Jalessa Jordan is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She is a 2016 graduate of Alcorn State University (ASU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development. She has been working with children since the age of 16. She began her postgraduate career at North Jackson Elementary School and currently serves her community as an Early Childhood Education teacher. She teaches Pre-K3 at Mission First Early Learning. She loves working with children and hopes to lead them on a path towards success.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ALCORN
DESTINY! I originally chose Alcorn because my mother was a Golden Girl and I wanted to follow in her footsteps, and even though things didn’t turn out as I hoped, that did not deter me from going there. I considered myself an Alcorn baby because I’ve been coming to Alcorn since I was little. So, once I graduated from high school, Alcorn just felt like the right choice.
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU A PART OF WHILE AT ALCORN?
I wasn’t a part of any organizations while I attended Alcorn.
HOW HAS ALCORN HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
Alcorn laid the foundation for my career in education. One of the first things that I learned is that the first 3 years of a child’s life are the most important, and with that information, I knew that I wanted to work with kids no older than 3. Alcorn helped my career by providing me with all of the tools and information that I needed to become the best educator possible.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOYED THE MOST ABOUT ALCORN?
The thing that I enjoyed the most about my time at Alcorn was the atmosphere. There was no such thing as meeting a stranger because everyone looked out for one other. If I didn’t have it there were always people who would help me out and wouldn’t even think twice about it. The scenery was beautiful and there was never a dull moment. Alcorn was one of the best decisions that I ever made, and I would never change it.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR CURRENT OR FUTURE STUDENTS ON ‘THE YARD’?
The best advice that I can give to someone on ‘The Yard’ is don’t forget why you’re there, and that is to get an education and better yourself for future endeavors. Ask questions, get an understanding, don’t procrastinate, never give up, keep pushing, and have fun but get your work done.