Tyrah Alexis Jackson 

Student Q & A

Hometown: I was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas (that’s my true home), but I attended school in Little Rock, Arkansas 

Year in School: Junior  

College: J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences 

Major of Study: Anthropology, Criminology, & English (pre-law track) 

Tell us something about your academic passions and how those relate to your role in Student Affairs program or department?  

I am currently majoring Anthropology, Criminology, & English on a pre-law track. I want to one day help indigenous folks retain not only their land but culture as well, so the goal is to get my J.D. in environmental law (the land aspect) and Ph.D. in Cultural/Medical Anthropology (the culture aspect). By being a peer mentor through the Academic Enrichment Program (AEP) in the Multicultural Center, I must exercise empathy and mutability on the daily. Despite all the academia that goes into my future career, I believe at its core its about empathy and acceptance. That’s why I love working in student affairs and AEP, its honestly preparing me for the rest of my life especially on how to be a good human being.  

What has been your greatest experience outside of the classroom?  

Honestly, being a peer mentor in the Academic Enrichment Program. Despite all my accomplishments and awards, the greatest gift I have received from the university is getting the opportunity to be a confidant, an older sibling, a makeshift parent, and a guide to 5-8 freshman I have never met before whose backgrounds I know nothing about. I call them ‘my kids’ haha and they truly don’t know how much they mean to me. I’ve literally created these lifelong bonds. My favorite story to tell is its 7ish in the morning on a winter day and one of my mentees calls me saying he’s sick and he needs me. At the time, I didn’t have a car, so I take the bus down the hill (he’s living in Adohi) to go take him to Pat Walker. Before that, I check his temperature and he’s at 104. We go to Pat Walker and its closed. I tell him I’m taking you to the hospital. We literally uber’d to the hospital, and they admitted him. Both he and I are from Little Rock, so we call his parents and they make that 3 hour drive. I had a cell biology exam that day, and I couldn’t get out of it so I had to leave him there, uber back to campus, take the exam, and then uber back to the hospital. I cried throughout the whole exam because I hated leaving him. Long story short – I created a bond that day with my mentee and his parents, and that is arguably my greatest accomplishment…true story. After some introspection, I realized that I must’ve been doing my job really well because for me to be his first call – not his parents, professors, or anyone else but me. That solidified to me that helping people was my calling.  

What advice would you give new students about getting involved on campus?  

I know a lot of you may suffer from social anxiety, I do as well, but do not be afraid to walk up to random people and spark up a conversation. If they’re a freshman they’re just as new as you and if they’re an upperclassmen 9 times out of 10 they won’t mind the conversation. You see a group of people in the union who may be a club or registered student organization (RSO) don’t hesitate to ask what they are or what they’re affiliated with. Also, USE HOGSYNC – I absolutely love hogsync. Anything you may be interested in just type it into Hogsync and I guarantee there is something for you. Additionally, go hangout at the Multicultural Center because there is always an event going on or one coming up. Lastly, join Residential Interhall Congress (RIC), I joined my freshman year and it led to so many more opportunities and relationships. It may feel daunting at first stepping out of your comfort zone or you may have a knack for interacting with people either way you will not regret it.  

What do you like to do with your time outside of the university?  

This is going to be so corny…but volunteer. I typically volunteer at places like the M&N Augustine Foundation, Habitat for Humanities, and then I look into volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Action Committee (VAC) that’s here on campus. As someone who often overestimates my intellect and my ability to put aside prejudice and simply empathize, volunteering is truly the only way I can eradicate any egotism that I may possess. Also, I play rugby for the Little Rock Stormers which is a heap of fun, and I love cooking for friends, reading, and hosting movie nights. 

When do you plan to graduate and what is coming next for you?  

God willing, I plan to graduate Spring 2022. Though they say, if you want to hear God laugh tell him what you have planned. I hope to attend law school and get a dual degree so a JD and MA. I am still considering if I want to do a Master of Public Health, Masters of Indian Governance, etc. Eventually, I want to get my JD in environmental law, and help indigenous folks retain their land and culture. I also want to get my Ph.D. in cultural/medical anthropology and teach at university like my mentor, Justin Nolan, after practicing law for some time.  

Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know? 

There are two quotes I try to live by, “I have the power to create change,” and “Give me a place to stand and I shall move the world.” I endeavor you guys to use your time at university to find yourselves and your passion. I guarantee you will face many obstacles whether its mental health or etc., but those obstacles will make you into your best self. Many of us suffer from imposter syndrome but whatever good that comes to you is meant for you.  Don’t fret over the academics, worry about becoming a good human being. I’ve learned firsthand that when you’re the best human being you can be all things in your life with align. On a less sappy note, build relationships with your professors I guarantee you will need it and won’t regret it. Others may call you a teacher’s pet, but at the end of the day you’ll be the one with the recommendation letters.