A Letter of Gratitude

Myanna Cook ’21 is the recipient of the Carol Mason Wright Scholarship for deserving women students. The scholarship was established in memory of Carol Mason Wright ’83 by her family. Scholarships like this one allow Kenyon to attract and support talented students like Myanna. Read more about her Kenyon experience in her letter to the donors, shared with her permission, below:

Dear Wright Family,

My name is Myanna Cook and I am now wrapping up my senior year at Kenyon College. I was chosen to receive the Carol Mason Wright Scholarship Fund again this year and greatly appreciate your generosity throughout my years at Kenyon. I would like to take the time to thank you all for being my scholarship donor during my experience and update you on my life at Kenyon (and what it will look like post-Kenyon)! My parents would not be able to support me at Kenyon without your help, especially during the ongoing pandemic. Kenyon was always my dream school and I would not be here pursuing my dreams without your kind gift. Your gift has helped my family tremendously and we cannot thank you enough!

Shortly after I updated you on my life last year, students were sent home to finish the year remotely. During this time I was able to secure a job at a rural hospital in southern Ohio working as a COVID Screener. I continued to work full time at the hospital and participate in remote classes during the fall semester as well. Just to add one more thing onto my plate in the fall, I was also applying to medical school and completing interviews. Well, I have some exciting news to share! I will be attending Indiana University School of Medicine in the fall as a part of the Class of 2025. I will be participating in the Rural Medical Education Program at the Terre Haute campus where my medical education will be focused on rural medicine. I hope to practice as an OB GYN or Family Medicine physician in a rural area in either Indiana or Ohio one day.

This last year at Kenyon has looked a lot different than years prior, but many of my activities have remained the same. I am conducting research and mentoring a new student to take on my project once I leave. I am still an active member of Epsilon Delta Mu, currently serving as the Secretary, and I am the Communications Chair for the Archons Society. Greek Life has been such an enriching experience for me at Kenyon, and I want more students of all identities and backgrounds to have the same opportunity. That being said, as Greek Council President, I am directing two task forces that are addressing diversity and fiscal equity in Kenyon Greek Life to open more doors for more students to participate.

My journey on the Kenyon Swim Team has continued to evolve. Living in southern Ohio for the last year, I did not have access to a gym or pool. This made participating on the team as an athlete incredibly difficult. However, there was a hole to be filled as a coach on the team. I stepped into that role and I am coaching the sprint group now! It is still so rewarding to be a part of this fantastic team, even on the coaching side.

I am infinitely grateful for your support during my years at Kenyon—I would not be where I am without all of you by my side. Your fund has made a huge impact on my life and I cannot express my gratitude enough. There is no way that I would be on my way to medical school without your help. I promise to continue my hard work throughout my medical career!

Thank you for all of your help!

Myanna Cook ’21

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We join Myanna in thanking the donors to this scholarship, including Carol's brother David N. Wright ’80, their parents, Dr. Nelson A. Wright III ’53 and Barbara Wright, and her uncle Robert M. Wright ’56. If you want to support deserving students like Myanna now or through your estate, please reach out to Kate Daleiden at 740-427-5729 or plannedgiving@kenyon.edu for more information.