Terry Jackson
I am Terry Jackson, a first year graduate student in the UPGG. I graduated in 2003 from Virginia State University and majored in Biology. I told my mother when I was in fourth grade that one day I would be a genetic research scientist. That was a longtime ago and I find it interesting that after many trials and errors considering my future career, I finally decided to pursue a career in science, my first love, and keep my word to my mother.
After almost a semester in graduate school I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision to join the UPGG here at Duke. The UPGG has a commitment to its students that I have realized quite clearly. After a freak accident at my apartment, the faculty, staff, and students of the UPGG took care of all of my immediate needs. I spent a few days in the hospital and received visits from all of my 2005 classmates and several other UPGG students who I knew and didn’t know. The acting DGS visited each day to ensure I was getting better and even offered to drive me home when I was discharged.
I feel very secure and at home being in the UPGG; and instead of looking at everyone as colleagues and professors, I feel like we are just one big family. I look forward to meeting new students each year and showing them the same warmth, care, and acceptance that I have received.
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