, Prasanna offers honest insights into what it’s like to lead early on at Rice. He also shares advice for new students feeling overwhelmed: take it one step at a time, stay open to opportunities, and trust that growth will follow.

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

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