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Samantha Cocker

Samantha Cocker

SAMANTHA Cocker, 19, from Maghaberry recently travelled to London to receive her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Forensic Science student started the Army Cadet Force at the age of 12 and is the member of a rifle club.

What do you like doing on your day off?
On the rare occasion when I have a free day, I usually practice my shooting skills at Comber or Hillsborough Rifle Club. Sometimes I prefer a lazy day, shopping or going to the cinema.

If you were to choose your favourite meal what would it be, where and why?
My favourite meal would be my mums homemade chicken curry, with garlic bread, or my
grandma's stew, although it is difficult to move afterwards.

What has been your proudest moment?
I have two proudest moments, and it is tough to choose, either receiving my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award last week at St James' Palace, or being first at indoor junior shooting championships 2011.

What was the most frightening moment of your life?
I can't thing of one particular moment when I have been frightened, I guess I have been lucky.

How would you describe your taste in clothes?
I would say my taste in clothes would be the same as any other teenager. Keeping up with fashion and keeping sensible clothes for when father disapproves. Casual clothes for daytime and College, then party dresses for socialising. I adore high shoes with unusual patterns and of course, matching handbags.

What would you do if you won a million pounds?
If I won a million pounds, I would buy a house with enough land to build my own shooting range, spend months in Florida at the theme parks and shop until my heels were worn out.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Without a doubt it would be my first bus trip to school on my own. Living in Maghaberry, I did not have any experience of public transport, so I got the correct bus to school and feeling quite proud of myself and confident I could manage my return route. I stood at the same bus stop that I had got off at that morning. I didn't know I was supposed to cross the road to get return bus.

What music do you like?
I don't have a particular genre, I'm more of an all round person, if I like the song I listen to it.
What sports person do you most admire? Mary Peters. I have met her and she is a charming lady, who is very passionate about sports, and gets involved with many organisations relating to youth in Northern Ireland.

Describe your best ever holiday. What would your dream holiday be?
Definitely Canada. Three teenagers from Northern Ireland were selected to go to Canada for 6 weeks for a leadership marksmanship course. This was my first holiday away from my family and it was scary, but when we arrived we received a fantastic welcome from the Canadians, and treated very well by leaders. The country is amazing and the weather was great. I would love to return.

What is your greatest remaining ambition?
My greatest remaining ambition, would have to be my ideal job. I want to work with forensics and eventually (years later) trying to qualify as a pathologist.

If you could spend a day with a Celebrity whom would you choose?
It would have to be without a doubt Will Smith, I would guess it would be funny.

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you?
A chef to cook me meals, solar powered phone and a TV so I don't miss Geordie Shore.

Favourite things

  • Car: Pink Mini Cooper
  • Film: Red Riding Hood
  • Comedian: Michael Mcintyre
  • CD: Anything with Pitbull
  • Book: Breaking Dawn
  • Actor: Ashton Kutcher
  • Actress: Keira Knightley
  • Drink: Strawberry Milkshake

Ulster Star
06/04/2012