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‘Opportunities and experiences’

While Jaymes Jackson originally came to Penn State Wilkes-Barre to play basketball, he has also found the school to be a great environment to focus on his studies as he works toward his degree in corporate communication.
By: Goldie Van Horn
Senior reflects on basketball and immersive experiences at Penn State Wilkes-Barre

While Jaymes Jackson originally came to Penn State Wilkes-Barre to play basketball, he has also found the school to be a great environment to focus on his studies as he works toward his degree in corporate communication.

A senior at the campus and a native of Brooklyn, New York, Jackson transferred for the start of his junior year from a small private college in Arkansas. He has played basketball since he was “barely able to walk” when his father bought him his first basketball hoop.  

“Basketball is the main sport in New York City and what a lot of us gear toward early on,” Jackson said. “My dad and my grandfather on my mom’s side both played, so I had basketball on both sides. My dad gave me basketball jerseys as I was growing up and my grandparents took me to (New York) Liberty games.”

Based on a recommendation from his high school coach in Brooklyn, he visited Penn State Wilkes-Barre with his father and grandfather. Jackson was able to meet LeShawn Hammett, men’s basketball coach, and do a workout as part of his visit. He enrolled at the campus, joined the basketball team and developed a close relationship with his teammates and Hammett.

“I felt like it was rare to have a team that plays well together and can also all get along off the court. I thought that was a big part of our success,” Jackson said. “Coach Hammett is a really good coach and I know he can relate to me off the court as a person and that helps our relationship. Our team has great chemistry because he knows what he’s looking for on his team and what kind of guys fit well with each other. I think that has contributed to his success at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.”

During Jackson’s junior year, the team won the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) Division II National Championship.

Although he no longer plays basketball due to several injuries and finishing his eligibility, Jackson is still involved with the team as a student assistant. He is also involved on campus as a member of the Black Student Union and an intern in the Strategic Communications department, in addition to holding a part-time job as a framer at Hobby Lobby.

“I’ve been able to have opportunities and experiences I wouldn’t have gotten had I chosen to go home. That was a plus for me,” he said. “I feel like being in a smaller place like this, there’s more of a sense of community. Everything is more hands-on and personal. With fewer people in class, you can create better relationships with your professors.”

As he has gone through college, he has become more focused on his studies with an eye toward his future goals, which may include pursuing a master’s degree. He hopes to have a career in the communications field.

“I decided to focus on my degree and I think about the importance of schoolwork now,” Jackson said. “I got the highest GPA I’ve ever gotten my last semester. I used to focus on passing classes to get on the court, but now I’m looking at life a little bit differently. This is the beginning to the rest of my life.”

“I think the resources that the school offers for students, including the faculty and staff that are willing to help, contribute to what makes Penn State Wilkes-Barre special. They go above and beyond to make sure everyone has what they need,” he continued. “It’s a good environment to stay focused and not worry about outside distractions.”