Dream & reap benefits by joining Rice's entrepreneurship initiatives
Last year, I had the pleasure of organizing Rice's very first 3DayStartup. It was incredible to see what ideas Rice students could come up with and execute even during a brief period of three days. Even though none of the companies were able to continue past the summer, those who took part in being co-founders of their own companies can speak to the transformational experience of that weekend. Beyond just meeting other students who were passionate about starting their own initiatives, the multifaceted participants were able to engage with many of the main players in Houston's startup network including venture capitalists, diverse mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs.
After that weekend, I began to realize that one of the ways in which we students can endeavor to change the world is by lifting as we climb toward our passions. I only have a semester and a half left here at Rice, but I have a vision where in five years, there is a thriving community of Rice alumni and student co-founders seeking to tackle some of our city's (and our world's) biggest problems through the avenue of capitalism and full-on leadership initiative that is entrepreneurship. How incredible would it be to know that we came together during this period of time to foster that community of entrepreneurs, one which could give birth to Rice co-founders for years to come?
Being a facilitator of 3DayStartup definitely opened my eyes to both the brilliance and unrealized potential of Rice students. After that weekend last year, my peers inspired me to continue to plow forward in spreading the ideals of entrepreneurship and startups here at Rice; for example, among other endeavors, I am currently working with a team to establish OwlSpark, a Rice accelerator program so that students who have ideas can look to create and commercialize them through a vehicle here on campus. We truly have a talented student body that would benefit from immersing in the challenges of entrepreneurship - and more than that, we have a world full of worthy problems that can be solved through the tenaciousness and tactful execution of young minds.
Maybe I sound too much like a wide-eyed idealist with my head in the clouds when I make this declaration, especially since I have yet to be a true entrepreneur myself. But when I look at the life stories crafted by the risk-loving entrepreneurs who have shaped our global community, I cannot help but be reminded that comfort is overrated. Specifically, it is too easy to spoil ourselves as students by burying ourselves in the comfort of our studies, tangibly measurable grades and the social structures of our residential colleges. Although I advocate engaging in opportunities in entrepreneurship (like 3DayStartup), the truth is that there are many opportunities that we Rice students can take advantage of as we explore our endowed passions. Sometimes we forget to make that process of exploration a priority. Entrepreneurship just happens to be one passion I share with many others on campus who are looking to spread its ideals.
What would you accomplish if you knew you could not fail? This question, in my opinion, embodies the essence of entrepreneurship. Fail at a venture in any capacity, and you have learned invaluable lessons; succeed, and - corny as it may sound - you truly have the opportunity to change the world through living the American Dream and establishing or creating something to solve a problem.
OwlSquad, OwlSpark, the Rice Alliance, Rice Business Collaborative and all those invested in the entrepreneurship movement here on campus are looking to establish that very community.
Many entrepreneurs dedicate their lives to pursuing their dreams. I urge Rice students to spend just a day to take a taste of entrepreneurship. If you have not yet signed up for OwlSquad's Jan. 26 entrepreneurship summit, I encourage you to do so. I am willing to bet you'll love it.
And when you do, you just might want to apply to the OwlSpark accelerator for the summer.
Veronica Rae Saron is a Will Rice College junior.
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