user profile avatar

Jeleesa Jackson

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Biking And Cycling

Reading

  • Drama

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

In November 2024, my life changed when I was diagnosed with cancer. While facing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, I continued working, raising my children, and pursuing my education. Overcoming cancer became one of the greatest challenges of my life, but it also strengthened my resilience and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. My journey began long before cancer. I am a first-generation college student who grew up in a family affected by mental illness, addiction, financial instability, and periods of homelessness. These experiences taught me firsthand how deeply hardship can affect individuals and families. They also motivated me to create a different future for myself and my children through education. Today, I am pursuing my Master of Social Work degree with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The support I received from an Oncology Social Worker during my cancer journey showed me the powerful impact social workers can have during a person's most difficult moments. That experience strengthened my desire to help others feel supported, heard, and empowered. I hope to use my education, professional training, and personal experiences to advocate for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. My journey has taught me that adversity does not have to define us; it can become the foundation for resilience, compassion, and purpose.

Education

University of Massachusetts Global-Irvine

Master's degree program

2025 – 2027

Majors:
  • Social Work

Touro University Worldwide

Master's degree program

2020 – 2021

Majors:
  • Human Resources Management and Services

Touro University Worldwide

Bachelor's degree program

2018 – 2020

Majors:
  • Psychology, General

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
Social Work
Medical school interest:
No
English as first language:
Yes
Homeschooled:
No

Career

  • Program Assistant

    Education · MJ College

    Jan 2013 – Jan 2021

  • HR Analyst

    Human Resources · UC

    Jan 2021 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Civic & Social Organization, Health, Wellness, and Fitness, Social Work, Mental Health Care
Work experience:
10+ years
Has nursing license:
No
Leadership experience:
Yes

Military

ROTC:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
Arne Hyson Memorial Scholarship: Studies in Mental Health and Related Healthcare
Winner
In November 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to undergo surgery in December of 2024 and had chemo from January 2025 through June 2025. This was followed by radiation until August 2025. This journey has really been hard on me mentally and physically. I was first so angry and questioned my cancer diagnosis so much. Now it has been exactly one year this month, and I'm not so angry anymore, but I do still get emotional at times, going through it. I turned all that anger I built up inside me over this diagnosis into inspiration. When I received my diagnosis, I started working with an Oncology Medical Social Worker, she was my Counselor throughout this difficult time. She has been helping me every step of the way. She can’t necessarily speak to me from personal experience in terms of what I may be experiencing, or truly understand what I am experiencing; however, she can offer insight or a listening ear, which has been extremely helpful. This is what made me realize that I want to go into the Mental Health field and pursue my Master's in Social Work (MSW). My social worker inspired me, as I honestly don't know how I would have gotten through my journey without her. I want to become an Oncology Social Worker so that I can help others who have received a cancer diagnosis and can personally speak from experience, as I know what it is like to be in their shoes. I want to speak at support groups and share current tips and tools to help those affected by this diagnosis. I want to help guide others as they navigate a very difficult time in their lives. I want to help others see the light at the end of the tunnel and be there to guide them. I want this time that I have on this earth to be impactful and meaningful. I want to know that what I am doing in my life can really touch others in as many ways as possible. My life experiences of being exposed to a family of poverty with drug addictions, alcohol addictions, gambling addiction, and abuse, as well as my own health diagnosis of breast cancer, have influenced me personally and professionally to become a Medical Oncology Social Worker, and what better time than the present to help be that guide to others.
Jeleesa Jackson Student Profile | Bold.org