Throughout a student’s high school career, we look up to the people who inspire us and impact us in a variety of ways. These people tend to be staff members who fill the campus with a light to inspire us—staff members who are there for us, can provide for us and support us. Coach Cook, who fills any void with a ray of light, will always be the staff member, teacher and coach I look up to.

Although I have never had Coach Cook as my teacher, she has been my cheer coach for almost 3 years now. She’s impacted the way I perform in cheer by always putting a smile on my face and her go-to words of advice, like, “fake it till you make it.” I use that quote outside of cheer as well because sometimes you truly have to fake it, not only to make it, but to convince yourself and others, too, and that’s something I’ve learned through her.

She’s a second mom to me. She always has several outfits prepared, has spare snacks ready and always has a blow dryer or straightener for when it rains. When I need to vent to someone or when I need advice, she has always been the first person I go to. She’s my safe place. And I believe everyone deserves to have a safe place, a teacher that you can trust.