Emerson Brown

From Franklin, Michigan

Highschool: International School of Düsseldorf

Class of 2017
Future Alma Mater:
Kalamazoo College
http://kzoo.edu

Independent Student of the Day

A Metro Detroit native that spent two years in Düsseldorf, Germany during high school, Emerson Brown is majoring in economics and minoring in computer science at Kalamazoo College. He also studies Chinese, believing that Mandarin is a valuable language in the world of finance. When he isn't busy with class or classwork, Emerson find himself reading about subjects that interest him. The current book he is reading is "The Intelligent Invester" by Benjamin Graham. Emerson plans to move to the east coast after graduation, and work in a financial position that involves asset management, risk or investing. Emerson had the honor of participating in the inauguration of the 18th President of Kalamazoo College, Jorge G. Gonzalez, and is a Class Agent for the Class of 2017.


My motivation

The fact that I am and will further become a contributing member to society is a huge motivational factor for me. Futhermore, having had the oppurtunity to get to meet alumni in positions that interest me in the world of finance in New York has been incredibably motivational over the past year. Lastly, my desire to be successful and live an impactful life has always been something that has motivated me.

My latest accomplishments

My latest accomplishment was completing a three week long research trip as part of Kalamazoo College's Study Abroad program in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It involved an extensive grant writing process, in which the student members spent countless hours preparing the grant application. We were awarded a hefty grant that completely funded the three week trip to Japan. Each of the four students had a sub-topic that related to the main topic of Okinawan Identity. My sub-topic looked at how the presence of U.S. Military bases impacted the economy of Okinawa, and it's economic development. During our time in Okinawa we had the opportunity to meet various professors, activists, students and locals. Throughout the trip I gained valuable new skills, and a deeper understanding/appreciation for things that are going on outside our borders.

Next big goal

My next big goal is to complete a meaningful and valuable senior individualized project. The Senior Individualized Project, or SIP, is a project that has to be completed by all seniors in order to graduate at Kalamazoo College. I've begun working on my SIP, which will be evaluating how well the Dodd-Frank Act mitigates derivative-based risk in our country.

Why is choosing your own path important?

It's important to choose your own path because you will choose something that you'll enjoy, which generally means that it's something that you can put hundreds of hours into and it won't feel like work. I've always been told that when work feels like play, you're doing what you love, and nothing is better than being paid to do what you love.

Favorite place on campus

Upjohn Library Commons

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