Dallas College Graduate, Inspired By His Past, Looks To The Future

Press release from Dallas College:

August 11, 2021

(DALLAS) — At age 4, Elijah Jackson knew he wanted to become a police officer.

Now 21, the recent Dallas College graduate said his goal of attaining a public service career has not waned. If anything, it’s solidified.

“I just don’t know how I got interested in police work, but it’s always been there,” said Jackson, whose career choice was shaped by his earliest memories. He says he vividly recalls two things: One was being awestruck by seeing an officer in uniform. The other is grieving his mother who died when he was only 4. These memories merged and, in doing so, helped him capture with clarity a profession he wanted to pursue.

Earlier this year, Jackson was surprised when he was tapped by a Dallas College administrator to re-tell his story to his peers during a Dallas College commencement ceremony. Shanee Moore, associate dean of student life, engagement and advocacy at Dallas College, recommended Jackson for the honor of addressing this year’s graduating class.

“There was something about him,” Moore said about Jackson, in considering him to speak at this year’s commencement. “I had this feeling that he was the one. I just couldn’t move from his name, so I gave him a call. He shared a bit about his story. I was in tears. He’s so appreciative and humble. We have remained in contact.”

This press release was produced by Dallas College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.