Reylan Cook
University of South Carolina-Columbia - Columbia, SCReylan Cook, a second-year public health major, goes beyond the call of service to create a more inclusive environment for students of color at the University of South Carolina. She has been involved in many student organizations in her short tenure and is on track to make a greater impact on the university over the next few years. As a member of Student Government’s Freshmen Council, Reylan worked tirelessly to create more opportunities for students of color to be involved in Student Government and other organizations on campus. She also collaborated with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs staff to create more inclusive programming for students of color in the Carolina community. Her involvement in Young Life gives her the opportunity to engage high school students in faith-based activities that help them develop leadership skills and prepare for college. Reylan’s involvement journey is the true embodiment of what it means to be a civically engaged citizen.
Personal Statement
I am a Greenville, South Carolina native studying Public Health and African American Studies at the University of South Carolina. I have participated and pushed equity in all facets of campus. Holding a seat on the 30th Freshman Council allowed me to become involved with the Inclusion and Equity Committee of Student Government and later acting as the campaign manager for a large Student Government Campaign focused on the transparency and equity of our student senate, the body that represents all students at the University. Looking towards my future aspirations of becoming a Public Health Policy Consultant, I act as a Research Assistant in the College of Nursing studying Women of Color and their deficits in Breastfeeding. In the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, I act as a liaison between Student Government and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs to plan inclusive programming and equitable legislation. Diversity and Inclusion are not just buzzwords to allow my University to continue program, but a mindset that allows Gamecocks to think critically about the social issues of our campus and tackling them through an objective lens that will benefit the Carolina community.