Daniah Jackson is trying something new in her sophomore year: leading as the apprentice stage manager at Hazelwood West High School. The question she can not stop asking: “Was that good?” A year later, in Jackson’s junior year, she has more experience under her belt from being a stage manager earlier and acting more. The second time she helps lead the musical cast, all she can say is, “I don’t care what they think.”
Now, in her senior year, Jackson has been a student director multiple times for the theater department, secretary of Key Club, editor-in-chief for yearbook and president of Thespian Troupe 786. She stands as an example and model for students around her to push themselves out of their comfort zone by joining extracurricular activities. Those who look up to her have found themselves already following in Jackson’s footsteps in the very same activities where Jackson once started, helping them do more and dream bigger.
“[Daniah has] been my mentor for things in theater; rather that be acting or directing a show or becoming an officer, she’s definitely inspired me to go bigger than what I originally think,” Abigail Anderson, 10, said.
Jackson has not only inspired others but also herself because as her success grows, so does her confidence. When starting high school, Jackson thought high school would be a lot like middle school, where she had barely any opportunities to lead and grow. High school turned out to be the perfect thing for her, though, as opportunities allowed her to realize how much she has to offer. When Jackson started each club, she was extremely quiet and hesitant, but as a senior, she is loud, bold and confident.
“With all the opportunities our school has allowed me to open up,” Jackson, 12, said.
Success has not come without struggles for Jackson. Parental pressures of grades while trying to figure out her own priorities have become a strong struggle. Her parents often prioritize her grades over clubs, while she prioritizes whatever she finds most pressing, putting grades and clubs on equal footing. These differing opinions often leave Jackson overwhelmed and torn as she has to choose between her own thoughts or what her parents want.
Jackson’s main struggle, though, is comparing herself to others. Comparing herself to those who came before her or those who she thinks do better than her, she is constantly feeling inadequate in both clubs and academics. The comparison keeps testing Jackson’s confidence as she hesitates to audition, lead and offer ideas to the extracurriculars.
“Comparison is truly a thief of joy, but it’s not as bad as it used to be, but it’s still there,” Jackson, 12, said.
In the midst of struggles, Jackson makes sure to take time for herself in order to recenter and calm down. Whether it is getting a smoothie bowl or having a good cry, she constantly rewards herself with a break from the pressure. She constantly encourages those around her to do the same, reminding them that self-care is important if they want to keep thriving.
“It can feel like the whole world is on your shoulders, but you’re important too,” Jackson, 12, said.
