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Iowa State University Athletics
Balance Key to Jackson's Success
04.07.2009 | Track and Field
By Laura Dillavou, Communication Specialist, College of Human Science
It's a good thing Leia Jackson wears running shoes. The senior in kinesiology and health is on the go from her first morning class to her last lap around the track. It's a schedule that keeps her moving ? literally.
Jackson, originally from Rapid City, S.D., is a sprinter on the Iowa State University women's track team. She's also one of the team captains, carries 15-18 credits a semester, is a George Washington Carver scholar, volunteers at a local hospital, and serves as a representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council ? all while maintaining a 3.94 grade point average. By the time she gets done with school, completes a dual workout for track, and makes it home, all she wants to do is ... cook.
“I will cook anything, and I do a little baking, too,” Jackson said. “I really enjoy making a meal with my roommates and sitting down to eat it. For me, it's relaxing and enjoyable. After I've done that, I can just focus on my homework.”
While Jackson admits it's a hectic schedule, she is keenly aware of time management, setting priorities, and the importance of mentors.
“We're student athletes, not athletes who are also students,” Jackson said. “In kinesiology, it's all about exercise and health, and the faculty and staff have been very supportive of my involvement with track. I consider Dr. [Douglas] King to be a friend, and if I've had a conflict with classes or scheduling, I've always been able to talk to Cindy Frederickson.”
As one of the few seniors on this year's track team, Jackson said her role goes beyond clocking fast times.
“Our coach this year is a really great person and values us as more than just athletes,” Jackson said. “He has lent me his support and counted on me as a leader, and that's a good feeling ? you know you're not just there for a performance.”
Jackson realizes her college experience hasn't been typical ? after school, practice, and homework, there isn't time for much else. It has meant missing VEISHEA and putting any free time on the back burner. But she also said it's an experience she wouldn't change.
“I've been so fortunate in many ways, and I never regret dedicating the time and effort to school and track. I can't complain about my experience.”
As Jackson completes her last semester at Iowa State, she's set her sights on the next horizon ? dental school. Accepted to three institutions, Jackson said her decision will come down to the type of city she wants to live in and proximity to her family. At this point, she will give her running shoes a break to focus solely on her professional training.
“Sure, I'll still run, but it will be for fun,” Jackson said. “Dental school is a four-year, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. commitment, and that's what I need to concentrate on.”
It's a good thing Leia Jackson wears running shoes. The senior in kinesiology and health is on the go from her first morning class to her last lap around the track. It's a schedule that keeps her moving ? literally.
Jackson, originally from Rapid City, S.D., is a sprinter on the Iowa State University women's track team. She's also one of the team captains, carries 15-18 credits a semester, is a George Washington Carver scholar, volunteers at a local hospital, and serves as a representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council ? all while maintaining a 3.94 grade point average. By the time she gets done with school, completes a dual workout for track, and makes it home, all she wants to do is ... cook.
“I will cook anything, and I do a little baking, too,” Jackson said. “I really enjoy making a meal with my roommates and sitting down to eat it. For me, it's relaxing and enjoyable. After I've done that, I can just focus on my homework.”
While Jackson admits it's a hectic schedule, she is keenly aware of time management, setting priorities, and the importance of mentors.
“We're student athletes, not athletes who are also students,” Jackson said. “In kinesiology, it's all about exercise and health, and the faculty and staff have been very supportive of my involvement with track. I consider Dr. [Douglas] King to be a friend, and if I've had a conflict with classes or scheduling, I've always been able to talk to Cindy Frederickson.”
As one of the few seniors on this year's track team, Jackson said her role goes beyond clocking fast times.
“Our coach this year is a really great person and values us as more than just athletes,” Jackson said. “He has lent me his support and counted on me as a leader, and that's a good feeling ? you know you're not just there for a performance.”
Jackson realizes her college experience hasn't been typical ? after school, practice, and homework, there isn't time for much else. It has meant missing VEISHEA and putting any free time on the back burner. But she also said it's an experience she wouldn't change.
“I've been so fortunate in many ways, and I never regret dedicating the time and effort to school and track. I can't complain about my experience.”
As Jackson completes her last semester at Iowa State, she's set her sights on the next horizon ? dental school. Accepted to three institutions, Jackson said her decision will come down to the type of city she wants to live in and proximity to her family. At this point, she will give her running shoes a break to focus solely on her professional training.
“Sure, I'll still run, but it will be for fun,” Jackson said. “Dental school is a four-year, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. commitment, and that's what I need to concentrate on.”
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