Dallas Jackson '17

To me, it’s not about the mark you leave. It’s about the marks that are left on you.

Bay Path's inclusive and welcoming environment is what drew me to the University. Choosing to come here has been one of, if not the best choice, I’ve made in my life. I have had the opportunity to participate in multiple clubs and sports, made lasting friendships, and my coaches and professors have helped me grow and flourish. Also, I'm very proud to say that I scored my 1,000th point in basketball--an achievement I've been working toward over the past four years.

At a recent game, I knew that I needed 26 points to get my 1000th point. At half time, my coaches wouldn’t tell me how many points I had, but I knew I'd scored a lot that day. With my big goal in mind, I was very nervous and came extremely close to reaching it, but it wasn't until the following game that it happened. The game had just begun and I was so focused on helping my team that I hardly stopped to realize my accomplishment. After scoring my 1000th point, though, all the pressure seemed to melt away and during that game and my final game, I scored my highest in the season.  

I am a tri-sport athlete and I love every part of it. Playing soccer, basketball, and lacrosse is hard and takes up a lot of my free time, but I wouldn't trade being a part of these teams for anything. I’ve made lifelong friends and learned so much about life through playing sports. 

As a senior so close to graduating, I feel as though every morning I have a "Carpe Diem moment" simply waking up, going to classes and practice, giving it my all, and making it one day closer to the finish line. After graduation in May, I plan on going to graduate school here at Bay Path in the special education master's program. Also, I'd like to get involved in coaching youth basketball in the surrounding towns. I don’t know if I’d be the same person I am today without Bay Path, and I'm looking forward to continuing my journey here.