Lindsey Cook, a senior majoring in journalism, has focused on the intersection of journalism and technology and along the way worked for some of the most prestigious media companies in the country.
Hometown:
Duluth, Ga.
High School:
Peachtree Ridge High School
Degree objective:
Bachelor of Arts in journalism, computer science minor, New Media Certificate
Expected graduation:
Spring 2014
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
—AP-Google Journalism and Technology Scholar: Selected as one of six students for the prestigious scholarship program, working on a project studying women in computer science called journochiCS, which will be completed in May.
—Cox-Poynter media leader, co-writer of book available on Amazon, “Managing News @ The Digital Edge.”
—Grady ambassador.
—McGill Fellow for Journalistic Courage.
—TEDxUGA speaker 2014.
—Society of Professional Journalists Region 3 assistant director and national board member.
—Interned through Honors Program in Washington, D.C., with Voice of America.
—Additional internships with The Washington Post, Online Athens and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
—Worked for The Red & Black as multimedia editor, international beat reporter and a staff reporter.
Family Ties to UGA:
I don’t have any family ties to UGA.
I chose to attend UGA because…
… the HOPE Scholarship was too good to turn down. I knew I would attend UGA, and getting accepted to the Honors Program was an added incentive. The first time I set foot on campus was at orientation.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
Because I am a journalism major, I spend a lot of time in Grady College. Walking around the halls, I am always stopping to talk with professors, administrators and fellow students. I love to read on campus, especially when it is nice outside. I like to jog around the campus. North Campus is so beautiful in the spring.
When I have free time, I like…
I’m the type of person that always has a long to-do list, which means I always have something to do! When I have free time, I teach myself new skills, particularly those involving technology. I practice yoga and also enjoy the food scene in town.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
In my sophomore year, I decided to go to London by myself on a moment’s notice. Going to another country alone for a week was a little frightening at first, but it was one of the most relaxing weeks of my life. It was such a joy to see London without a schedule. I spent a day at the Tower of London wandering around.
My favorite place to study is…
… at Walker’s downtown (when the Internet actually works).
My favorite professor is…
In journalism, Barry Hollander, John Greenman and Keith Herndon have all been great mentors and great professors. In the computer science department, Christopher Plaue has supported my research on women in computing and my interest in the intersection of journalism and technology. With all of these professors, I have fun dropping into their offices for their opinions on journalism and design news.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
… my fiancé. With two busy schedules, it’s rare that we have a chance to spend a lazy afternoon together having fun with no pesky cellphone rings or email buzzes. I’m looking forward to taking some time this summer before beginning work to spend quality unplugged time with my family and friends.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
… become a motivational speaker for women at universities. I’ve spoken at several conferences to various journalism audiences. My favorite talks are always with women students. We’ll talk about how there are still many barriers for women in the journalism industry, and in our country (and the world) in general. Then, we’ll brainstorm some solutions and talk out issues. It’s amazing to see the support the women in the audience give one another and ridiculous to hear about the experiences women are unfortunately having in newsrooms across the nation. The barriers for women in technology and the startup world are even worse. I love it when I have the opportunity to talk with women and get follow-up emails saying someone has decided to learn to code, is finally transitioning to covering sports or has decided to stop apologizing and to have some serious conversations about leadership in their newsroom.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… travel more, especially technology-free travel. I’ve always wanted to spend a couple of months practicing yoga in an ashram.
After graduation, I plan to…
I’m looking for a job in digital journalism.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
I’ll always remember the long nights spent at The Red & Black editing articles and eating Jimmy John’s. Hanging out at the newspaper on Sunday night and on production night with the rest of the staff taught me a lot about journalism. The ladies of the R&B formed a Lean In Circle and we were featured in Cosmopolitan magazine. I’m sure the fellow students I met at the newspaper will be friends for years to come and I’m excited to see how all of our careers progress.
