Before you read about Daniel Jackson’s position as a Google Student Ambassador (GSA), let me tell you a little bit more about this incredible guy! Daniel is a guy with a lot of ambition and motivation. He strives to be the best that he can be to further himself, but he also focuses on what is best for others. Not only is he a GSA, but he is also a member of the Interdenominational Youth Choir, a Golden Apple Scholar and the newly elected Vice President for ISU’s branch, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and a Human Resource Tour guide. Did I mention that he is also a Resident’s Assistant for the campus? This guy is crazy involved!
Name: Daniel Jackson
Hometown: Chicago
Major: Elementary Education
Role Model: President Barack Obama
Her Campus Illinois State: Describe yourself in three words.
Daniel Jackson: Perseverance, Empathic, and High-spirited.
HC ISU: Describe Google in three words.
DJ: Accessible, Humble, and Relaxed.
HC ISU: What is your role as a Google Student Ambassador?
DJ: As a GSA, I am hired for a one-year commitment to hosting programs throughout the community of ISU. My specialty work is using Google Drive. Different organizations allow me to come to their meetings, (especially RSOs), to teach their organization more techniques to become tech savvy within their weekly meetings. To highlight one of my events this semester, Google Hang Outreach, which is a college based initiative for Googlers to speak to college students in the computer science world but also give resume tips, scholarship information, discussion of how to get hired for Google, and how to prepare for a career through their 4-year plan.
HC ISU: How did you get this role?
DJ: I received an opportunity with Google when I was invited to the Google office in Chicago by the Chicago Scholars Foundation as a high-schooler. They asked me if I would like to become an Ambassador for Google and I simply said yes. The Googlers kept in contact with me for two years and recommended me for the position to become a GSA on my campus. I then filled out the application and found out I got the position late summer 2015. I felt ecstatic to have an opportunity with Google. After I confirmed the position with Google, I was flown out to California to get tours of the Google offices on the west coast and learn about Google through orientation, where I learned about the programs and products of Google.
HC ISU: What do you enjoy most about being a Google Student Ambassador?
DJ: I love being able to “evangelize” Google programs. Often Google uses the word evangelize because they want to make the technology world simple and accessible for all people including institutions, organizations, and corporations. Ever since I was 11, I fell in love with using Google programs such as Google drive. It made my life in middle school much simpler. One aspect that I admire about Google is that they continue to grow as a company and are updating programs and products daily to ensure that their services are being accessible for everyone worldwide.
HC ISU: How are you able to manage being a Google Student Ambassador on top of class, being an R.A., and having a social life?
DJ: While being a Resident Assistant, I have held a program and a Google “swag” giveaway. Earlier in the semester I asked my residents and my fellow baseball athletes to do a Google brain teaser to win some “swag.” Directions were to complete individually within five minutes and the brain teaser had to look exactly like the example that was shown. They were able to complete the task successfully and in a time consuming manner. I also invited former residents to my Google Hang Outreach program which allowed them to learn resume tips and opportunities within the Google world.
HC ISU: How does being involved with Google (or any other organizations) help you in school or for your future?
DJ: All of my experience as a GSA will help me for a future educator. There are plenty of opportunities I have had to plan, work with a team, learn different dialects, send emails or notifications, and teach. All of these aspects will allow me to be a phenomenal teacher who will be able to give back to the community with what I have received through my life time.
HC ISU: What would be your advice to those looking to get more involved or to those who are unsure of getting more involved due to not wanting to be overwhelmed?
DJ: The advice I would give to students who are trying to get involved is find one or two hobbies that you care most about and then join a student organization or seek to find a community service throughout the Bloomington-Normal area. I am a person who loves to help people and see close bonds within people and organizations. I urge people to get involved to meet new people, build connections, and possibly establish career opportunities.
Congratulations on everything that you do and the amazing future that you have ahead of you, Daniel. You’ll make many proud!