By Lori Tarbett
It’s hard to believe Jubilee Jackson had the time to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree given all the activities she has been involved in over the past six and a half years.
The Ottawa native came to Carleton in 2002 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy with a concentration in philosophy, ethics, and public affairs, and a minor in political science.
She says philosophy combined the right balance of theory and practice. “It afforded me the opportunity to study a range of contemporary ethical issues (everything from international development work to physician-assisted suicide) and to be on the cutting edge of debates taking place in Canada,” says Jackson.
Despite this intense academic load, she began to seek out extra-curricular activities within her first year.
Her impressive list of Carleton community involvement includes Carleton University Resolution Board student representative, GLBTQ Centre volunteer, Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities note taker, residence fellow, Attendant Services attendant and teaching assistant to name a few. Jackson even received the Barbie Ross Memorial Scholarship to recognize her extensive and significant involvement.
“These positions played a huge role in my personal and professional development, and afforded me the opportunity to meet and work with people from many diverse backgrounds,” says Jackson of her many roles.
She is currently working as an Interpretation Officer with the Learning and Access Services Branch of the Library of Parliament which offers non-partisan information for Senators and Members of Parliament and is also responsible for public outreach and education. She says her time at Carleton helped her gain many of the skills she uses today: “My academic experiences at Carleton not only provided me with excellent written and verbal communication skills, but my involvement in campus life provided me with invaluable leadership opportunities.”
Jackson’s experience at Carleton will conclude this Saturday, November 8, 2008 when she leaves the university with a master’s in philosophy.
She offers these words of wisdom to fellow students: “While school should certainly be your primary focus, there is a lot to be learnt outside of the classroom. I would encourage any Carleton student to take advantage of the excellent opportunities that we are so lucky to have at our school.”