Kailani Jackson, the student speaker for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa May 13 Spring 2023 Commencement ceremony, overcame decades of adversity and unexpected heart-breaking challenges.
“As I receive my degree, it is the dreams fulfilled of a little brown girl, who often felt alone and like an alien in this world. Who desired to make a difference in the lives of hurting, disenfranchised, and those who felt powerless,” said Jackson, a 65-year-old non-traditional student who lives on Maui. “Today, I live fully empowered in who I am.”
Jackson, who will receive, with distinction, a bachelor of arts in ethnic studies and interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in peace and conflict resolution, graduated from high school in 1975 and always had a dream of getting her degree, but life’s obstacles put that dream on hold.
In 2018, Jackson’s husband of 30 years underwent elective surgery, but due to a medical error committed by the medical staff, he was left paralyzed and unable to breath on his own, she said.
“Despite fighting for his life for three months, he had a premonition that he wouldn’t make it,” said Jackson. “It was then that he called me to his bedside and made me promise to come to Hawaiʻi and pursue my PhD if he didn’t survive.”
Ten days later her husband died. In their 30 years of marriage, Hawaiʻi was a place they had visited frequently and had come to consider it a second home. One year after the tragic event, Jackson fulfilled her promise by enrolling in UH Maui College.
A long journey
Jackson always loved education, reading and writing since she was young. Growing up in Los Angeles, California, she credits her parents’ involvement in the Civil Rights movement for fueling her social consciousness. As a multi-ethnic person, identifying mostly as African American, Jackson gained a deep understanding of collective and cultural trauma. When she graduated high school, her goal was to pursue a PhD in psychology.
UH spring 2023 commencement schedule
“My first semester in college took a challenging turn when I became pregnant and had to drop out, leaving my dream behind,” said Jackson. “Years later, I attempted to return to college (five times) as an adult, but only managed to accumulate around 18 credits. By my mid-thirties, I had given up on the hope of ever achieving my PhD and let go of pursuing it altogether.”
At the age of 60, Jackson moved to Hawaiʻi in May 2018, and in fall 2019 enrolled in UH Maui College, where she graduated with an associate’s in liberal arts and then transferred to UH Mānoa.
Jackson credits each individual along her academic journey who has played a vital role in elevating her to new heights. These people include her husband, parents, children, ancestors, family members, friends, peers, advisors, professors, deans, teaching assistants, campus communities, Maui and Honolulu communities, and the ʻāina and waters of Hawaiʻi.
“Each has nurtured and inspired me, I couldn’t have done it alone,” she said.
What’s next?
Jackson plans to continue her academic journey by pursuing her master’s and PhD after graduation.
“Until my last breath, I will be striving for empathetic engagement, seeking to establish equity for individuals of all backgrounds and identities,” said Jackson. “With a commitment to redefining what it means to truly belong, I plan to prioritize establishing meaningful connections and encourage disruptive learning, reflection, awareness and understanding.”
Jackson wants to encourage other students, or those who are considering education, to discover their reason “why.” She believes once you understand your “why” and get determined, then you will find the opportunities that are also seeking you.
I want my story to light a fire in you!
“I want my story to light a fire in you! Let it be an example of perseverance in the face of adversity,” said Jackson. “I won’t sugarcoat it—it hasn’t been easy or without its challenges. There have been times I gave up, times I wanted to quit, times I didn’t know how I was going to scrape together the funds, and times I didn’t have the energy to write one more paper! But you know what? I refused to let those obstacles define me or keep me from fulfilling my promise to myself, my husband, and to the world I know I’m here to serve, empower and inspire.”
Jackson has two sons, three grandchildren and a labrador, Hoku, who resides with her in Maui. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Ethnic Studies Student Association, Black Student Association, Sister Circle Mānoa and a participant in the 7th Annual Alice Ball Memorial Black Graduation.
–By Sarah Hendrix
