Life & Work with Jackson Southerland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackson Southerland.

Hi Jackson, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Jackson Leland Southerland and I a sophomore in high school pursuing my dreams of playing major basketball in college and beyond. I have been playing basketball since I was 5 years old. By day, I am a student-athlete by day and I spend hours in the gym perfecting my craft.

In addition to working toward my basketball goals, I am also the Founder and CEO, of Jackson’s Sock Drive, which is a national sock drive where every year I collect socks for the homeless and donate all of them to homeless shelters across New York. It’s important to me to give back to my community and I have always had a passion for helping the homeless. In the last 5 years, I have donated 10,000+ pairs of socks to various homeless shelters, as socks are the #1 thing that homeless shelters need to help their clients.

My future goals are to continue my basketball goals and move forward to college and play basketball. My goal is to go as far as possible, and even work in basketball as my career in the future behind the scenes. I am passionate about the sport, and I want to be a role model for youth so that you can achieve your goals, with God, all things are possible.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest challenge as I journey toward my basketball goals is keeping the balance between being a student-athlete and also a teen. There is a lot of pressure to succeed in the world of basketball and I also have to make sure I keep good, sound mental health I have found good ways to do that like journaling, meditation, prayer, and social media breaks.

Another challenge has been maintaining good time management. I have to keep lists of all the things I have to get done between school and the hours of preparation in the gym. I keep my goals on my wall so I keep my purpose. Obstacles are a part of the journey, and I remain committed to my goals. I am young, but my focus is clear.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Every day won’t be easy, but it’s important to keep motivated because the journey will be worth the challenges along the way.

Also, just because you are young doesn’t mean you can’t have big dreams. Finally, always find a way to give back. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if someone didn’t believe in me. I always give back to those who need help. Enjoy your journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @manchildsoutherland
• Twitter: @JacksonSouther7

Image Credits
@t.visions