May 1st, 2019
The first time Jared Page toured Jackson State Community College, "it just felt it was right for me," the Henderson resident said.
At Jackson State, he learned how to transition from high school to college, studied hard and prepared for the second leg of his higher education after he earned an associate degree. He also took advantage of extra opportunities like Jackson State's study abroad program.
"I just really love to talk about this institution that fostered my ability to appreciate higher education and pursue my interest in political science," Page said.
So, when he saw Jackson State President Dr. Alana Hamilton at a higher education subcommittee meeting in Nashville earlier this year, he quickly rushed over to say hello. Page, now a University of Memphis-Lambuth student, was in Nashville working as a legislative intern for State Rep. Jim Coley, a Republican representing the Bartlett area. Coley was chairman of the House Higher Education Subcommittee.
For four months, through April 26, Page set up appointments for Coley with constituents, lobbyists and state officials; answered the phones; handled emails; helped file legislative bills; and did other work as needed. At the same time, he earned 12 hours of college credit and was paid a biweekly stipend through the University of Memphis.
Page had applied for the internship at the encouragement of Dr. Paul Mego, political science department head at UM-Lambuth, who knew of Page's interest in politics.
This summer, Page will work for Jackson attorney Mike Weinman and spend July in Washington, D.C., on an internship through Internews, an international nonprofit. After graduating from UM-Lambuth this fall with a bachelor's degree in political science, he plans to go to law school or get a master's degree in political science.
As he talks about his plans and the opportunities he has had in college, Page looks back at his experiences at Jackson State. He points to his professors, like Dr. Anna Esquivel, his advisor, and Dr. Liz Mayo, who also helped him succeed.
"My Jackson State professors gave me the resources I needed," he said. "They'll work with you one on one."
Page grew up in Henderson and graduated from Chester County High School. He didn't know if he was prepared for college. Jackson State was close to home and affordable, he said.
"I found a college home where I could be comfortable and succeed. Jackson State helped me out tremendously."