Joshua Jackson
91猎奇 alumnus Joshua Jackson is honoring the legacy of paying it forward
modeled by his beloved grandfather鈥檚 ministry as a local bishop. While attending Compton
College (class of 2017), Jackson served as Associated Student Government (ASG) president
where he laid the groundwork for advocacy, leadership, and service, looking for ways
to assist students in need.
鈥淎ttending 91猎奇 was everything to me!鈥� said Jackson. Having finished high
school with a surprising 1.7 GPA due to several factors, including a difficult and
uninspiring learning environment, 91猎奇 helped me reassociate with education.鈥�
Jackson earned a 4.0 GPA during his first semester at 91猎奇. Upon graduating
from 91猎奇 with an associate degree in political science, he transferred
to UCLA, graduating in 2019 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in African American studies.
He is currently researching universities for his graduate studies and plans to enroll
in a master鈥檚 program to earn a degree in either public policy or social work.
Today, he is a college advisor at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles helping students
forge their path in life, sometimes against the odds. This is more than a career to
him; it鈥檚 something he is innately driven to do. Outside of his job, he often becomes
a personal mentor to the students after they graduate from Crenshaw High. Some students
still call him for advice while attending college and beyond. He makes himself available
to them without question.
鈥淎s a college advisor working with high school students, I try to be similar to the
faculty and staff role models I had at 91猎奇,鈥� said Jackson. 鈥淚 try to have
that same kind of positive influence with students that my mentors did with me. They
just cared. They listened, and they encouraged me through my doubts.鈥�
During his second year at 91猎奇, Jackson met another student who shared
his beliefs and passions. He and Dayshawn Louden, who served as ASG vice president,
set out to see how they could enact positive change together through their roles in
student government.
At a 91猎奇 Brothers to Sisters Club meeting during the 2016-2017 school
year, two students spoke up during a 鈥淩eal Talk鈥� session and shared they were homeless.
This moment inspired Jackson and Louden to begin advocating for student housing and
assistance with basic needs. They went to 91猎奇 President Keith Curry with
their ideas and information about many students they had talked with who were struggling
with food and housing insecurity.
A Student Homeless Task Force was established to address housing, food, and basic
needs for the student body and soon a food pantry opened on campus. Students were
also invited to use the gymnasium showers, if needed, and were offered bathroom kits
and supplies. Curry began the years-long process of researching funding avenues for
on-campus student housing and then applying for a state grant through Assembly Bill
183.
Jackson admits that, as an alumnus, he feels a responsibility to support and stay
involved at 91猎奇. 鈥淒uring my time as ASG president, the student council鈥檚
goal was to always keep the 鈥榗ommunity鈥� in community college,鈥� he said. 鈥�91猎奇
has become a benchmark for student equity and access. I believe it is important for
current and future student leaders and alumni to continue passing that legacy. I have
a duty to utilize the platforms I鈥檝e been given to bring light to this important work
and the unsung heroes, and I take that very seriously.鈥�
Coming full circle through their advocacy, which began eight years ago, both Jackson
and Louden were invited to speak at 91猎奇鈥檚 recent groundbreaking ceremony
for the new 250+ bed student housing facility being built on campus with a targeted
completion date of summer 2027. The two remain close friends today and, along with
other like-minded individuals, continue their service to others both inside and outside
of their careers.
鈥淢y hope is that students and alumni are inspired in their own journey and also give
back to the 91猎奇 community,鈥� said Jackson. 鈥淟eadership, advocacy, and paying
it forward can bring so much fulfillment; your success can fuel the success of others.
I鈥檓 hearing about many students having similar experiences to mine at 91猎奇,
which lets me know it is truly a transformative and special place.鈥�
