Jackson's Senior Session: Class of 2025

"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning,
studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing." -Pelé

Jackson showed up to his session ready to go. No nerves, no second-guessing…he was just totally comfortable and laid-back in a way that made everything feel seamless. He mentioned feeling prepared ahead of time, and it showed. There was not a single moment where we had to force anything. He trusted me to guide the session, and because of that, we got right to work and made some really solid images. He told me one of his favorite things was how smooth the session felt, which is exactly what we aim for. I kept things easy and gave clear direction so he never had to wonder what to do. It is always great when a senior is open to the process and lets their personality come through without overthinking it. That was definitely the case here.

Like many of my guy seniors, sports have been a huge part of Jackson’s high school experience. Between football, basketball, and track, he has spent a whole lot of time on the field, the court, and with his teammates. But I noticed when he talks about it, it is not just about competition. It is about connection. These teams have become something deeper for him, with friendships and a sense of family that have grown over the years. For him and his family, that’s what made the sacrifices worth it.

He is also someone who does not mind putting in hard work. During the summer, he is up early for lifting before heading off to pour concrete for the day. That kind of schedule takes discipline, and it is a big part of what sets him apart. He knows what it means to show up, even when it is not easy. When asked who he looks up to most, he mentioned his grandpa, someone who stays calm, never gets angry, and is always willing to lend a hand. I love that Jackson sees those same qualities as something to aim for. He cares about helping people, not in a surface-level way, but because he knows that everyone is dealing with something, and small actions can matter more than we realize.

After graduation, he plans to go into carpentry. He enjoys building things and sees value in creating something with his hands that others can use and appreciate. That makes a lot of sense given how he thinks and moves through life. Steady, focused, and thoughtful. He also wants to travel the world, and I hope he does, because I bet he is the kind of person who would soak in every experience and come back with stories worth telling!

If he could go back and give his little freshman self some advice, it would be this. Make sure you surround yourself with the right people, and do not take any relationship for granted. Time moves faster than you expect, and high school goes by quickly. For Jackson, it has been full of lessons, growth, and a whole lot of hard work. His next chapter is already shaping up to be something pretty great!

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Jackson's Senior Session: Class of 2025

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