Danielle Cook is a fourth-year Biology student at the University of Maine. Her time spent studying at the university allowed to rediscover a passion in natural science. Initially, her interest in animals sparked before she turned 10, and when asked about this early beginning, her elaborations did not disappoint.
“I attended a very non-traditional preschool. There was a strong focus on being outdoors. Our teacher brought in roadkill, as well as taxidermy specimens,” said Cook. “It sparked an interest for me in insects and animals.”
This colorful beginning in natural science faded in memory as the elementary and middle school years began.
“I don’t remember being super interested in biological sciences in middle school,” Cook admitted. “I got into it in high school, where I was interested in animals. I thought it might be interesting to work with them in a healthcare setting.”
When it came time to choose schools, Cook had a strong regional preference for the Northeast. Despite growing up in Arizona, she had fond memories of the East, mostly in the context of summer vacations.
“My grandparents live in Maine and have for a while. I spent a lot of time here as a kid, and I always thought I wanted to come back to the East Coast,” said Cook.
Cook chose UMaine for more substantial reasons than sentimental attachment, citing it as one of the best schools in New England. However, deciding on a major was a little harder.
“I started as a Zoology major, then changed to Biology. Zoology was a shift in interest. I decided I wasn’t super interested in working with animals,” said Cook.
This shift led Cook to what she admits is a more interesting and wider field. Now having moved away from a discipline focused on animals, Cook would like to work with regulation of non-native plants.
“After graduation, I will continue with my summer job, waitressing in Boothbay Harbor. After that, I would be interested in work connected with the Department of Environmental Protection, maybe the invasive species sector,” said Cook.
This balance of day job and career interests is reflected in Cook’s rigorous extracurricular program.
“I was able to be a member of the leadership in marching band, which I did all four years. I also joined Club Swim Team in sophomore year, and later helped out with the organization as a board member,” said Cook. “I especially enjoyed Rugby, which I started in Junior year.”
Interestingly, this packed schedule serves as a tension release for Cook, who was not always sure that more activities equaled a better experience.
“If you enjoy doing things, it’s almost a reprieve from my studies. I didn’t start off being in club swim or rugby. I was intimidated by the potential of intense coursework” shared Cook.
That said, she has struggled at times with procrastination, and has thoughts about what helps avoid negative study behaviors.
“It’s definitely hard. I’ve found that the library is a really great place to do work in. I find it hard to get work done when I go home” said Cook.
All this is encouraging heading into winter, when students will face increased isolation, as well as academic rigors. During such a rigorous time for students, Cook hopes to successfully close out the semester in order to take one step closer to her desired career.
