user profile avatar

Brayden Cook

2,495

Bold Points

5x

Finalist

Bio

Hello, my name is Brayden Cook. I am a Southern New Hampshire University sophomore pursuing a bachelor's in Software Engineering. In my first year of college, I made Honor Roll three times, Dean's List for Winter 2023, and President's List for Summer of 2023. My average GPA stays between 3.5 to 4.0. I was a drug addict before I took my first breath. My birth mother was an addict. I was lucky I was adopted at birth by wonderful people. By age six, I was programming my parent's remotes and teaching them how to do things on their cell phones and even a little computer work. Electronics and technology have always come easy to me. One day while visiting an aunt, I learned of a large group of people, mostly elderly and disabled, who have been left behind regarding the technology most of us use and take for granted daily. I started spending my weekends at my aunts, and word went around fast that anyone wanting to learn was welcome. It was only a short time before weekends were not enough. I started going a few nights during the week as well. I watched these people go from feeling like prisoners in their homes, watching life go by, to smiling and interacting with others. Seeing them participate in life and the world around them changed me and the way I used to think. I no longer wanted to design video games for a career, I wanted to design interactive software, so people have a chance to keep up with the technology that is forever advancing and changing our lives. Everyone deserves to live a happy life.

Education

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Computer Software and Media Applications

Dobson High School

High School
2018 - 2022

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Computer Software and Media Applications
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

      software engineer

      Public services

      • There was no organization. This was just myself helping others learn how to use today's technology. — Teach as many as I can
        2017 – Present

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Corrick Family First-Gen Scholarship
      Her name was Hattie, and I learned more from her than she ever learned from me. While visiting an aunt in an assisted living complex, I couldn't help but notice the people sitting and staring out their windows, not looking at anything. I asked my aunt if this was an everyday thing. She explained that they are primarily elderly and disabled, left behind in today's world of technology and electronics. They feel like prisoners in their own homes because they have no idea what people are talking about. They have never used a cell phone or even turned on a computer. Some of them need to learn how to operate the remote control for their televisions before they can even watch TV. I won't even mention the terminology. I told my aunt to ask around and see if anyone wanted some help to learn about these things. If they did, I would come over on weekends to see if I could help them. It was only a short time before. I needed more than just doing it on the weekends, so I was also going over two and three nights during the week. Before this, I wanted to design computer games. Not anymore. I want to develop interactive software to help people learn about these things. So that everyone has the chance to stay relevant in their own life. One day this petite, gray-haired lady came and sat beside me. Her smile was so infectious I couldn't help but smile right back at her. She looked up and said, "Look around." What do you see? I told her I didn't know what she was talking about. She said to look closely. People were coming out of their homes, talking to each other, helping each other learn. They were smiling and laughing. No more watching life go by. They were feeling alive again. They were participating with others and the world around them. That lady's name was Hattie. I had the honor of being there and watching Hattie use her cell phone for the first time. She called her daughter, who had a four-week-old daughter of her own. All her kids live in other states, so not only was this the first time she talked to her daughter in a couple of years this was the first time she had seen her new grandchild. Hattie's world will never be the same again; now, she can see her kids whenever she wants. They are only a phone call away. Altruism is a concept of psychology, philosophy, and ethics that refers to the selfless concern for the well-being and welfare of others. It is characterized by acts of kindness, compassion, and helping behaviors performed without expecting personal gain or benefit. Altruism plays a significant role in various aspects of human life, from personal relationships and community interaction to humanitarian efforts and charitable contributions. It can increase cooperation, social cohesion, and a sense of interconnectedness among individuals and groups. Altruistic individuals prioritize the needs and interests of others and are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, even at their own expense. This behavior can make us feel good about ourselves, strengthen our relationships with others, and improve the world. Studies have shown that people that practice these behaviors are more likely to have a robust immune system, lower blood pressure, and lower stress levels. Volunteering your time, donating money, or simply being kind and compassionate to those around you are all acts of Altruism. Every little bit makes a difference.
      Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane Memorial Scholarship
      Her name was Hattie, and I learned more from her than she ever learned from me. While visiting an aunt in an assisted living complex, I couldn't help but notice the people sitting and staring out their windows, not looking at anything. I asked my aunt if this was an everyday thing. She explained that they are primarily elderly and disabled, left behind in today's world of technology and electronics. They feel like prisoners in their own homes because they have no idea what people are talking about. They have never used a cell phone or even turned on a computer. Some of them need to learn how to operate the remote control for their televisions before they can even watch TV. I won't even mention the terminology. I told my aunt to ask around and see if anyone wanted some help to learn about these things. If they did, I would come over on weekends to see if I could help them. It was only a short time before. I needed more than just doing it on the weekends, so I was also going over two and three nights during the week. Before this, I wanted to design computer games. Not anymore. I want to develop interactive software to help people learn about these things. So that everyone has the chance to stay relevant in their own life. One day this petite, gray-haired lady came and sat beside me. Her smile was so infectious I couldn't help but smile right back at her. She looked up and said, "Look around." What do you see? I told her I didn't know what she was talking about. She said to look closely. People were coming out of their homes, talking to each other, helping each other learn. They were smiling and laughing. No more watching life go by. They were feeling alive again. They were participating with others and the world around them. That lady's name was Hattie. I had the honor of being there and watching Hattie use her cell phone for the first time. She called her daughter, who had a four-week-old daughter of her own. All her kids live in other states, so not only was this the first time she talked to her daughter in a couple of years this was the first time she had seen her new grandchild. Hattie's world will never be the same again; now, she can see her kids whenever she wants. They are only a phone call away. Altruism is a concept of psychology, philosophy, and ethics that refers to the selfless concern for the well-being and welfare of others. It is characterized by acts of kindness, compassion, and helping behaviors performed without expecting personal gain or benefit. Altruism plays a significant role in various aspects of human life, from personal relationships and community interaction to humanitarian efforts and charitable contributions. It can increase cooperation, social cohesion, and a sense of interconnectedness among individuals and groups. Altruistic individuals prioritize the needs and interests of others and are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, even at their own expense. This behavior can make us feel good about ourselves, strengthen our relationships with others, and improve the world. Studies have shown that people that practice these behaviors are more likely to have a robust immune system, lower blood pressure, and lower stress levels. Volunteering your time, donating money, or simply being kind and compassionate to those around you are all acts of Altruism. Every little bit makes a difference.
      Veterans Next Generation Scholarship
      To honor one's country is not just words but a way of life for the family that adopted me. On my dad's side, my father, his two brothers, and their father served in the Navy. His grandfather and great-grandfather served in the Army. On my mother's side, her father and uncle served in the Army. Her oldest son, his wife, and their two daughters served in the Air Force. My stepfather was a Navy Pilot during the Korean War and Vietnam. He flew an F4U-Corsair and went swimming off the coast of Korea due to a catapult failure during take-off from the aircraft carrier. He was fished from the sea and went on to fly many more missions. Growing up, I had three rules that were very important to my parents. 1. Never waste a chance to learn something new. 2. Always be willing to help another. 3. Never settle for a B when an A can be earned. When I was in the sixth grade, I broke rule #1. I had to write ten pages out of the dictionary for my punishment. I had to write every word on each page, the definition of that word, and make up a sentence correctly using that word. Writing pages out of the dictionary was how my parents punished/disciplined me. I learned my lesson and obtained knowledge at the same time. One day I asked my parents why those three rules were so important. The following is the answer I received: Millions of Americans dedicated and gave their lives for this country. It is because of them we have the freedom to enjoy the lives we live today. The best way to thank them is to honor them by living our best life. Don't ever settle or make excuses for yourself. To live your best life, you must first be the best you can be. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet many veterans that have served our country. Unfortunately, most of them have been and are homeless. Most of my family all pitch in and collect things whenever we can, like clothing, blankets, and personal items. We then make up bundles with some of everything in each and pass them out to the homeless vets. Talking with them, I learned that clean socks are the most crucial thing they want/need. They explained that when you are homeless, the first and most important thing you do is take care of your feet. Your feet get you where you need to be. Carry you away from danger, where to get food, shade, shelter, and water. So I tell everyone that will listen to me. Whenever you are out shopping, please pick up a pair or two of socks, leave them in your car, and the next time you see a homeless person, offer them a new clean pair of socks. After all, there is a good chance that person put their life on the line for us. The least we can do is offer them a pair of socks. I have spent the last four years helping others learn how to use a cellphone, a T.V. remote even a couple of computers. I plan on developing interactive software that will teach those who missed out on learning about today's technology. This will allow them to participate in society today. I have seen how it makes them happier. I have learned and felt how happy it makes me to help others.