Chambrea Cook, a graduate counseling psychology student at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, has been honored with this year’s deSERVING Ranger Award from the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SL/CE) program.
Kaylyn Hansen, director of assessment and institutional effectiveness who also leads the service-learning and civic engagement program, said each spring the award recognizes an outstanding Northwestern student who demonstrates the following :
- Dedication to service and a sense of responsibility to the Northwestern service-learning and civic engagement vision
- Serves as a community service model for other students
- Exceptional leadership and organizational skills and
- Consistent work ethic and availability
The Enid native has completed more than 75 service hours in volunteer opportunities. A few of these activities include her involvement with the Garfield County Mental Health Coalition, Alcohol and Drug Coalition Enid chapter, YWCA-Enid, the Bridge BBQ event with Northern Oklahoma College, a supply drive for families coming from Afghanistan and others.
Cook started as a cosmetologist after high school and enjoyed the relationships she made with her clients. She found herself being the person her clients would tell anything to, and Cook realized she could do more. She says she felt the need and desire to find new ways to help people in her community.
“I sought out a new career to become a licensed counselor to help those who needed to discuss deeper thoughts and feelings,” Cook said. “There was also a curiosity about why people behave, think and feel the way they do.”
Cook donates her time to numerous causes on the Enid campus. She organized the fall trunk or treat, a t-shirt fundraiser for the Enid Psychology Club and participated in the United Way Fundraiser wreath decorating contest earning money for the Garfield County United Way. She also serves as the Psychology Club Enid Campus president. Cook also completed service-learning projects in her coursework.
“She was the only student who actually helped organize and host a community continuing education event for Enid mental health professionals,” Taylor Randolph, instructor of psychology, said. “Her assistance was invaluable with this event and would not have been successful without her.
“She goes above and beyond what is expected of her ensuring her work is very high quality. She cares deeply about helping others and about doing a good job. She represents Northwestern very well. I am very proud that she is associated with the psychology department.”
The deSERVING Ranger Award is awarded once a year to a qualified Northwestern student who is nominated by a Northwestern faculty or staff member. The award started in 2015 and has been awarded to students from a variety of majors.
Cook said serving individuals in the community is what gives her purpose.
“Sometimes all someone needs in their life is for someone to be genuine and kind,” Cook said. “Playing a part in what brings peace, joy or relief in an individual’s life pushes me to continue to do my best for others.”
Cook added that she does not see serving others as a task but as a pleasure.
“I take pride in the fact that I have the ability to help those around me, and I am glad to continue this journey towards helping make our community a better place,” Cook said.
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, (580) 327-8480