Marisa Morris

Three interesting things about Marisa:

• I love traveling! During my sophomore year at Drake I studied abroad in South Africa for a month.
• During the pandemic I picked up a few new hobbies, including longboarding and playing guitar (though I’m still pretty terrible at both!).
• One of my goals is to try out every single coffee shop in Des Moines, but I already have so many favorites. If I visit your city, I’ll definitely need coffee recommendations!

Why do you love Drake?

I love Drake because it is the perfect balance of comfortable and challenging. During my own college search process, I was looking for an academically rigorous university that would push me to think differently, yet had a built-in personal support system of advisors, professors, upperclassmen, and alumni to lean on. That’s what I found here! Drake emphasizes both the curriculum and the connections.

What is your favorite thing to do in Des Moines?

I’m very outdoorsy, so I love being close to parks and trails within Des Moines and outside city limits. The High Trestle Trail bridge is gorgeous at sunset, Raccoon River is a great place to swim or kayak, and Gray’s Lake is perfect for an afternoon walk, bike, or (if you’re like me) longboard.

What is your advice for prospective students?

My best advice as you figure out where you want to go and what you want to study, is that even the experiences you don’t enjoy are still valuable. If you visit a school that’s not a great fit or talk with someone whose career doesn’t interest you, you can cross it off your list. As you narrow down schools to your top picks or do some more digging to decide on a major, you’ll be better prepared for your future if you’ve explored lots of options.