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G.O.L.D. Spotlight | Jovan Cook '14

“The moment you step out of your comfort zone, you step into growth.”


What is your fondest memory from your time at Friends Seminary?

Powell House senior year. Building unique friendships and bonds with your classmates over four years, and looking back on that initial experience Freshman year felt like a victory lap. That weekend was a reminder to always stay present in the moment and find a way to connect with new people and perspectives.


When was the last time you were at Friends and how was your experience?

The last time I was back at Friends was in May of this year for my 10-Year Reunion. It was an amazing experience that brought back a lot of fond memories and reconnected me with a bunch of classmates. I love coming back because Friends is like home to me.


Briefly describe your transition from Friends Seminary to the University of Virginia (UVA), how do you feel you were prepared?

The transition from Friends to UVA was seamless because of the mindset that Friends helped instill in me. I went into UVA so open to new opportunities, relationships, and experiences that I was able to fearlessly pursue the environments I wanted to be in. That ended up opening a lot of doors for me.


What are some of the courses you took or opportunities you had at the University of Virginia which prepared you for the work that you currently do?

I studied Civil Engineering with a concentration in Infrastructure while at UVA. I transitioned directly from Civil Engineering to working in Construction Management.


What is a typical day at work like?

A typical day is reviewing drawings and building cost estimates for commercial construction projects. It could be anything from a school to a stadium or a hospital. We help make plans come to life and build facilities that the community can use for decades and decades.


As you reflect on your senior year at Friends, what advice would you give to our current students looking to find a summer internship?

My advice would be that your first job doesn't always need to be in the field that you're 100% passionate about. Focus on being able to manage multiple responsibilities, being accountable and building habits that translate to any and every job (i.e being on time, being a good teammate, and being a leader).


How do you keep in touch with the Friends Seminary community?

When I come back to New York around the holidays, I always try to come to the holiday assembly to see my old teachers and sing holiday songs. I was most recently back for the Holiday assembly last fall. That feeling of camaraderie and holiday cheer is unmatched!

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