This Q&A is part of the story series Voices of Drake that highlights the diversity, ambition, and passion of the incredible people who make up our campus community. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be sharing a collection of interviews to spotlight some of the amazing people in our community who identify as Hispanic, Latino, Latina, or Latinx. This week’s story highlights pharmacy student Karle Rosales Gearhart.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a P2 pharmacy student from West Des Moines, Iowa, so I commute to and from school. I’m currently in my fourth year of college and have two more years to go before I graduate. I work in the inpatient pharmacy at a hospital in the metro, which I really enjoy. I am a member of the Kappa Psi pharmaceutical fraternity at Drake and am currently a pledge trainer for my fraternity.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month holds a deep meaning for me. My father passed away when I was three and with his family being so far away in Mexico, I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like. This month is a time for me to feel closer to my roots and to the family I miss. The events at Drake and around Des Moines help bridge that distance and it’s an amazing opportunity to celebrate and share my culture with others. This month is also about acknowledging the remarkable contributions and achievements of Hispanics in the U.S.
Why did you choose to attend Drake?
Choosing a university was not an easy decision for me. I was torn between the University of Iowa and Drake University—I knew I wanted something in-state and close to home. When I toured Drake, I felt a sense of belonging and warmth from the community which made a huge impression on me. While both universities offered excellent pharmacy programs, it was the amount and variety of opportunities at Drake that ultimately made my decision. I felt that Drake provided a more personalized environment with a greater potential for growth and networking.
What is your favorite thing about Drake?
My favorite thing about Drake is definitely the people. The campus is a vibrant mix of students from across the country and even around the world. It’s interesting to hear their diverse perspectives and experiences. The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to connect with others, and once you create those friendships, those connections evolve into a close-knit Drake family.
In what ways have you grown since coming to Drake?
Before coming to Drake, I wasn’t very involved in student organizations and was primarily focused on sports, spending most of my summers at practice or games. I didn’t see myself stepping into leadership roles or mentoring others, but Drake brought out a side of me I didn’t know existed. The environment here has fostered my development and ignited a passion for not just participating in organizations but also leading and mentoring within them. Becoming the president of an organization and eventually a pledge trainer for my professional fraternity were opportunities I never envisioned for myself, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
After graduation, I hope to have a clear focus on which area of pharmacy I want to pursue. I’m currently exploring interests in hospital pharmacy, compounding pharmacy, or potentially owning my own pharmacy. My experience working in the hospital has sparked my enthusiasm for the clinical side of pharmacy. I’ve enjoyed seeing firsthand how pharmacy collaborates with other health professions and the critical role it plays in patient care. Additionally, I hope to find some time to travel, possibly to South America or Europe, since the furthest I’ve traveled so far has been Mexico.
Who has been some of your important mentors during your time at Drake?
My advisors have been incredibly supportive, helping me navigate everything from class selections to potential minors and concentrations, and even just catching up on how things are going. Dr. Wendy Mobley-Bukstein stands out as one of my biggest mentors. She’s someone I know I can always turn to, whether providing a listening ear or much needed advice, she has been a phenomenal source of support and guidance for me. Her unwavering enthusiasm and support makes her such an influential mentor, and she’s someone I truly look up to. She also has a talent for giving the best hugs, which never fail to brighten my day. Another significant mentor is Dean Hernandez. His insight and support during my time on the executive committee of La Fuerza Latina was instrumental in our growth as an executive committee and our organization’s influence on campus. His mentorship has greatly contributed to my leadership development.
Are you involved in any student organizations, groups, or community service work? Tell us about those experiences.
Currently, I serve as a pledge trainer for Kappa Psi, my professional pharmaceutical fraternity. In this role, I spend a significant amount of time mentoring new pledges and ensuring they feel welcomed and supported. Our fraternity also engages in various philanthropy events, which I participate in, contributing to our community impact each semester. Last year, I had the opportunity of serving as President of La Fuerza Latina, and the year before that, I was the Vice President. Although I don’t hold a position on the executive committee this year, I remain involved and am incredibly proud of the organization’s growth and achievements over the years. Additionally, I was the Latin America Ambassador for the International Student Association last semester, and it was a rewarding experience working with the executive committee.
What do you hope is accomplished during the month of celebration and recognition?
During Hispanic Heritage Month, my hope is that we celebrate not only the remarkable achievements of the Hispanic community but also the profound richness of our culture through its savory food, traditional dances, and passionate music. This month provides an amazing opportunity to celebrate and honor the diverse traditions we hold and all the accomplishments of Hispanics, allowing for a greater understanding and appreciation for the Hispanic heritage.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life, and what lessons did that person teach you?
The biggest influence in my life has undoubtedly been my parents, particularly my mom. After my dad passed, my mom became the epitome of strength. Her perseverance in the face of such an immense loss taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and determination. Losing a parent so young isn’t something you ever expect to happen to you. My mom’s ability to provide for us despite the hardships, emphasized the critical importance of having education and a profession that offers both stability and flexibility. Without my mom’s education and career as a nurse, we would have struggled to meet our financial needs and cover our living expenses. This is one of the most significant lessons she taught me and is a principle I will carry with me always.
How do you like to spend your free time? Tell us about your hobbies and interests.
I enjoy road trips and keeping up with the latest movies in the theaters. I also try to stay current on TV series. I take full advantage of winter and summer breaks to catch up on shows as my school schedule leaves very little time for it. Like many students, I make sure to set aside time to hang out with my friends and go to some of the Drake sporting events. Additionally, I’m an Iowa State Cyclone fan, so I enjoy attending their basketball and football games when I can.
What advice would you like to give to a student thinking about coming to Drake next year?
It’s important to find a good balance between your academic and social life. You can have both, but it’s important to recognize your boundaries and understand when you need to focus more on one aspect than the other. I’ve found that getting involved has been one of those aspects. It’s where I’ve made lasting friendships, created unforgettable memories, and found some great study buddies. So, I’d encourage you to dive into the campus, push yourself beyond your comfort zone, and make the most of every opportunity to connect with others and build lasting experiences.