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Jeleesa Jackson

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

In November of 2024, I was diagnosed with cancer. This diagnosis made me so angry at first. I had so many questions like why me, how am I going to get through this, or can I even fight this, will I get to see my kids graduate? I ended up turning that anger into so much inspiration for my future. When I received my diagnosis, I started working with an Oncology Social Worker who has helped me every step of the way. Having a Social Worker to talk to is what made me realize that I want to go into the MSW/LCSW Profession. I want to become an Oncology Social Worker so I can help others through their mental health journeys. I want to know that what I am doing in my life can really touch others in as many ways as possible. My personal life experiences have influenced me personally and professionally to become a Social Worker, and what better time than the present? I want this time that I have on this earth to be impactful and meaningful. I will be getting my Master's in Social Work and show others and my kids to never give up on what you are passionate about. I have gone through chemo and radiation while working, raising kids, overcoming poverty, and attending classes. As a first-generation college student, it means so much that I am getting my MSW while overcoming so many challenges. If I can do it, you can too!

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

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Social Work
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Civic & Social Organization

    • Dream career goals:

    • Program Assistant

      MJ College
      2013 – 20218 years
    • HR Analyst

      UC
      2021 – Present5 years

    Arts

    • Unique Deezigns

      Design
      2020 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Unique Deezigns — Creative Designer
      2020 – Present

    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.