Jack Drake: Dallas native carves his path in Columbus
Jack is a third-year student from Dallas, Texas, and has carved his path across The Ohio State University’s vibrant Columbus campus. We sat down with him to get his perspective coming from out of state, like so many other Buckeyes.
Question:You're from Texas. What made you choose Ohio State?
There were two big reasons I wanted to come to Ohio State:
First was my degree in Aviation Management. I liked how Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business structures its degrees. Even though I’m studying aviation, I will graduate with a business degree, which means I can really go and do anything.
Second, I really liked Columbus. Being from Dallas, I couldn't see myself going to college in a small town. Ohio State is a big state school in a big city, and there aren’t many places like that. The opportunities you have from that combination are endless.
Companies love connecting with people on Ohio State’s campus. That’s not something I saw back at schools near home.
Question:What did you know about Columbus and Ohio before becoming a Buckeye?
I really didn’t know too much about Columbus aside from what I saw when I visited. The biggest shock was just how big it was. People back in Texas don’t realize it’s the 15th-largest city in America. People underestimate the beauty of Ohio. Once you step on campus — especially South Campus — that perception changes.
I always enjoy walking by Pomerene Hall. I used to live on South Campus, so I’d pass it on the way to class at the Fisher College of Business. I love walking by Mirror Lake, seeing the ducks and geese, and the activity on campus.
Question:What would you tell another out-of-state student considering Ohio State?
Out-of-state students might be afraid of the distance or weather, but there’s so much opportunity here. You meet people from across the country and the world. It’s a whole separate world I never would’ve been exposed to if I'd stayed in-state. The people here have changed my life.
Leaving my home state and moving halfway across the country to come to The Ohio State University really changed my life. It’s a decision I’m very glad I made.
Question:What are your favorite things about Ohio State?
My two favorite things are the people — friends, classmates, faculty, staff — and how many opportunities there are. The opportunities are available to anyone, regardless of where they’re from or their background. I came to a completely new community where I didn’t know a single person, and three years later, I feel like I’m a valuable part of this community and that everyone cares about me.
Everyone can find their place. If you don’t know anybody, like I didn’t, it’s really easy to make friends.
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