Grace Jackson

Grace Jackson – Florida
Nomination by Nora Khalilian
Photography by Marliese Marie
Issue 83 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Grace Jackson is the most driven person and loving person I know. I'm constantly in awe of how she's always smiling and trying to help others when she could help herself. She joined a debate nonprofit and worked as a free coach when she would have made money since she’s recognized as a world-class debater. She started an initiative called Bake it Forward which provides baked goods for domestic violence victims. Within minutes of being in a building, people are talking about her. She's the kind of woman you admire and the kind you want to be friends with.
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Photography by Marliese Marie
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What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I greatly expanded my high school debate team. In my freshman year, my team had amazing captains but lacked national exposure. One captain in particular, Zakaria Zeini, showed me how impactful a captain could be. Inspired by his leadership, I started competing nationally with only the support of My Coaches( Bordelon, Mrs. Ollweiler) and my mom. In just over a year I went from unknown to ranked in the top ten debaters in the country for the first time in my school’s history. More importantly, as a current captain, I make sure everyone has the support to succeed.

What is the most interesting thing you've debated?
Any legislation concerning foreign aid to other countries, specifically Haiti. It’s eye-opening to research different countries because we often take for granted necessities we can easily access. Learning about how the United States gives foreign aid, as well as how that aid affects the receiving country inspired me to research further. I’m thankful debate makes you research a wide variety of topics so I’m well versed on United States and International Affairs.

What is something about debate that people might not realize?
It takes a lot of hard work but is very worth it. I debate frequently on the national circuits which means I travel on weekends to compete in other states. Tournaments often last the entire weekend so I’ve had to make sacrifices to debate so often but I wouldn't trade it for the world. My event is called congressional debate and we debate legislation similar to real congress.  For national tournaments, I often prepare anywhere between 20 and 40 speeches per tournament over two weeks. It's a lot of work but it pays off. I’ve met some of my closest friends through debate and gained so many new experiences. My friends Jayden, Nick, Nora, Heidi, Ankit, Theo, Luke, Brian, Jerry and Taylor have redefined what it means to be a supportive friend and I’m very grateful.  I’ve also gotten to meet wonderful people like Mr. Abraham López- the president of the Florida Debate Initiative- and work with Mr. Adam Jacobi who runs the Harvard debate camp. Debate opened up doors I never even thought to explore. Every person I’ve met has provided me invaluable insights into not just debate but also my future career. 

What is your best advice as a debate coach?
Be yourself. It sounds simple but it's far too often students have an idealized image of what a debater should look like and try to change themselves to be like them. The way to win debate tournaments is to stand out. There’s only one you so the best way to stand out is to bring your own personality and unique voice into every speech you give. I’d also tell new debaters to always care about the issues they talk about. In congressional debate, we debate topics that affect real people like minimum wages, foreign aid, and tax cuts. You never know who has lived through what we’re speaking about so it's very important not to trivialize people’s trauma. Furthermore, speeches given in a mock chamber can change minds about legislation. I’ve personally had people express to me that I was able to shift their perspective on an issue, and for me, that’s what debate is all about- exploring and sharing new perspectives. 

What else would you like to talk about?
The initiative I started with my family: Bake it Forward. We’re domestic violence survivors and used to live at a Safehouse, which is a homeless shelter specifically for domestic violence survivors. Seven years later we are thriving but that wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of the ladies at Safehouse. So we decided to give back. The joy of baking was something that always brought the women together, yet sweets were in short supply. Bake it Forward is our initiative where we collaborate with local bakeries, and make baked goods to recreate that sense of community.

What led you to create Bake it Forward?
Me and my family used to live at a homeless shelter for domestic violence victims called Safehouse. So many organizations provided everything from diapers to silverware but one thing that was always in short supply was baked goods. One day my family had a cake mix and decided to bake a cake but we didn’t have the ingredients. The head of Safehouse went over the intercom and asked who had ingredients like butter or milk. The women came out of their rooms and helped to bake the cake together. Once it was done all the women came out of their rooms to share a piece and it was gone within the hour. Bake it Forward is about recreating that sense of community but more importantly, fostering conversation. When everyone was sharing a treat, they began to talk about the trauma they had recently been through. On the surface Bake it Forward provides treats, but on a deeper level we create 

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Ironically, I could talk forever about talking. Coming from a domestic violence household, I've learned that Silence is the most lethal weapon. As we look around the world, silence is the common denominator of inaction. Because of that, I'm passionate about the power of using our voices. On my debate team, I ensure that anyone who wants to can speak up. I speak up as a student ambassador for an anti-human trafficking organization. I speak up for minorities and debate equality. I know what it is to be silenced, now I’m the first one to speak up.

How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
1. My photographer is someone my family shot with before. I heard about how amazing she was and had to shoot with her!
2. My experience working with Ms. Marie was great. She had a beautiful studio with lots of natural light and music in the background. The energy she brings to any shoot she does is incredible. I felt very comfortable and confident in front of the camera while working with her. She's a perfectionist and went above and beyond to make sure every shot was beautiful.
3. My favorite part of the experience was her creativity. Ms. Marie turned my crazy ideas into beautiful photos. Her photography is a true art form. Not only that, but she's able to give me direction that vastly improved the photos while being extremely kind. I'm so very grateful I got to work with her.

What has been the most exciting thing about your senior year so far?
All the new people I’ve gotten close with. Everyone is really aware that our high school careers are about to come to an end. Because of that, a lot of previously separate friend groups started merging. I’ve had a lot of fun hanging out with people I wasn’t close with before. I’m sad to see it end but I’m so happy I was able to make new memories. 

Where can we find you and your friends when you have nothing to do and all day to do it?
Probably going out then coming back to a friend's house and watching a movie. I love having fun with my friends and I’d be lying to say I’m an introvert. At the same time, I like coming back to a friend’s house after a long day and having a girls day while watching movies and doing facemasks. 

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you? 
At the beach. There’s nothing like a good boat day with friends and then going to dinner after tanning. When I have time I enjoy living in the moment.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I’m excited about college applications. It’s a scary process for sure but I’m interested to see where the journey takes me!

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Winning the John R. Lewis Medal. Aside from being a difficult award to win, my school had never produced a national finalist before so I set the goal for myself and was thrilled to be able to achieve it.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Don't give up. It sounds cliche but seriously you have no idea how many doors you can open yourself by simply being persistent. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself in a big city. I’m going to explore different careers during my college career so while I don’t know what profession I’ll be, I know I’ll be doing non-profit work. 

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Working out and trying new recipes. Lately, I’ve been loving pilates workouts and chia seed pancakes!

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Not very hidden but I’m a pretty decent cook. My favorite dishes this month have been banana french toast and fettuccine alfredo.

3 Things on your bucket list
Sit front row at a Lauryn Hill and Kendrick Lamar Concert
Go to Victoria and Alberts at Disney World
Assemble flowers

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my mom inspiring. She’s very resilient and I couldn’t have achieved anything without her.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I’m inspiring because of my willpower. I’ve been through many hardships and failures to get where I am today and it wasn’t easy but I never gave up. 

Look for Grace in issue 83 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!
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click here for more information on issue 83

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