From Pancreas Partners to Periodic Tables – Jackson Heads to College
My youngest son, Jackson, became a part-time employee for my company when he turned eight. Along with this older brother, he helped package DiaBingo kits, stuff, and stamp envelopes, assemble PocketCards, and choose Pancreas Partner color combinations. As Jackson entered his teen years, his contributions moved from simple assembly to innovation. Given his longstanding knowledge of our company goals, values, and community, he suggested changes that helped grow our social media presence and increase our connection with readers.
Over this past summer, in addition to answering customer questions, shipping out orders, and assembling our Pancreas Partners (see pictures), Jackson took a leadership role in creating our new Podcast offerings. He researched the best podcast platforms for our FREE webinars. By the end of summer, due to his vision and hard work, we launched all of our FREE Podcasts on the most popular platforms (such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, and Google Podcast).
Even though Jackson had an intense high school schedule due to his load of AP classes, running the Empowerment Club, playing in the jazz and marching bands, and taking the lead as Drum Major, he always showed up to work with a great attitude. During stressful periods at work, he managed to help me laugh, take a deep breath, and keep moving forward. He has a magical way of listening carefully, giving a hug, then gifting me with a goofy gesture that broke the tension and helped me regain a sense of calm.
Jackson fell in love with chemistry as a sophomore in high school. He was awarded a summer chemistry lab internship during his junior summer at a local Cal State University. As a full-time researcher for a few months, he said, “I feel like I have always been in the chemistry lab.” A few weeks ago, he kicked off his studies at UC Berkeley as a chemistry major and he is loving every minute of it.
I sure miss working alongside Jackson and goofing around with him. Yet, at the same time, I celebrate his new and exciting life while cheering him on from the sidelines. I am grateful for the time we spent together creating and exploring life and work from different angles and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
As part of his legacy, Jackson recommended a close high school friend, named Ginger Nichols, to take over his job responsibilities. Ginger is a real go-getter and an absolute gem of a human. In addition to attending college full-time, she has a radio show, works another job, is involved in local theater, and has a terrific attitude. When I ask her how she is doing, she always responds, ‘I am doing great” and she means it!
Thank you Jackson for all your contributions to Diabetes Education Services over the years! We miss you and are so thankful that Ginger will be holding up your legacy of hard work and a great attitude combined with a boatload of kindness.
Our Teaching Tools make learning fun!
Pancreas Partner plus DiaCell
Explaining the pathophysiology of diabetes is no easy task. These fun and effective educational tools help you explain normal fuel metabolism and the defects associated with type 2 diabetes.
In addition, they can be used to motivate patients to lower blood glucose levels through diet, exercise, and medications.
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