Senior Spotlight: Celia Cook

Celia Cook is a double major in English and Psychology on the Creative Writing track.

Why did you decide to become an English major?

As much as I love reading, I love writing even more. For high school, I went to a magnet program specifically for creative writing and published my first novel, Rise of the Ieta, during my senior year. I wanted to continue my studies in college and beyond. I love discovering new things about the craft, myself, and the greater world whenever I sit down to write. The English major was an obvious choice, and has prepared me well for the future.

What clubs, campus groups, internships, outside of class projects have you been involved with?

During my freshman and sophomore years, I was a part of the Art Scholars living-learning program. I lead a collage workshop spring semester 2020, and I participated in Arts Advisory Board (AAB) who planned art-related events for fellow students. During my sophomore and junior years, I was an undergraduate teaching assistant for the English department and the Art Scholars program. My junior and senior year, I was in the Jimenez-Porter Writers’ House, another living-learning program. I released my first chapbook Under Currents spring semester 2022.

All four years at UMD, I was a member of Novelist Support Group (NSG), a collective for aspiring novelists to share their work and build their community. I have been the president of NSG for the last two years and have enjoyed every second of it. My junior year, I published my second novel Mark of Trusde with the help of NSG. I joined these programs, participated in these clubs, and completed these projects for one simple reason: my love of writing. I wanted to push the boundaries of the written form, as well as my own limits as an individual and a writer; I will continue to push post-graduation as well.

What is something you read during class that impacted your worldview?  

• In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
• Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
• Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde
• White is for Witching by Elissa Washuta
• “Currents” by Hannah Bottomy
• “The Egg” by Andy Weir

What skills (professional, creative or other) do you think you’ve gotten from the major?

Editing! This skill is often overlooked, but it is the number one skill necessary for crafting arguments, perfecting a story, or keeping things professional.

What is your dream job or career?

The dream is to be an author without the concerns of money. I’d like to spend my days writing and sometimes leave my little apartment to visit friends or talk about writing. Plenty of time allotted for reading and editing, and whatever creative endeavor I’ve been up to as of late. I wouldn’t mind teaching, nor would I mind doing another job on the side. I could enjoy working within the publishing industry, but I don’t want a particularly hectic life. Something simple and sweet. Time is what I need. Time and space to do what I love, in whatever way I can manage it in such a chaotic world.

What are you passionate about (or even curious about)?

Writing. Cooking new recipes. Love itself. Fitting as many posters on my dorm walls as possible. Jumping in fountains. Polaroids with my friends. Finding new things to enjoy. Starting new projects, even if they are difficult–especially if they are difficult–and completing old ones. Peeling, sharing, and eating clementines.