Keating Drake
Public Leadership Scholars
Public Policy and Criminal Justice Double Major
Spanish Minor
kdrake@terpmail.umd.edu
Statement of Purpose
"Although I have many hopes and goals, my ultimate purpose as a student is to grow and serve others. I hope to both expand my skills intellectually but also to mature empathetically and emotionally. To achieve this goal, I will challenge myself and actively seek out new opportunities. I am a quick learner and genuinely enjoy a challenge. In addition to growth, my other purpose is serving others. I have always been a “people-pleaser” which pushes me to strive to do my best and help others in the process. Although I am still learning that I cannot please everyone, I strongly believe that this is a beneficial passion. Overall, I hope to use my organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills to learn and serve others in any circumstance. Through the Public Leadership College Park Scholars program, I have been able to hone both purposes through workshops, activities, assignments and discussions that appropriately challenge my purpose. By accentuating the importance of empathy, power, and effective leadership, I feel like a stronger, more active citizen. Although I have made progress through the program, I am always looking for new opportunities to grow and serve others."
-Keating Drake, May 2, 2020
University of Maryland
I am currently a sophomore at the University of Maryland College Park. I am a Public Policy and Criminology & Criminal Justice Double major with a Spanish minor. My specific passion within this field is racial reconciliation and reducing recidivism and mass incarceration.
College Park Scholars
The College Park Scholars program is designed for students to challenge themselves intellectually in a living and learning setting. The community supports students in both their academic and social endeavors and provides countless opportunities.
Public Leadership
Public Leadership is the specific Scholars program I participate in. With my peers, we strive for better civic engagement while studying leadership theories. The program has so far strengthened my interpersonal and critical thinking skills and provided critical insight into nonprofit leadership.
School of Public Policy
The University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy equips its undergraduate students for a successful career crafting legislation or working in the political arena. The proximity to the nation’s capital allows for interactive learning experiences and valuable experience in the field.
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
University of Maryland’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS) focuses on studying and researching human customs and development. The Criminology and Criminal Justice Department of BSOS focuses on teaching students about the United States Criminal Justice System and the challenges it faces.
