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Jalen Jackson is currently a senior at St. Paul Central High School in Minnesota. He is self-oriented young man who enjoys being in collaborative groups and voicing his opinions. Throughout high school, Jalen has maintained the status of a student athlete (wrestling, basketball, football, track & field, and volleyball). He is also involved with the Senior Class Council, Debate Team, the Junior Medical Program – Camp Cardiac at the University of Illinois and choir.

Jackson has started applying for college. His top three schools: Howard University, Hampton University and Jackson State University. He wants to pursue a degree in Kinesiology. Jackson chose kinesiology because he is passionate about helping others — both young and old. He is also passionate about this field because of his own experiences with sports-related injuries.

In order to prepare for college, Jackson is taking advantage of the different college readiness programs that have been available to him through networking with his mother’s sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. When asked about his biggest fear about the transition from high school to college, he said, “I am worried about the workload and the amount of papers that I will receive.” However, he is ready to take on the challenge and be successful.

Jackson has been a member of [YU?] for 3 years now. He was introduced to [YU?] by Dr. Blocker, who he looks up to as an African American man in a high position. “Dr. Blocker motivates me to strive on achieving goals and he is very supportive of the students that he serves.” Jackson says mentorship; making new friends and meeting people in his career field of interest have molded him into the young man he’s grown to be over the past few years.

 Words of advice and encouragement Jackson would like to give to students coming after him is to stay involved with your mentors and other members of [YU?]. You never know the impact they will have on your personal and professional growth. Jackson says be sure to take advantage of the various

seminars that are conducted both in-person and online. “At the end of the day, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Dare to get a taste of the [YU?] Experience!”

Written by By Riká Calvin