Choosing a school for further education is a very personal, so of course Drake is not for everyone, but for me it was an invaluable part of my development as a productive human being. The first thing I felt when on campus was a sense of kinship to this group of people who, as a whole, were committed to their higher learning and betterment as individuals and professionals. This feeling continued as I experienced truly meaningful, thought-provoking class discussions, educational and excellent extra-curriculars and student activities, and awesome professors. The classes were great, the people were fantastic, the living situation worked beautifully, there were activity options for anyone—I could go on forever. Basically, if you enjoy smart people in a whole spectrum of ways, if you believe in seizing opportunities, if you want to be in a smaller college environment, and if you can handle occasional lapses in de-icing the campus (something to bond over?!) then DU is for you.
Drake University is excellent for those who wish to go to a school located near downtown Des Moines with a smaller student population. As an International Relations and History double major, I was able to enjoy not only extensive resources and a city that is heavily involved in NGOs and politics, but also had many excellent teachers who were globally active and provided a lot of insight. The school is culturally diverse and I was able to make friends with many people from all over the world, particularly those from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The city of Des Moines may not be particularly large in comparison to other US cities, but its nightlife was one of the most enjoyable experiences for social gatherings and weekend ventures. There is also a large variety of different ethnic foods, particularly Vietnamese and Indian cuisine. One of the things that I was not too fond of with Drake was their library, which seemed to be lacking in texts, especially history and literature, though they did have a wide range of political and law documents.
I majored in International Relations at Drake University and had the best possible experience. The faculty is wonderful, someone is always willing to assist you and the professors are incredibly well-informed individuals. New opportunities for travel and study abroad were consistently provided, in addition to internships and volunteer opportunities. Because of the opportunities Drake provided, I had an international job lined up before graduation. I value my education and time at Drake University and appreciate that some of my favorite professors are still involved in my life today. Drake University is an exceptional school, and a Drake education will pave the way for success.
