Who is Natalee Cooper?

University of Georgia Magazines and Anthropology major Natalee Cooper hails from Macon, GA, known to most as “the city I pass through on my way to Florida.” With five siblings who call themselves UGA alumni, Cooper always knew she would attend the University of Georgia. Her career choices leading up to Magazines changed from veterinarian to photojournalist to travel journalist but when faced with the question of what she should major in, Cooper found the perfect compromise in the pursuit of a Magazines and Anthropology double major.

Cooper grew up with a love for nature, art, animals, and writing. Traveling cross-country in a GMC Safari with her family at the age of 10 nurtured her love for travel and photography. “I had always dreamed of traveling around the world but I never realized the kind of beauty that my own home country harbored”, says Cooper. Seeing striking landscapes such as the Badlands of South Dakota, the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, and the redwoods of California melting into the Pacific coastline inspired Cooper to seek a profession that would combine her passion for nature, travel, and writing.

Since entering into college and choosing Magazines and Anthropology as her fields of study, Cooper has set her sights on magazine publications such as National Geographic, Afar, Travel and Leisure, and Coastal Living. “I’m nervous about what the post-college experience will be for me. I’d like to think I’ll be able to attain my dream job but my portfolio is slim at best. On the other hand, I’m looking forward to what Grady will do for me, how I will grow, and the pieces of work I will produce as a student of Grady College”, says Cooper. Cooper is especially excited to be in Journalism 3510 with Professor Dennis. She says she feels confident that after a semester under his wing, there’s no way National Geographic won’t want her.