Jackson was truly one of the most genuine and positive people I have ever met. I struggle to think of a memory in which we weren’t laughing or making up something new to laugh about. I became closest to Jackson during high school though our paths crossed a number of times beforehand. We were tried-and-true soccer buddies who also bonded through mutual friends and other high school activities, such as when he helped convince me to try tennis out our senior year.
Though we were extremely similar, our steps always seemed to take us in slightly different directions in life. However, that is where the beauty in Jackson’s influence lies: No matter how long or short the interaction, being connected with him left you with lingering sense of joy.
To me, memories of Jackson will serve as a reminder to try to live life in its truest form, by being adventurous and taking risks while also being compassionate and purposeful with the connections I make.
September 7, 2026