“Over the past seven years I spent at Realms I learned innumerable lessons of immense value about myself, my relationships with those I care about and about the importance of finding joy and motivation in learning. I cultivated a strong sense of self and educational autonomy through my exposure to and shared experiences with a group of irreplaceable and wonderful people. Peter, Mike, Ashley, Karri, Holly and Sarah are the best teachers and mentors I could possibly ask for as well as my close group of friends and all of the other students at Realms, who all along the way worked so hard to teach themselves the same lessons about motivation and self-love that I’m describing now. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of these amazing and inspiring people and without the school that they all came together to create and define- and for that I am incredibly grateful.”
Cooper plans to attend the University of Utah this fall. Anyone who has heard his exhibition presentations on ethnonationalism, populism and wealth and income inequality will not be surprised that he plans to obtain his PhD in Economics and/or Political Science and become a college professor. He has an enthusiasm and passion for Political Science and Economics and was awarded the Historian and Linguistic Awards for his relentless research and hard work in those disciplines.
Realms international trips have brought him to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Spain, Morocco, Ecuador, Greece and Albania. While in Greece Cooper volunteered at the American Farm School and gained hands-on experience, learned sustainable farming methods that are economically viable, socially responsible and ecologically sound.
Cooper's favorite Realms memory was in Morocco when they experienced a typical Saharan sandstorm. He recalls having to all sleep together in a huge Berber tent while weathering the storm throughout the night. His travels with Realms will be a memory he will always cherish.
Morocco