Dr. Imogene Drakes: How College Students Travel on a Budget

Dr. Imogene Drakes is a career scientist, spiritual researcher, and international speaker. She grew up in Guyana's multicultural society before moving to the United States in 1989. Her early passion for science led to a journey that would take her across six continents in search of the truth about religion, mythology, and science. Dr. Drakes managed clinical and forensic analyses in Guyana and served as lecturer for the Guyana Police Academy. After relocating to the US, she worked in clinical laboratory science, retiring as a Laboratory Director in 2025. Her diverse interests include teaching public health at SUNY Downstate, singing in a gospel choir, and volunteering as a board member in her community. Dr. Drakes has been recognized for outstanding community service and has presented at major medical society meetings, including as the opening presenter of the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Vermont Medical Society. Dr. Drakes is the author of "Around the World in 42 Days". In episode 692 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what lessons from her multicultural upbringing continues to shape her worldview today, what were the key decisions that shaped your professional path, what inspired her to take a solo journey through 10 countries and 11 ancient sites in just 42 days, what her travels taught her about uncertainty and self-discovery, how college students can find meaning and growth even if they don't have the resources to travel around the world, what are some simple techniques students can use when they're feeling overwhelmed, how to pause when feeling peer pressure and make better decisions in those moments, how to create cultures where people feel safe speaking up when something doesn't feel right, an example of public health achievements that came through laws and policies that most people never think about, and questions about life and purpose students are asking today that she thinks deserve more attention. Enjoy!