Name: Karly Jackson
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Year: Senior
Major: Meteorology
Relationship Status: Engaged
Her Campus (HC): What’s it like balancing being a student and an athlete?
Karly Jackson (KJ): Balancing life between athletics and my schoolwork is definitely challenging. I don’t really have much of a life outside of these two things. Between studying for tests, doing homework, working on undergraduate research, practicing, traveling, and competing, my schedule is pretty much fully packed day to day. I definitely do try my best to make time to relax and hang out with my friends and my fiancé. I think it is really important to balance all aspects of life, including having a social life! It’s not always easy to manage these parts of my life, but I am passionate about pole vaulting and about meteorology, so it is definitely worth it. I am blessed to have the opportunity to pursue both passions and I believe that you always can make time for what is important.
HC: What are some of your favorite moments as an FSU Track and Field Athlete?
KJ: One of my favorite memories from FSU Track and Field is winning Outdoor Conference Championships last year. The women’s team had already won the conference Cross Country title and Indoor Track and Field title. We were hoping to complete the “triple crown” by winning the Outdoor Conference Championships as well. The entire team showed up to the meet ready to compete. Everyone performed really well, including myself. I ended up beating my previous personal record, and jumped 3.98m (13’1”) placing 5th overall and scoring points for the team. When everyone was not competing, we were constantly cheering on our teammates and supporting them in whatever way we could. I had never felt team camaraderie that strong and the energy and excitement was indescribable. When the women’s team locked in the win, we were all so excited that our hard work had paid off. I felt so lucky to be a part of such a talented and supportive team and was very proud to have been able to help contribute to our victory. It was not actually winning the event that made it so memorable though, it was the energy of my teammates and the genuine care and support we showed each other. After the meet was over, the men’s and women’s team got together to a do a team cheer we refer to as “the rock.” I will never forget the energy that went into that rock and that will forever serve as one of my favorite moments.
HC: What are your favorite songs to listen to right now?
KJ: One of my all time favorite songs is called Demons by Imagine Dragons. It has been a favorite for a while. I am a huge country fan in general though. I love listening to anything by Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Eric Paslay, Kip Moore, Keith Urban, and so many other amazing artists. Pretty much any country song on the radio is a favorite.
HC: What’s your favorite memory here at FSU?
KJ: My favorite memory at FSU was getting engaged at Westcott fountain. Westcott has always been one of my favorite places on campus; it was one of the first places that I visited when I came to Florida State. When I saw Westcott, I immediately knew FSU was the school for me. A few months ago, my fiancé proposed to me there. One of my best friends convinced me that it was her sister’s birthday and that we needed to go throw her in the fountain, as is tradition here at FSU. As we got to the fountain, my now fiancé snuck up behind me and surprised me, getting down on one knee to propose. He had all of my best friends drive into town as well. It was amazing to share such a life changing experience with all of my close friends in one of favorite places. Westcott fountain will always hold a special place in my heart.
HC: What are your plans post-graduation?
KJ: I plan to either continue my education and pursue a PHD, or get a job doing research related to meteorology. I am very excited to start this new chapter, but it will definitely be hard to leave FSU.
HC: Any advice for incoming Seminoles?
KJ: My advice would be to figure out what you are passionate about and to pursue that passion. I believe that people work hardest and enjoy working for things they care about most. College is a time to figure out who you are and who you want to be. Try new things, make new friends, and find the things that make you happy.
HC: What person, living, dead, or fictional, do you admire the most?
KJ: I don’t really have just one person that I admire most. I would say that two people I highly admire are my parents. I hope to be as successful as them one day. They started their own business together before I was born and they have grown it from nothing into something that is extremely successful. I admire their hard work and their ability to manage their business, their social lives, and their responsibilities as parents. They are so supportive of everything I do and have made the opportunities I have possible. They make time to attend all my sporting events and to help me whenever I need it, no matter the problem. I hope that one day I will be able to be as successful as them and as supportive of my own children. I hope to lead a well-balanced and genuinely good life like them.
HC: Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
KJ: I don’t have a specific “go to” quote, but I live by the idea that everything happens for a reason. I believe that every hardship, tough situation, good situation, and experience in life leads you down the path you are supposed to take. I try my best to live in the moment and take advantage of every opportunity present, even when things are tough because ultimately I believe that my experiences will help shape me in the future.