Graduating senior, Bennett Cook, met with the Dean Daily to discuss what it’s like being a soon-to-be graduate of Dean College. A communications major, Cook didn’t start his college career at Dean.
“I transferred from Mount Ida College,” said Cook. He remembers the exact day he found out he had to transfer. “At the beginning of April, during a snow shower, we heard that the college was going bankrupt. I talked to my parents, and they recommended Dean because some friends went there. I came here because of my learning difference, and the Arch Program and my academic coach helped me out with my workload.”
Cook loves to be involved on Campus. He notes that some of his favorite on-campus activities include hanging out with friends, taking part in campus events, Dean News Network, and the radio station.
Cook is very thankful for Dean because of how the College has shaped him to be a better student.
“Dean has helped me come up with different strategies to help me learn and grow not only on campus but in the work force,” said Cook. “I am good with time management and stay organized and up to date with everything.”
Cook is going to miss being a student at Dean but has many memories that he will cherish forever. Cook says some of these memories include “winning an award at my first and only Deanies, being slate operator for Dean News Network, radio, audio projects, and using Pro Tools and Final Cut Pro.”
After graduation, Cook has a few things in the works.
“I have applied to some jobs and I am waiting to hear back,” said Cook. “I completed my Capstone documentary, and now I want to do another documentary with my father. Big things are going to be happening.”
As for advice for incoming students, Cook has a few resources he highly suggests taking advantage of.
“If you feel stressed, even on the very first day, go to counseling services and talk about how you feel,” said Cook. “Talk to friends or staff to see how to have more fun. Use all of your resources. Don’t push yourself too hard, have a good work ethic, and take breaks. Always ask questions, clarify if you understand, double check, and proceed.”
If you feel stuck, Cook suggests to “think about what you’re passionate about because it can go a long way. Employers will see this and will get to know you better.”
If Cook has any regrets from his early years of being a college student, it’s not getting involved on campus sooner.
“Something I could’ve done when I first started at Dean was to join Dean News Network,” said Cook. “Many students came up to me and told me to join and I kept thinking about it because I didn’t have enough time. As a senior, things were different, and I found the time in my schedule to join.”
For the final close, Cook provides some words of wisdom.
“Think of your journey as a painting. I am starting to paint my picture. The journey that I will paint will be a finished masterpiece later.”
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