How Foundation Scholarships Saved the Day for This CNM Student
Jackson Krebbs says the financial aid he’s received at CNM has made an enormous difference in his life
Just in the nick of time. That’s how Jackson Krebbs describes the two scholarships he’s received at CNM.
“My budget as a student always comes down to a few dollars, so even an award of $500 makes an enormous difference,” he said. “I want to stress to the donors that you don’t have to give much to change someone's life.”
Right now, Jackson’s life is changing a lot. He’s close to graduating with a degree in Theatre and his plan is to teach Theatre and English at the high school level. He’s already an educational assistant at Amy Biehl High School and wants to stay in education.
“I really want to provide a safe space and show up for the students every day,” he says.
Safety and reliability are important for Jackson because he lacked both growing up. He was burned by scalding water as an 18-month-old, which left him with PTSD and several behavioral challenges.
Later he witnessed domestic abuse and sometimes faced food and housing insecurity.
He also got bullied in school because he identified as queer. That’s when Jackson said he first learned to use acting as a shield.
“I learned to perform to save my life, but nowadays I’m in a place where I can simply love performing,” he says. “It’s been a journey, but I’ve also loved being able to claim that pain and turn it into something beautiful.”
As a Theatre teacher, Jackson says he knows that performing won’t have the same effect on every kid as it did on him. Nonetheless, he can still show them how performance is an important medium for expression and connection.
“I want all the kids to walk out of my Theatre classes feeling regulated and seen,” he says.
Jackson’s theatre training will serve him well later this month when he gives one of four student speeches during the CNM Foundation’s annual Donor Dinner. He’s excited to thank the people whose generosity has helped make his education possible and share how their investments are shaping his future.
“I want to make sure the donors and the Foundation understand that they are helping me glimpse a life I never thought I would have,” he says.
If there’s a motto that sums up everything he’s been through and where he hopes to go, Jackson says that it’s “patience, acceptance and gratitude.” Those words can be cliché, he admits, but all three have a deep meaning for his life and budding education career.
“I believe all those words because I went through them. I’ve had to have patience, acceptance, and ultimately gratitude,” he says. “I’m truly thankful for the changes I’ve been able to make.”