College of Communication and Fine Arts

Maia Cook
Department of Journalism and Strategic Media
Public Relations, Sophomore

What inspired you to become a CCFA Student Ambassador, and what do you enjoy most about the role?
Ever since I was younger, I used to seek out opportunities to help others, so I really enjoy improving accessibility to students. I am no stranger to feeling lost as to how to get involved, so any way I can make that easier on someone else is a great opportunity. My favorite part of the job so far has been strategizing on how best to unify our unique programs and elevate the student experience.

How has being a Student Ambassador helped you grow as a leader or professional?
Being a Student Ambassador has helped me grow as a student leader by helping me to greater understand the privilege I have to represent my student body in any capacity, and also by pushing to work harder to make this university the best it could be for every type of student.

What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve learned while being an ambassador that you never saw coming?
The most unexpected skill I’ve learned while being an ambassador is making small talk with people without it being awkward. That was honestly one of my biggest concerns for such a social job, but honestly it’s so fun to get to know so many people in the student body, even if it’s short-term.

If your role as an ambassador came with a superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to help CCFA?
If my role came with a superpower, I would want it to be teleportation via portals, so I could help people get places faster but also so I could transport things we need faster.

Where are you from, and how has your hometown influenced your academic journey at CCFA?
I am from Memphis, born and raised, and I feel like that has really helped me to be successful so far in my academic journey knowing that I am so close to my support system, but also being familiar with my surroundings.

What was the defining moment or event that led you to pursue a degree at CCFA?
The defining moment that let me know that I wanted to pursue a career in CCFA was actually taking a career aptitude test in high school and relating it back to Scandal, a show I was watching at the time. I realized that my interests best served me in a PR field in adverse to business management or marketing. I am so glad I took that test seriously and was able to better understand how best to utilize my skills and interests.

If you could host your own CCFA-themed game show, what would it be called and what would the grand prize be?
If I could host a CCFA-themed game show, it would be immersive and set up like America’s Next Top Model but for undergrad and the grand prize would be covered room and board, books, and a meal plan for 4 years! If I wasn’t the host, I would want to be on there myself!

How has your time as an ambassador shaped your connection to the CCFA community and your future goals?
My time as an ambassador has given me a deeper appreciation for all the work that goes into a college that hosts such diverse majors with largely successful programs. It really makes you want to get more involved, especially as it comes to bolstering this community and its support. In the future, I want people to know how incredible the University of Memphis is, and respect the grit and grind that lives in the heart of the College of Communication and Fine Arts.