My name is Kennedy Cook. I am from Metlakatla, Alaska and I have lived in Metlakatla my entire life. Metlakatla is a small isolated island with about 1,500 people. We do not have many things here, especially for children. I would love to one day be able to help our children in many ways, and one of those ways is to get a degree in nursing. It is just one way that I can make a difference in not only Metlakatla, but the world. I have been working since I was in 5th grade. I fish in the summer on a seine boat that my late father purchased. My mom and I are continuing to fish it to keep my dad’s legacy alive. My dad was a generous hardworking man that helped anyone that needed it. He showed me how to be a hard worker and to be kind and give a helping hand. He worked with the kids on our island for many years as a youth coach. I witnessed his passion working with kids and showing them the love of the game. It is what made the children in Metlakatla the happiest. We lost him December 2022 to a heart attack and although he isn't here anymore, I want to make him proud. I chose to go to school for nursing. That is one way that I can pay it forward and to be more like him. I witnessed first hand doctors, nurses, even a janitor working hard to save my dads life. My mom is a K-8 teacher. She was the first one in our family to go to college and graduate. I want to be the second one in our family and the first of my siblings to finish college. Both of my parents' jobs gave back to people, and I know that what I choose, I will also give back to people and my community. I am passionate about becoming a nurse because I can help make an effect on people and I know this is one of many careers that are meaningful. I know that nurses have an impact on the lives of people they work with and they create healthy bonds with their patients. My strengths of being patient, compassionate, and kind will contribute to being successful in the nursing field. That was the biggest obstacle in my life, losing my father. I didn't quit, I continued on with everything in my life to make him proud. I know with the choice of education I chose, he is proud of me. My biggest accomplishment so far is receiving many awards for sports, helping my mom raise my little sister after we lost my dad, and doing good in school.

My name is Kennedy Cook. I am from Metlakatla, Alaska and I have lived in Metlakatla my entire life. Metlakatla is a small isolated island with about 1,500 people. We do not have many things here, especially for children. I would love to one day be able to help our children in many ways, and one of those ways is to get a degree in nursing. It is just one way that I can make a difference in not only Metlakatla, but the world. I have been working since I was in 5th grade. I fish in the summer on a seine boat that my late father purchased. My mom and I are continuing to fish it to keep my dad’s legacy alive. My dad was a generous hardworking man that helped anyone that needed it. He showed me how to be a hard worker and to be kind and give a helping hand. He worked with the kids on our island for many years as a youth coach. I witnessed his passion working with kids and showing them the love of the game. It is what made the children in Metlakatla the happiest. We lost him December 2022 to a heart attack and although he isn't here anymore, I want to make him proud. I chose to go to school for nursing. That is one way that I can pay it forward and to be more like him. I witnessed first hand doctors, nurses, even a janitor working hard to save my dads life. My mom is a K-8 teacher. She was the first one in our family to go to college and graduate. I want to be the second one in our family and the first of my siblings to finish college. Both of my parents' jobs gave back to people, and I know that what I choose, I will also give back to people and my community. I am passionate about becoming a nurse because I can help make an effect on people and I know this is one of many careers that are meaningful. I know that nurses have an impact on the lives of people they work with and they create healthy bonds with their patients. My strengths of being patient, compassionate, and kind will contribute to being successful in the nursing field. That was the biggest obstacle in my life, losing my father. I didn't quit, I continued on with everything in my life to make him proud. I know with the choice of education I chose, he is proud of me.

My name is Kennedy Cook. I am from Metlakatla, Alaska and I have lived there my entire life. Metlakatla is a small isolated island with about 1,500 people. We do not have many things here, especially for children. I would love to one day be able to help our children in many ways, and one of those ways is to get a degree in nursing. It is just one way that I can make a difference in not only Metlakatla, but the world. I am a student athlete; I play basketball, wrestle, and have done cross country. Schooling is important to me and throughout my education career I maintained good grades while playing sports. I have been working since I was in 5th grade. I fish in the summer on a seine boat that my late father purchased. My mom and I are continuing to fish it to keep my dad’s legacy alive. My dad was a generous hardworking man that helped anyone that needed it. He showed me how to be a hard worker and to be kind and give a helping hand. He worked with the kids on our island for many years as a youth coach. I witnessed his passion working with kids and showing them the love of the game. It is what made the children in Metlakatla the happiest. We lost him December 2022 to a heart attack and although he isn't here anymore, I want to make him proud. I chose to go to school for nursing. That is one way that I can pay it forward and to be more like him. My mom is a K-8 teacher. She was the first one in our family to go to college and graduate. I want to be the second one in our family and the first of my siblings to finish college. Both of my parents' jobs gave back to people, and I know that what I choose, I will also give back to people and my community. I am passionate about becoming a nurse because I can help make an effect on people and I know this is one of many careers that are meaningful. I know that nurses have an impact on the lives of people they work with and they create healthy bonds with their patients. My strengths of being patient, compassionate, and kind will contribute to being successful in the nursing field.