College: John Dee Bright College
Major: Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Q: Why did you choose to attend Drake?
A: Drake has always been a very prestigious college that I never thought I would be able to attend and after being out of school for 13 years. I really had no desire to go back or to get a degree. After being presented with the opportunity to be a part of a new nontraditional two-year program called Bright, I knew Drake was the place for me.
Q: What is your favorite campus memory?
A: One of my favorite memories was a field trip we took in my Global Natural and Social Systems class to a creek where we suited up and dug around for different creatures that live in that ecosystem. For a lot of us, it had been years since we had dug around in a creek catching fish, frogs, and other creatures. What made the trip so memorable was the time we all got to spend together learning about nature. Plus, quite a few of my classmates fell in the water, which made the field trip even more memorable.
Q: How has Drake shaped who you are today?
A: In my time here at Drake, the things I’ve learned and the people I have met have shaped me into a person that’s not afraid to chase my dreams. Before my time here I was content with the routine life of working a 9 to 5 job, but since being a part of the Bright program, I’ve realized I have a lot more to offer, and now I have an education to prove it. Drake also has placed me around a lot of well-established people who are always willing to give me pieces of knowledge to help further me in life.
Q: What is next for you after you graduate?
A: After graduating with my associates degree, I plan to continue on at Drake to obtain my bachelors degree in public relations. This degree will help further my career in the entertainment industry.
Q: Who have been some of your important mentors during your time at Drake?
A: Hands down, my number one support at Drake has been John Kippes. From helping me choose a career, to writing numerous recommendation letters, John has always been there in a timely fashion to help advise me and show me my true value when I didn’t see it myself.
Q: Are you involved in any student organizations, groups, or community service work? Tell us about those experiences.
A: I am a part of the John Dee Bright College Ambassadors group. Outside of school, I’m a worship leader at my church and am a part of a few community organizations that put on events to promote unity and help the community.
Q: How has Drake helped you prepare for your future career?
A: Through the interdisciplinary teachings and real-life examples learned through Bright, I am now more of a critical thinker and use every opportunity to look at things from different perspectives. Drake has also placed me in rooms where my network has grown tremendously, and people are willing to take a chance on me because I attended Drake.
Q: Based on your experience, what makes Drake special and sets it apart from other schools?
A: Drake took a chance and implemented this new program that isn’t like any other college. Adding the John Dee Bright program to Drake has changed the course of my life, and the people running the program and sponsoring the program really want to see the students succeed.