# @jacksonstateu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DVPBbr4EiTI
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/57654175-jacksonstateu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/acf0120298.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-02-26T20:35:12.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Jackson State U. (@JacksonStateU) — https://gondola.cc/JacksonStateU

## Caption

#PeopleofJSU: “...coming back to Jackson State was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Coming from a JSU legacy family—with my dad, grandfather, and aunt all being Tigers—this campus was always my 'backyard.' Choosing Jackson State was a no-brainer. 

In 2019, I was a saxophone player marching in the Sonic Boom of the South, until everything shifted in 2020. COVID-19 changed my perspective, and I took a year-and-a-half break. Leaving was the best decision I made, because when I came back in the spring of 2023, I was fueled by the realization that I had to finish what I started to walk in my full purpose.

Returning as a Music Technology major, I saw the department through a new lens. I’ve always been good at math and science, but music is the only place where my heart truly resides. It is my missing puzzle piece, and it saved my life. 

Whether I’m navigating the 'musical math' of theory or serving as the chorale president and social media manager, I’ve poured my sweat and tears into my craft. Under the mentorship of Dr. Cecil, I’ve grown from a student into a leader, learning that music is more than a hobby—it’s what I was chosen to do.

The most validating moments go beyond notifications blowing up our choir's social media. It's the moments in church, on stage and when I look out and see my parents in tears. They once saw music as a phase, but now they see that it’s my destiny. From the structure of the Boom to the family I found in the choral department, Vocal Jazz and OutSpoken, JSU has molded me into the leader I am today. 

As I look toward graduation this spring, it’s bittersweet to leave, but I know I’ve helped build a safe space for those coming after me.”

- Jalen, senior music technology major from Jackson, MS

#JacksonState #JacksonStateUniversity #HBCU #THEEiLove

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 260
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 14

## Tags

jacksonstateuniversity, theeilove, hbcu, peopleofjsu, jacksonstate

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