Saturday, August 30, 2008

The R U questionnaire? Top 10 facts to get to know me …

The Jackson family

10. Who R U?
Latrik S. Jackson.
First name is pronounced “La Trek” … like Star Trek


9. Where R U from?
I’m from North Little Rock, Arkansas. I have also lived in Lubbock, Texas (3 years), and Kansas City, Missouri for the past 11 years. Most of my relatives are in Arkansas … my mother, father, sister … aunts, uncles, cousins, and so on. In Kansas City I’m married to the love of my life, Marcus Jackson; and we have two amazing sons, Elijah and Isaiah. See photos!!

Family photos in our backyard

8. Why R U choosing to attend Rockhurst University (www.rockhurst.edu)?
Because Rockhurst had everything I was looking for … a place to get a first-class education, scholarships to support my academic goals, and a connection to Research College of Nursing. Being at Rockhurst I have the opportunity to expand who I already know I am, while developing who I know I can become. I’ve really got the best of “many” worlds!

7. What R U studying at Rockhurst?
I am pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing with a minor in Theology and Religious Studies. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, so choosing a major was simple. During my first semester at Rockhurst I had the honor of being a student of Mr. Glenn Young who taught Christianity. I learned so much, enjoyed the curriculum immensely, and felt overwhelmingly compelled to choose Theology for my minor. I couldn’t be more excited about that decision. It fits my current life and future so well!

6. When R U going to graduate?
May 2010 … and can I just say that is going to be one incredible day. For me, graduating from college is about more than having a college degree … it’s about leaving a legacy for my children. Neither my parents nor grandparents attended college, so this educational journey breaks one chain and establishes a new set of history for my family. Also, my husband holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree, so I want our children to always be able to see two parents who exemplify scholastic success right in their own home. My children deserve that.

5. What R U doing when you are not in class or studying?
Spending time with my family. I love hanging out with “my guys.” My husband and I are great friends so we take time out for fun & family. It’s truly a joy to watch our boys grow. They are incredibly different! And when I really have some down time, I enjoy reading a good book, journaling, or watching Law & Order or any medical show.

4. What R U hoping to accomplish in life?
Oh, I have the usual things on my list like getting my degrees, working as a nurse (probably in labor & delivery), and having my dream house and car. But there’s more … I want to sing (well!!) for some great crowd; learn to play the piano; be able to do sign language; travel to all 50 states so I can say “I’ve been there.” Eventually I want to travel overseas to help out impoverished nations. Most importantly, I want to serve others and make their life more fulfilling; which includes my spouse, children, friends, patients, community, and more.

3. What R U most proud of?
I can’t pick just one so I’ll list a few of them. I’m proud of: serving my country in the U.S. Air Force; being a wife and mother; giving birth without medicine (wow!!); accomplishing my educational dreams (associate’s down, bachelor’s and master’s to go!); my sister (Jasmine) who has grown up to be one beautiful and intelligent young lady; myself, because I’m “living my life like it’s golden” (thanks Jill Scott for singing that song); I could go on and on with my most proud list but I’ll stop here for now.

2. When R U happiest?
When I’m having a bowl of Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream, I’m quite happy. When I’m in a good sleep, I’m happy then too. But the best of all is when I’m with my husband and kids. They make life fulfilling in ways that words can’t describe. I often wonder “what did I do before I had these three people in my life?”

1. What words R U able to share with others that make the greatest impact?
I love you.

Sweet kisses from my boys!









Saturday, August 23, 2008

Back to school!!

The first week of school … what an exciting time! For me, I began my junior year of college at Research College of Nursing in conjunction with Rockhurst University (http://www.rockhurst.edu/) where I am completing courses toward my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. My oldest son, who is five, headed off to Kindergarten.

Funny enough – though we are worlds apart in terms of where we are in our education – we faced some similarities for our first few days of school.

What should I wear? What time does class start and end? What supplies do I need to purchase? Do I need a new backpack? I’ve got to get in the groove of this new routine.

Those first days of class were awesome (for us both). It was so nice to see friends from the spring semester, hear how everyone’s summer was, and get ready to start reading, writing, and studying! Each evening, I return home to share stories with my family on how everyone’s day was, what we learned, and then we get prepared for the next day. Education … it’s an incredible, fun-filled, challenging, and exceptionally fulfilling journey. I’m so proud to be on the ride … and to see my son beginning the voyage as well.



Week two of school, here we come; when we’ll begin the “R U” questions. Wondering what I mean? Check back soon. I can tell you they are going to be a blast to read. LJ