I was born in Gary, Indiana, and spent the better part of my life there. My childhood was anything but easy due to my family's low socioeconomic status and lack of resources. Even though there were some challenging times my family always seemed to have what it needed due to my mother's hard work. This trait of working hard to provide for her family was from her mother Elizabeth, who was known for unwavering kindness and care for the community. My mother would often talk about the idea that if my grandmother were down to one last potato in her fridge, she would give that to anyone who needed it. Although I never got the chance to know her personally, as she died when I was still an infant, stories like these help me to feel connected to her. They also remind me to love people where they are and for who they are.
My education ended early due to an injury, which left me little choice but to drop out until I could heal enough to go back. That time never seemed to come, and I soon joined the workforce. I went from working from one job to another, never truly feeling fulfilled. I had inside of me an unwavering desire to help the community as my grandmother had once done. It was not until I lost two remarkably close friends of mine that I finally looked within myself and realized that I needed to do more with my own life. I decided at that moment that education would be the key to being the best version of me, to give the absolute best to others. I went on to receive my GED and even continued until I received my master’s in social work. I then became fully licensed in Indiana, and Michigan to work as a mental health therapist.
To support myself through college, I worked several seasons in the service industry in New Buffalo. It was in these experiences that I began to fall in love with the beauty of Michigan, and the colorful people that made up this great state. I met so many kind-hearted regulars, as we called them, that I now consider family. During the pandemic, I realized that the values of these people, and the many more I met in Michigan, reflected my values as well. In 2021 my family and I leaped to become Michiganders when we moved to Buchanan. I went on to open my therapy practice in Niles where once again I was reminded of how wonderful, unique, and friendly Michiganders are. After practicing as a mental health therapist for some time, I decided I wanted to make a greater impact in my community.
It was this that led me down the path of running for Berrien County Clerk. I plan to continue my family's legacy of hard work, determination, and desire to bring positive change to Berrien County if elected as county clerk. Through my experiences as a mental health therapist, I have learned how to meet people where they are, no matter their beliefs, values, or cultural differences. I have also learned how to truly listen to the voices of others so that no one feels unheard.
I will bring my experience in effective communication, accountability, and fostering connections to bring transparency to the clerk's office. I will advocate for new initiatives in technology, education, and resources to ensure my time as a clerk is used to better serve community members. I want to build connections across communities because we are one county and that is what unites us. I hold fast to the values of loving thy neighbor fully through support, understanding, and determination to make a better world for all, installed in me by my grandmother Elizabeth as well as my two dear friends. Help me to keep the tradition of changing through actions of kindness, community building, and true compassion by voting yes to Jessica Jackson for Berrien County Clerk 2024.
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