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 recognition and celebration of Black History Month, we will be sharing a collection of interviews to spotlight Black voices in our community. This week’s story highlights Kenton Ausmer, Drake University junior, who is studying biochemistry, cellular, molecular, biology (BCMB) and Chinese.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Kenton Ausmer. I am a junior from St. Louis, Missouri, studying biochemistry, cellular, molecular, biology (BCMB) with a minor in Chinese.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time of reflection and celebration. To reflect on our ancestors and the trials and tribulations they were faced with, but ultimately, their triumphs. And to remember and celebrate all the brave people who fought and sacrificed along the way. We are living our ancestors’ wildest dreams and bringing them glory through our continued success.
Why did you choose to attend Drake?
I choose to attend Drake because of the amount of academic and personal support that Drake students receive. What I am striving for is not easy, and I knew I needed support and mentors to help me along my way. I am fortunate to have a faculty mentor, academic advisor, crew mentor, and crew parent all supporting me. I have also built my own strong relationships with faculty and staff that have elevated my Drake experience and overall growth as an individual.
What is your favorite thing about Drake?
My favorite thing about Drake is that although it is a smaller campus it has the opportunities of a big-time university. I feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds. My classes are small enough that I’m able to develop meaningful relationships with my professors, but campus is big enough that we have D1 athletics, as I’m a big sports fan.
In what ways have you grown since coming to Drake?
I have advanced in many ways; public speaking being one of them for sure. Also, the Adam’s Leadership Institute has really helped me to own who I am, become a capable leader, and put my skills into action as one of the vice presidents of Coalition of Black Students. I have also grown in my faith as I have found a community within the Drake area that allows me to grow in my faith and relationship with Christ. I have grown as a professional and in the ways I conduct myself in meetings, interviews, and events. I have matured in my thought as I am quicker to listen than to speak and have become a lot more retrospective.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
After I graduate, I plan to attend medical school on the path to becoming either a nephrologist, dermatologist, or anesthesiologist.
Who has been some of your important mentors during your time at Drake?
Some of my important mentors at Drake have been Nana Coleman, Zimpleman College of Business adjunct instructor, who has helped me along my journey. In addition, Professors Sleighster and Mirafzal; my Crew mentor, Professor Anisa Hansen; and my crew instructor, Professor Lynn Kassel, have all been integral to my development. Mr. John Smith, vice president of University Advancement, has also supported me and provided me with tips and opportunities to engage and practice my public speaking skills.
Are you involved in any student organizations, groups, or community service work? Tell us about those experiences.
I am the Vice President of the Coalition of Black Students (CBS), a student ambassador, a member of the Adams leadership Institute, a crew scholar, and a member of the men’s club volleyball team. I’ve actively participated in CBS since my first year at Drake and have been on the executive committee for the last two years. It is an amazing opportunity to work with peers and not only represent but support the Black community. As a student ambassador, I work with the Office of Admissions to provide tours to students and their families. Additionally, I have spoken to the Drake University Board of Trustees and provided tours to new staff members the provost candidates. The Adams Leadership Institute is an amazing program that has taught me many great leadership skills. It has helped me to improve upon many aspects of myself as a person and a leader, and it has helped me to grow into a better version of myself. The Crew Scholars program has been near to my heart before I even started at Drake. The program surrounded me with other people of color and was my first source of community when I came to campus. Crew Scholars holds space for difficult conversations and affirms the challenges that people of underrepresented groups face at a national level, but it also provides both peer and faculty mentorship to assist you through your Drake Journey. Finally, the men’s club volleyball team is where I get to take my competitive nature to work. I’ve been playing for the team for three years and it’s a great way to travel, compete, and stay active. My favorite experience since playing for the team is when we went to our first national tournament last spring in Arizona and finished among the top 16 clubs in the nation for the D2 bracket.
What do you hope is accomplished during the month of celebration and recognition?
During this month, with the amazing work of my fellow board members of CBS, we plan to have many fun and informative programming events. We are really trying to celebrate the importance of this month and what it signifies as it has not been that long since the Civil Rights movement.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life, and what lessons did that person teach you?
The biggest influence in my life is my mother. She is the most amazing individual I know and a master at many facets of life. She instilled in me the importance of faith and how important it is to have a relationship with God. With every lesson comes scripture so that I know the promises of God to his children. She has also taught me to never give up and to not be a victim to my situation. She has a very positive energy and outlook on life which has just poured onto me.
How do you like to spend your free time? Tell us about your hobbies and interests.
I like to spend my free time playing video games with my brother and cousins. I really enjoy listening to music and dancing as well. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and spending time talking or playing games with them. I primarily like to read philosophy and self-help books to further advance my mind. Playing volleyball is also a hobby I enjoy. Finally, just being in nature either sitting and soaking up the sun or walking around listening to the birds chirp.
What advice would you like to give to a student thinking about coming to Drake next year?
Use the resources around you. The professors genuinely want to help you succeed and accomplish your goals. Go to them in times of confusion, for help, or even counseling, and they will help you. The relationships you form with your professors will really enhance your college experience and how you respond to obstacles.