Cameron Bebeau

Success isn’t just a result of talent – it’s a result of hard work, dedication, and passion for your craft. For Shimei Ricks-Cook, a transfer student and rising media professional, these qualities have paved the way for a historic achievement.

In January, Shimei became the first Fayetteville State University student, and HBCU student, to receive the prestigious Rick Bonnell Memorial Scholarship.

The Rick Bonnell Memorial Scholarship awards $10,000 to a deserving journalism student at one of North Carolina’s universities or colleges. It was founded to honor the memory of Charlotte Observer sportswriter Rick Bonnell, who passed away at the age of 63 in 2021 after more than 30 years covering Charlotte basketball.

Hailing from Connecticut, Ricks-Cook graduated from Bloomfield High School. It was there that he discovered his passion for student media. His journey began with his own talk show, BHS News with Shimei Cook, and his sports-centered podcast, Shimei and Kobie Unfiltered, both of which became launching pads for his current endeavors.

When not in front of the camera, Ricks-Cook was playing football, primarily as a defensive tackle and guard. Eventually, however, he realized it wasn’t the lifestyle he wanted to pursue.

“I often got in trouble for talking, both in practice and class,” Ricks-Cook recounted. “I decided, ‘Well, I’ll just find a way to talk for a living!’ and that led me to journalism.”

When asked if there was a clear moment that the media seed was planted, Ricks-Cook traced back to his childhood: “I was raised by my great-grandmother, and she gave me a passion for wanting to be on television.”

Inspired by programs like The Today Show and the Wendy Williams Show, he would often pretend to be on TV as a child, much to the entertainment of his family.

Those early moments of imagination and practice ultimately set him on the path that led to him earning the Rick Bonnell Memorial Scholarship.

On winning the award, Ricks-Cook expressed his gratitude, calling the experience “surreal.” Competing against students from schools like UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte, he said, made the achievement even more meaningful.

“To be from a small school like FSU and be recognized on such a large stage is something I’m truly thankful for,” He said.

Ricks-Cook also shared some advice for those looking to follow a similar path to his own: “Always be you. Don’t just try to fit into a box. Be yourself, be consistent and be easy to work with. Don’t take no for an answer, because that ‘no’ right now may turn into a ‘yes’ in a year or two.”

From interviewing an Olympic athlete to representing FSU for this statewide honor, Shimei Ricks-Cook has shown that success knows no limits. His journey is a testament to FSU’s motto: Res Non Verba – Deeds, Not Words.

Originally Published at: https://www.fsuthevoice.com/fsu-student-wins-charlotte-hornets-scholarship/