Michael Cooke
Graduation Year
2026
Hometown/Where You Call Home
Wilmington, NC
Major
Music
How did you hear about Covenant and why did you choose Covenant?
In high school, I felt like I had a lot of friends but nobody that I was super close with. When I chose Covenant, I hoped that I would make more close Christian friendships.
What aspect of Covenant do you like best?
I love the way people value their relationship with God over their academics, which can so easily become an idol. We all take our studies very seriously, but are quick to be wary when our spirituality begins to dwindle.
What about the professors and/or academics has impacted you the most?
Whenever I'm struggling in a class, I take great comfort because I know my professors want me to succeed. My professors aren't just trying to get a GPA out of me, they want me to be well-equipped for my calling. The professors have a way of being so invested while still being challenging.
What part of your major do you most enjoy or feel most prepared by?
I feel well prepared in my major because of how well-rounded we are encouraged to be. I came into Covenant with a linear musical theatre background. I am now well-versed in Classical music, jazz, rock and roll, pop, etc. I came in only having voice and piano experience. My professors have pushed me down enough paths that now I am conducting the orchestra, leading a band, and singing opera. My professors are helping me to be as well-rounded and hirable as I can be as I graduate Covenant.
What do you hope to pursue after Covenant and how do you see Covenant supporting your future career or calling?
I hope to teach music while also being a well-versed performer. Dr. Finch takes every opportunity to explain his teaching methods so that we can become better teachers ourselves. Dr. Tahere is always encouraging us to ask tough questions about the different types of art we're interacting with. The arts are a troubled area of society and a large grey area in the Bible. The music professors here are helping us to be aware of and steward that tension well.
How is Covenant equipping you for active membership in the church or discipleship within the body of Christ?
Covenant is preparing me to be a worship leader. I don't just mean musical worship in church. Covenant is helping me learn what worship looks like in all aspects of life. How can I truly live out "In All Things Christ Preeminent"? I have spent all of my time at Covenant interacting with and learning to answer that question.
In what ways does Covenant foster spiritual formation that stands out to you?
Covenant encourages me to bring others into my burdens. It comes naturally for me to rely on my strength and lean on my understanding. Covenant is good at providing me with the resources to release my burdens and share them with others. I never feel like I'm tackling life alone.
How has the Covenant community supported your development as a whole person?
Everywhere I look, I see people that know and love me. Whenever I dwell on that, I'm stunned by how special of a college experience I have. In the world, people label us and define us how they see fit. Here at Covenant, I'm reminded that my identity is in the Lord. The Covenant community leans into principle so well that we are all truly seeing what it's like to be brothers and sisters in Christ.
How have your relationships at Covenant shaped your expectations for the other communities God will call you to in life?
My relationships at Covenant have given me a standard for friendship. I am learning every day what it practically looks like for me to love my neighbors as myself. Every friend I have is a different member of the body, which is helping to highlight and grow my own strengths and weaknesses.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Covenant?
My favorite memory is from November of my Sophomore year. I had just had the longest academic week of my life and felt like a workaholic all the time. I remember it was so hard to spend time with the Lord and that was disheartening. The Lord was encouraging me through the simple joys and reminders of his faithfulness each day. At the end of that week, I remember I was sitting at the head of the table in the great hall with my head down as I ate my food. At some point during dinner, I lifted my head and what I saw brought me such deep joy. When I looked around the table, I saw about fifteen of my sweet friends. They had been sitting there the whole time, but this time when I looked at them all I saw were the hundreds of memories I had created with each of them. I saw them and all of the joy they bring to my life. I saw people who loved me even though they knew me. I saw people who loved me because they knew me. I didn't know these people before I got to Covenant, but now when I see their faces I just see the Lord's kindness to me. In many ways, this sums up what my time at Covenant has been about. The Lord's faithfulness is constantly proven through the grace of those around me. That simple, mundane moment is worth my whole time at Covenant.