Written By: Isaac Julian, Staff Editor
LEGACY: Looking back on Jackson Erickson and the positive impact he’s had on those he has met throughout his high school career.
As people navigate through life, there are often people who we look up to, and strive to become in one way or another. And for many students at Poly, that role model is Jackson Erickson, widely known as the kindest person at school.
As a brief introduction, Jackson is a dedicated student who also works as a lifeguard and swimming coach during the summer. He’s extremely friendly to anyone he meets, but the tennis team is who he is closest with. He has been with the team for his entire high school career, putting in hard work for all four years. He’s had his fair share of matches in both singles and doubles, not to mention him securing first place in his CIF division with the Poly team for all four years. As someone who didn’t play much tennis before trying out in his freshman year, he is living proof that dedication can lead to massive progress and success. Even if the weather sucks, or the team is feeling a bit drained, you will always see Jackson on the courts, ready to improve.
Aside from his performance in the sport, he is generally just a great guy. Whenever you strike up a conversation with him, Jackson will always show genuine interest in how you are doing, and what is happening in your life. He ensures that you’re doing well, always asking “how’s it going?” or “how have you been?” each time you see him. Fellow varsity player Nick Val (11) agrees that “he’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.” Nick’s opinion is consistent with the rest of the team, with nothing but positive remarks about Jackson. Coach Mateljan even described him as “one of the most respectful, dedicated, responsible people I’ve ever had on the tennis team” and that it has “been [his] pleasure to coach [Jackson] for the last four years.” That means a lot coming from the coach himself, but is absolutely well deserved.
All in all, Jackson is the person everyone should take inspiration from. In a world with so much hate, he is so eager to be the kindest person in the room. He doesn’t adhere to the nonchalant standard of behavior, and instead makes sure that everyone is cared for. As a word of advice for the future, Jackson advises that we should all “just have fun with it, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, just go out and enjoy life.”