Each day is a journey, and the journey itself is home." -- Matsuo Basho

Meet Dr. Jennifer Carol Cook, Founder of The Wonder of the World

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​A former university professor, Dr. Jennifer Carol Cook is an award-winning teacher, writer, speaker, and avid traveler. She has explored dozens of countries and  hundreds of cities on solo travel adventures around the world, and has lived abroad in a diverse range of countries, from Mexico to Australia.  Dr. Cook holds a Ph.D. in English and American literature and her scholarly and creative writing has been published by presses in Europe and the US, including Routledge Press, Harvard Book Store, Poetry Quarterly, and three consecutive times in Best Women’s Travel Writing.  As the founder of The Wonder of the World, she now speaks around the globe and offers educational seminars and "journeys" which focus on the very best of nature and culture in the world's most beautiful and inspiring locations.  Each of Dr. Cook's endeavors raises awareness and funds to help preserve and conserve the planet she so loves,  and benefits a scholarship fund that enables deserving people from all backgrounds to discover The Wonder of the World.  Dr. Cook also works with individuals one on one, tutoring students and clients in writing and a range of disciplines, from art history to philosophy.
Raised in humble circumstances, my curiosity about the world was first ignited by books, and later by a program that allowed me to correspond with pen pals around the globe.  I embarked on my first international travel adventure completely on my own when I was barely fifteen to meet one of those friends abroad.  Since then, I have never stopped discovering more to love about our little blue planet and its astonishing beauty and diversity.  I believe that ideas can change the world, that standing before a masterpiece can inspire you, that immersing yourself in a foreign culture can expand your worldview.  I believe that an experience of intense beauty can change your life and empower you to make a difference -- to take action to protect that beauty far into the future.

I have also come to believe that our most painful struggles can lead to our greatest contributions. Over the past five years, I have sustained two leg fractures, including one that could not heal due to undiagnosed parathyroid disease caused by a noncancerous tumor that wreaks havoc on the crucial calcium levels n our bodies. It was only by reviewing and researching my own blood work that I was able to identify the correct diagnosis when the doctors had failed to do so and to undergo the life-saving surgery I needed.  My years-long struggle to regain the ability to walk again and to address the other systemic damage to my bones, teeth, gums, kidneys and nervous system has sparked a passion for spreading parathyroid awareness and teaching the vital importance of advocating for one’s own health. I now write and speak on these topics as part of my mission.

I hope you will join me in discovering The Wonder of the World, helping to preserve the treasures of our planet and safeguarding your own health and well-being.