Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation - Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education

Staring at the ceiling in my hospital room facing uncertainty and the unknown, I found purpose and meaning in an unlikely place. I began to become numb to the frequent visit of doctors, nurses, lung specialists and support staff taking my vital signs. Since the summer of 2022, I’ve been battling issues with my lungs collapsing, from a condition called pneumothorax. And over the past year I’ve been unable to play sports and participate in some other activities due to my lung issues. Overall, I’ve had four collapsed lungs and each time, I’ve spent over two weeks in the hospital for surgeries on both lungs. The most recent experience was in the spring of 2024, where I was hospitalized for a month. This experience challenged me physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was concerned for my health and also my academics because I knew it was a pivotal year for college preparation. During my time at the hospital, I was battling depression and questioning why this was all happening to me. But every time I was feeling down, I had family members and friends that kept me encouraged from their joyful visits and FaceTime calls. This situation made me appreciate and value life more and recognize that I am here for a purpose. It was difficult to hear the doctors tell me that I wasn’t cleared to return to sports for a few months. Simultaneously, I knew that there were kids who had more severe health challenges and would never exit the hospital. This experience has given me great life perspective and taught me to be grateful for every breath I breathe. One positive that I’ve gained from my time away from sports is that it has given me an opportunity to develop as a scholar and explore future opportunities. Although I spent a month in the hospital this past spring, I achieved a high GPA, and I made the North Hennepin Community College Dean's list as a full time PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) student. This is an accomplishment I’m very proud of, and it also increased my academic self-confidence to another level. During this same hospital stay, I had an interview for an internship through Genesys Works/INROADS for a summer opportunity at UnitedHealth Group. Throughout my entire time being in the hospital, I struggled with accepting that God would have me go through this, not once, not twice, but four times. But I realized this adds to my story and my testimony. I learned that these trials don't come to make me weaker, but they make me stronger, and they make me how I'm supposed to be. Through prayer, reading the Bible, I was able to come out of depression and all of those negative feelings I was experiencing. By accepting this trial and using it to get closer to God, he showed me favor in the hospital with the internship and allowing me to achieve Dean's list at school. This experience was a strong addition in my decision to pursue higher education because it showed me what I am capable of when I apply myself to learn.