A Queen’s Truth

Being a Graduate Student, Law Student, Humanitarian, and a Queen, Jenna Jackson talks about being Miss University of Georgia and Everything in Between.

A Native of Fayetteville, GA, Jenna Lee Jackson is Miss University of Georgia 2013. She never thought that one day she would be one of the faces of her university. “[It] never even entered my realm of possibilities” Jackson says. “There had not been a Black Miss UGA in 20 years.”  Jackson was crowned Miss UGA on January 19 of this year. Even though she is a second year law student, when she found out that graduate students were eligible, she leaped to the opportunity. “I thought it could potentially be a great opportunity to be a positive role model in a time where little girls often look to reality TV and music videos for examples” she explains. She’s made it clear that her work is not done yet, even though she’s accomplished being Miss UGA, she will be running in the Miss Georgia Pageant. “I look forward to representing the university in June in the Miss Georgia Pageant.” Read closely to get a quick glimpse into the life of Miss University of Georgia better known as Jenna Lee Jackson.

The Agenda: What made you decide to run for Miss UGA?

Miss UGA: If one girl becomes motivated to further her education, becomes excited at the prospect of becoming an academic, or finds confidence in her beauty even though she doesn't look like the Victoria Secret Angels, then it would all be more than worth it.

“Write your own story…”

The Agenda: What is some advice or tips that you would want to share with others?

Miss UGA: Do not feel pressure to conform to what the world says is successful, right and good. Write your own story and be careful not to fall into the trap of pleasing others. While material things are nice, do not forget what really matters in the end: making a positive impact on each other.

The Agenda: What makes you, you?

Miss UGA: Great question! The things I love make me, me. I love my Savior, my family, my friends, good food, Batman, nail polish, thinking outside the box, and sprite.

The Agenda: What's your favorite food and why?

Miss UGA: This is probably strange, but I love pickled okra. You can only find it at Publix or Kroger, but I honestly could eat a whole jar.

The Agenda: What's your favorite color?

Miss UGA: Orange is my official favorite color, an ode to my alma mater Mercer University, but white is my favorite color to wear. (she laughs)

The Agenda: What is one of your favorite memories as a child?

Miss UGA: Playing in the mud with my little sister. I am not sure I enjoy anything now as much as I enjoyed playing outside with her back then.

The Agenda: If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be?

Miss UGA: Pillows!  I also wouldn't mind having a pool full of that Welch's sparkling grape juice, delicious.

The Agenda: What books have you read lately that you enjoyed?

Miss UGA: I recently read To Heaven and Back by Dr. Mary Neal. It is awesome and really puts life into perspective. I am currently reading Pink Lips and Empty Hearts by Heather Lindsey, a great book for women.

“Iron sharpens iron.”

  

The Agenda: What quote(s) do you live by?                       

Miss UGA: “Whatever you did for the least of me you did for Me" - Matthew 25:40

"Pray like it depends on God, work like it depends on you."

The Agenda: What do you value most about other people?

Miss UGA: Their opinion! I believe the reason I have been able to grow as a person and as an analytical thinker is by listening to what different people believe, why they believe it and having to defend my views to others. Iron sharpens iron.

The Agenda: What’s more important, inner beauty or outer beauty? And why?

Miss UGA: I love the quote: "If the whole world was blind, who would you impress?"  I will leave it at that :).

The Agenda: What do you believe is the biggest challenge to young people today?

Miss UGA: Being of substance in a world that often worships solely material things.

The Agenda: What community organizations or causes are you involved in? Why is that important to you?

Miss UGA: I volunteer with Project Safe; it is an organization that helps victims of domestic violence. It is important to me because it promotes the notion of strong women taking control of their own future.

The Agenda: If you could have dinner with celebrity, dead or alive, who would, you pick and share why?

Miss UGA: Jesus! I am not sure he counts as a celebrity but I would love to talk to Him about leaving the comfort of heaven to live as human and then proceed to live perfectly in this crazy world. Considering how hard it is to just be perfect for an hour that blows my mind!

If you’d like to know more about Jackson follow her on Instagram: @JennaLee711 and/or Twitter: @JennaLee10. Take the time to see the world through her eyes.