CJ Cook

Cyrus Jamal Cook is a contestant from Survivor: Trinidad.

Profile
Name (Age): Cyrus Jamal “CJ” Cook (22)

Current Residence: Louisville, KY

Occupation: Graduate Student

Claim to Fame: My education, without a doubt! (chuckles) I was the valedictorian of my high school graduating class, the Class of 2014, and from there, I went on to receive a 3.98 GPA throughout my four years of college. (smiles) It took a lot of hard work to get to that point since I’m not one of those (finger quotes) “naturally gifted” kids, but my parents taught me from the day I was born the importance of hard work and dedication. Now, I’m a grad student in the field of microbiology and I hope to take my education and use it to cure the many nasty diseases that plague the world today.

Inspiration in Life: My dad, Jamal Cook, whom I’m named after, is the most important person in my life. He was a first-generation college student way back when, so he’s no stranger to the idea of working twice as hard to get half as far. (smiles) Even more than that, though, he’s a loving husband and father, one who puts the needs of those he loves over himself, which is how I try to live my life as well. (scratches his head) I’m not quite as good as him at it and I make selfish mistakes, but it’s the example my dad continues to set that I strive to follow as best I can.

Hobbies: I’m a total partier, I love to get together with friends and do God-knows-what. (laughs) I often don’t remember once the night is over. That happens a lot less now that I’m a grad student, but once a month at least, we all get together just like before graduation. (smiles) Other than that, I really enjoy photography. I’m not all that good at it, but I do walk around or just outside of campus and take photos of anything that catches my eye. It’s really relaxing and helps me to appreciate more the area I’m living in instead of taking it for granted.

Pet Peeves: I don’t think you can judge a book by its cover, and it bothers me when people try to anyways. I think everyone has something to offer, and writing people off based on how they look or dress or on a first impression is counter-productive. (sighs) Like, that person could’ve been your best friend had you gotten to know them, but you turned that down over shallow details about them.

3 Words to Describe You: Grateful, extroverted, and welcoming

SURVIVOR Contestant you are most like: That’s tough! (pauses to think) I think I’m similar to Craig Walker from Australian Survivor, at least in some ways. I think both him and I are loyal people, since I don’t see myself overreacting over little things and flipping on allies without good reason. I also value the social part of Survivor just like Craig did, as opposed to the backstabbing portion of the game.

Reason for Being on SURVIVOR: I’m totally here for the experience and the opportunity to play such a fun yet challenging game. I’ve always wanted to travel somewhere and take some time off school for once, but I also love little strategy puzzles, so this is a perfect combination of both. It’ll be really cool to be on TV and get to play for a cash prize, it’s the right amount of intensity for me. (chuckles)

Why you will be the Sole Survivor: I’m a triple threat. I know that I’ll be able to talk to people and get along with them, which is one of the most important parts of Survivor, but I’m also in good shape for the challenges. While I’m not as confident in dominating the strategy part of the game, I do tend to think things through instead of acting rashly, which is a part of the strategic game that so many Survivor players before me struggled with. (shrugs) Keeping that in mind, I think I stand a great chance of being the last one left.