Q&A with Two 2022 Event Guest Speakers: Kaitwan Jackson and Cindy Gonzalez
Ahead of our 7th annual Celebration of Life Beach Day on July 25th, we wanted to introduce two of this year’s guest speakers, Kaitwan Jackson and Cindy Gonzalez. Scroll down to learn more about their background and how their lives have been positively shaped by Nick's joy and inspiration.
Kaitwan Jackson, Recipient of the Nick Fagnano Memorial Scholarship (USC ’20)
What did you study at USC?
I was a student in the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, and my degree is a B.S. in Public Policy with an emphasis in Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Social Innovation.
Please provide a brief description of your professional background and experience since graduating from USC.
In terms of my professional experience, it is very varied, but I was raised in a household that told me to pursue anything I want so I assume that is where it stems from. I graduated from USC with a degree in Public Policy with an emphasis in Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Social Innovation, and I have also trained extensively for a career as a professional dancer. Both my passions for arts nonprofit administration and dancing have led me to be a performer with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, and to simultaneously work with LA Commons as a Program Manager on their Cultural Treasures of South LA, Promise Zone Arts asset-mapping initiative, while also pursuing a career as a model. So yes, life is busy, but I love all of it so it never feels like "work.”
How did the Nick Fagnano Memorial Scholarship impact your education?
I don't come from a family of immense means, yes we have enough to get by and do what we want, but an expense like college was nothing my family could downright afford. They say your first year at an institution is usually your most expensive, so after already going through that at a previous university and seeing the measures it took my grandparents to pay the bill, I was worried about not having the resources to do it again at USC. But the strong-minded and faithful person that I am, I knew I was destined to be at USC and because it was my destiny God would provide. I had a few non-institutional scholarships that could transfer to USC with me, but I had none from USC, but when I realized Price awards scholarships during the semester, not before, I felt more assured that I would be ok. When I saw the Nick Fagnano Memorial Scholarship among the potential scholarships I could apply for, the description of Nick, Mary, Jay, and the scholarship rocked my soul. Not only was the scholarship unique in serving transfer students, but it was filled with so much love and purpose that I felt like more than just honoring their son's life through helping other students, Mary and Jay were rooting for the recipient's success. When I found out I received the scholarship, it brought tears to my eyes, because without it I would not have been able to stay at USC, and it was so special that the scholarship that got me through my first year at USC was one rooted in such love.
What was your initial impression of Thrive in Joy?
My honest initial impression was, "wow, this is love on another level.” You often hear that losing a child is one of the hardest things that a person will ever go through, and through this unfortunate situation Mary and Jay saw the ways that Nick's life could be used to impact the trajectories for so many others. In a time when most are simply overwhelmed with grief, they not only grieved, but they considered the ways in which Nick would live on and continue brightening up the world. I thought "love on another level,” because we all have an immense capacity for love, but it is a very selfless and spiritual type of love that allows one to take a tragic situation and use it as a way to spread love and encouragement to so many others in need of it.
Cindy Gonzalez, C11 Coordinator at Esperanza High School & Volunteer for Thrive in Joy
Please provide a brief description of your professional background and experience.
I graduated from USC with a major in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and have worked in Public Health and as a medical assistant since graduating. I am currently in the process of applying to medical school and hoping to attend medical school in August of 2023.
What was your initial impression of Thrive in Joy and why did you choose to get involved?
I initially was absolutely amazed by Mary and Jay's resilience. They created such a beautiful organization and mission from a horrible tragedy of losing their son. Hearing about their experience completely transformed my entire outlook, and instilled humility and reverence in me to dedicate my life towards helping others. I chose to get involved with TJNFF because I truly believe in their mission and commitment to serve others. Nick's sudden death revealed the glaring reality of how short life can be, but also how we can grow from tragedy.
Describe your favorite experience with Thrive in Joy so far.
I've been blessed to have so many amazing experiences with Thrive in Joy. If I had to pick a favorite I would say my most recent mission trip to the Dominican Republic and working as the C11 coordinator for Esperanza High. Going to the DR makes me so happy because TJNFF allows me to make a small difference in the lives of those we help. I loved having a fiesta with the Remar Orphanage and getting to connect with a young boy during his first day at Remar. Additionally, working as the C11 coordinator allowed me to help young adults give back to their community. The students I worked with chose to focus and raise awareness on mental health. Being able to support these students to make a difference and improve the mental health of those around them was so rewarding!