Catchin' Up With a Cookie: Hayley Furman
Hayley Furman
2019 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, Stetson University
Hayley’s career is focused on driving solutions at the intersection of climate change and technology. After being recently laid off, she is seeking opportunities within startups that are scaling their solutions to drive mitigation or adaptation to climate change. She currently serves on the board of Feed Hunger Now, an organization focused on food security and hydroponic gardening in Seminole County, FL, as well as managing her own real estate portfolio. Outside of work, Hayley loves to travel and spend time in nature!
What does being a Cooke Scholar mean to you?
Though my mom has been gone for 11 years, I feel in a way that becoming a Cooke Scholar has made her proud because her #1 ambition was for me to graduate from college. Coming from a very challenged academic background, I never could have imagined myself earning such a prestigious title as a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar - the whole experience has provided me with a great deal of confidence and pride! In addition, being a Cooke Scholar has allowed me to connect with brilliant minds across the country that I may have never have had the opportunity to connect with! I decided to join the AEC (Alum Engagement Council), and subsequently write this blog post, because I feel so inspired by all the meaningful work my Cookie Cousins are doing, and I feel a great sense of community alongside everyone.
Tell us about a memorable moment in undergrad.
I participated in a fun invasive plant removal at Lake Beresford with Stetson’s water institute. Around five other students and myself removed noxious “weeds” from the boat launch area so no herbicides would be used, which would further pollute Florida’s delicate waterways. Fun fact, this lake is connected to the St. Johns River, where manatees are often spotted!
What is ONE THING YOU DID TO HELP TRANSITION TO YOUR FIRST YEAR OUT OF COLLEGE?
Transitioning out of college and back into the workforce was challenging, especially in the new remote-work world, where I found myself glued to my computer from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every single day. I found creating and sticking to a routine to be a massive help - my morning routine included getting ready, doing yoga or exercise, and of course coffee! I also had to institute a hard stop at 6 p.m. and signed up for some fun evening activities to ensure I didn’t work until I was literally falling asleep.
What was the last book you read, movie/show you watched, or podcast you listened to that you really enjoyed and highly recommended?
Though it’s a staple in the personal development genre, I just recently read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This book re-defined the way I relate to the present moment, and I find myself referring back to it whenever things in life get a bit stressful or overwhelming. I highly recommend it, even if personal development books aren’t your thing.
If you were to create your own cookie, what would it consist of and what name would you give it?
I recently watched an episode of MasterChef, where a chef created popcorn flavored ice-cream. Popcorn is my all-time favorite snack, so if I were to create a cookie it would be a PopCookie, flavored with brown sugar and popcorn!