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Laila Cook

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Swimming
  • Track and Field
  • Basketball
  • Band

Reading

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Bio

The moment a child hesitates at the edge of the pool and looks back for reassurance reminds me how much people rely on others in critical moments. As a lifeguard and water safety instructor, I have learned to be that steady, dependable presence—someone others trust when it matters most. That responsibility has shaped my commitment to serving others. I am a senior at Becker High School and a full-time PSEO student, graduating with both my high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree. As Swim & Dive team captain, I led teammates, organized practices, and helped grow our program, while also contributing over 80 hours of community service and mentoring younger athletes. My goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. I view this career as civil service because it allows me to directly support children and families, improve health outcomes, and provide care during life’s most critical moments. I hope to make a lasting impact by combining compassion, skill, and trust to serve my community. I am a strong candidate because of my leadership, dedication, and drive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Education

Becker High School

High School

2022 – 2026

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Desired degree modality:
In-Person
Medical school interest:
No

Career

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Become a pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Work experience:
2 years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Volunteering
Janet and Jim Boettcher Memorial Scholarship
Winner
The first time I helped a group of beginner swimmers take their first confident strokes, I realized how powerful guidance and support can be. That moment—seeing nervous children transform into confident swimmers—taught me that leadership is not just about direction, but about creating trust, safety, and opportunity. This is the same principle that draws me to a career in civil service: I want to be a reliable, steady presence for my community, helping people feel supported during critical moments in their lives. I aspire to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, a civil service role focused on public health, safety, and well-being. My goal is to provide care for children and families, ensuring they have access to medical guidance and emotional support during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this role, I will combine clinical expertise with advocacy, education, and compassionate leadership—serving as a bridge between families and the healthcare system. Swimming and diving taught me lessons that directly shape how I will serve others. As captain of the Becker High School Swim & Dive team, I organized our first-ever captain-led preseason practices, coordinating with certified supervisors, lifeguards, parents, and teammates. I wrote workouts, communicated schedules, and encouraged participation, which resulted in a record number of swimmers joining the team. Through this experience, I learned that creating safe, structured environments while empowering others requires initiative, clear communication, and accountability—skills that are essential in any civil service role. In addition to my athletic leadership, I previously volunteered as a youth swim and softball coach, mentoring younger athletes and helping them build confidence and skills. I also assisted at school health screenings and contributed to charitable initiatives, always striving to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives. Each of these experiences reinforced the importance of dedication, reliability, and empathy—the core values I will bring to my future career in civil service. I am financially responsible for my own education, balancing work, full-time PSEO coursework, and volunteer commitments. This responsibility has strengthened my discipline, time management, and resilience, which I know will carry over into my professional life. Civil service requires individuals who are committed, adaptable, and capable of prioritizing the needs of others—and these are qualities I have cultivated through years of athletics, academics, work, and community involvement. Through my career as a pediatric nurse practitioner, I hope to ensure that children and families in my community receive compassionate, informed care. I want to be a consistent, trustworthy presence for them, just as mentors and coaches have been for me. By combining my leadership, experience, and commitment to helping others, I hope to make a lasting impact on the well-being and safety of my community, reflecting the dedication and values of civil service exemplified by Janet and Jim Boettcher.
Laila Cook Student Profile | Bold.org