Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Cook
Hi Megan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Megan Cook, and I am a creative individual currently progressing toward my senior year at the Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in the Business of Beauty and Fragrance.
Three key points have significantly shaped my identity. First, my passion for art has been a constant thread throughout my life. Whether creating art, admiring it, or exploring its various forms, art has always defined me. I pursued art education from first grade through my senior year of high school. While my inherent talents played a role, the guidance and encouragement of teachers who recognized my potential truly nurtured my abilities. A pivotal influence was my elementary school teacher, Mr. Mcdivitt, whose mentorship paved the way for my artistic journey. I continued to expand my skills through private art lessons, art camps, and seizing every available opportunity, all made possible by my parents’ unwavering support.
In 2019, I ventured into working a season at a haunted house. Before this experience, I had been reserved and lacked self-assurance. Within the eerie ambiance of that haunted setting, a transformative shift occurred. Immersed in the mist-laden corridors, I discovered a newfound sense of identity. Embracing diverse, spine-chilling characters and eliciting screams from visitors played a pivotal role in my personal evolution. I became more extroverted, resilient, and adept at managing challenges.
Finally, the biggest change for me was moving 14 hours away from my hometown. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, I now reside in Savannah, Georgia. While many peers from my hometown opted for local education or stayed within the state, my desire for independence, new experiences, and a fresh social circle motivated me to seek a distant change. This transition allowed me to discover my true self by stepping away from familiarity. Despite being deeply connected to my family, the distance from my parents was necessary. The inability to easily return home strengthened my resilience and nurtured my ability to navigate life independently. I have successfully reinvented myself, discovered my true identity, and ventured into new opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest challenges stem from negative influences and internal struggles. I have faced difficulties due to toxic friendships, tumultuous relationships, and individuals with ill intentions toward me. Concern about others’ perceptions often compels me to strive for their approval, sometimes at the expense of my well-being. Several years ago, I was involved in a high school relationship that I believed would be enduring. However, I failed to recognize the extent of control he exerted over me, leading to the alienation of my friends, strained relations with my parents, and a loss of self-identity. This experience, albeit negative, was pivotal in shaping my growth. His attempt to dissuade me from pursuing higher education and assert his entitlement to recognition in my academic achievements underscored the unhealthy dynamic. Breaking free from this toxic relationship, with the unwavering support of my parents, allowed me to rebuild myself. Engaging in fitness activities, exploring mental health podcasts, forging new friendships, acquiring a tattoo, and embracing a newfound sense of self marked my journey toward self-empowerment, culminating in the person I am today – Megan Cook. While he played a significant role in my success, it is essential to recognize another crucial figure in my journey—myself.
The decline in my mental well-being began during my sophomore year of high school. I was in a relationship with a boyfriend who was grappling with mental challenges, which I mistakenly internalized as my own. He was suicidal, cheating on me, and self-harming. I devoted numerous sleepless nights to concerns about him and invested more than a year in addressing his issues to the extent that I inadvertently absorbed them. From there, my anxiety worsened, my view on life weakened, and I became the depressed emo girl at school. Besides being put on medication and going to therapy, I have done a lot of mental work on my own and have found ways to pull myself out of the hole I got into. My anxiety still lingers and prevents me from coming out of my shell more due to fear of rejection. It makes me a perfectionist and instills a constant need for control over my life. Being my own greatest obstacle, I am embarking on a journey to embrace self-love. For those curious about the tattoo I acquired post-breakup, it features the biblical verse “Philippians 4:13” (“I can do all things through him who strengthens me”). This verse, instilled in me by my mother since childhood, serves as a source of strength during challenging times. I am coming to realize that navigating life solo is not the only way, and seeking support from others is crucial.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In terms of employment, I currently hold two part-time retail jobs. Balancing these commitments alongside my upcoming academic responsibilities poses a challenge, but I remain confident in managing them effectively. Additionally, I am grateful for the opportunity to intern with Dyoowe, LLC, a Charleston-based company, this summer. The experience has been enriching, providing valuable insights into the industry and sparking my curiosity about potential prospects.
However, what truly resonates with me is my journey in content creation and cosmetics. My venture into social media began in 2020, with TikTok and Instagram serving as my primary platforms, each reflecting my evolving interests. While I do not claim to be an influencer or a prominent creator, I derive immense joy from producing videos and immersing myself in the digital realm. This creative pursuit is a personal endeavor, driven by my passion for self-expression. Over time, I have cultivated my online presence, securing brand collaborations and accessing products that were once beyond my reach. Despite facing judgment from peers, I persevered by focusing on my intrinsic motivation. Outside of my digital pursuits, I find solace in painting and drawing, activities that have taken a back seat but are hobbies I aspire to rekindle, potentially delving into 2D art and exploring commission work once more. I also enjoy applying my creative skills to student film sets at SCAD and working as a makeup artist. It is fun to create different looks, effects, and push myself to be creative on various levels.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I find happiness in the little things mostly with no explanation. I love eating tasty food. Even sitting down with a bowl of popcorn makes me happy. I love watching TV with my mom and watching my dad indulge in his train sets. My dog makes me happy but I think everyone can understand that. I love Halloween, fall, scary stuff, and whatever falls into that category. The feeling of being scared is so enticing for me. There’s a lot more I could say but It would take me all day. Good company, good food, and good times make me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katcook1105.wixsite.com/megancook
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megann_cook11/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/art.elevation/
