Emerson Whittemore
College: College of Arts and Sciences
Majors: Sociology and Spanish
Hometown: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Q: Why did you choose to attend Drake?
A: I chose Drake because of the incredible academic community and the opportunities it offered to pursue my passions in sociology and Spanish. The interconnected academic and extracurricular environment at Drake really stood out to me—it wasn’t just about what happened in the classroom, but everything happening around it through organizations, leadership programs, and meaningful connections with faculty and mentors.
Q: What is your favorite campus memory?
A: Some of my favorite memories at Drake came through my involvement with the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute and the community I built there. Being recognized with the Oreon E. Scott Legacy Award at commencement was also an incredibly meaningful moment—to be honored for scholarship, leadership, service, and involvement by a university that has given me so much was truly humbling.
Q: How has Drake helped you prepare for your future career?
A: My time at Drake provided the tangible skills necessary to navigate high-impact moments with grace and compassion. Drake prepared me not just academically, but for the kind of people-first, relationship-centered work I want to do as a mental health counselor. My mentors here encouraged me to pursue opportunities with real purpose—and that mindset is something I will carry with me to Uruguay and beyond.
Q: What is next for you after you graduate?
A: I was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award, so I will be traveling to Uruguay from March through November 2027 to serve as a cultural ambassador for the United States. My interest in Uruguay was actually sparked during a 2025 internship in neighboring Argentina, where I fell in love with the region’s relationship-centered communities. After I return from the Fulbright, I plan to apply to graduate programs in mental health counseling.
Q: What advice would you give a first-year incoming student? A: I would say lean into everything Drake has to offer—academically and beyond. Get involved, find your mentors early, and don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities that feel bigger than you. Drake has a way of preparing you for exactly those moments. The skills and relationships you build here will carry you further than you can imagine.