Get To Know Forman Scholar Samuel Cooke!
Samuel Cooke will be attending Lehigh University this coming fall, where he’ll be majoring in biology along a pre-med track as well as minoring in Spanish. Learn more about Sam and the plans he has for his college career.
What about Lehigh made you say “yes”?
When researching different colleges, Lehigh stuck out to me due to its strong medical presence in Pennsylvania. I was especially excited to learn about the early assurance opportunity with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, where students meeting certain criteria can be directly admitted. As I continued to explore all that Lehigh offers, I was impressed by their pre-medical track and the range of opportunities they provide to students interested in healthcare. The combination of academic excellence and meaningful support led me to choose Lehigh as the perfect fit for me.
How are you planning to get involved in college?
I plan to get involved in many clubs in the first semester to explore my different interests and meet new people. Then, I hope to narrow it down to prioritize a few organizations that align directly with my goals and passions that I can commit to on a deeper level. I really want to make the most of my time and stay out of my dorm room as much as possible. I want to be super comfortable, active and engaged on campus by making the most of every opportunity while maintaining routines to stay focused and organized. I’m particularly looking forward to trying out for the track team to challenge myself physically and mentally and make lasting friendships.
What are you hoping to gain from the college experience?
I’m hoping to gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives by meeting new people. By learning more about the experiences and environments of those around me, I can better my understanding of how others feel and why. As someone who plans to go into the medical field, I believe strong people skills are very important in addition to scientific knowledge. I also want to make lifelong friendships and make unforgettable memories along the way.
How do you plan on making a difference in the world?
I plan on making a difference in the world by participating in study abroad programs that allow me to directly contribute and help underserved communities in different countries. By learning from and helping others abroad, I hope to expand my perspective and make a direct impact on people’s lives. As a doctor, I would like to help the world by contributing to the advancement of medicine. Whether it be through surgical skills or providing my patients with safer and better medicine, every contribution to medical knowledge can have a positive effect globally.
How has the Forman Acton Foundation contributed to your personal, professional and academic growth?
I have developed strong relationships with the Forman Acton team, which makes it easy for me to reach out to them for support or guidance. They have helped me learn how to carry myself in a professional environment and provided me with tools to be confident and prepared. The Foundation has offered me the opportunity to attend STEAM and medical programs through Rowan University and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Being a Forman Scholar means committing to personal excellence and thinking about how I can use my education and skills to make a positive impact not just in my community but around the world.