Turner Jackson ’23 (left) with friends at Northwestern. Photo provided.
Recently, I was able to catch up with Northwood Alum Turner Jackson ‘23. Turner is a first-year student at Northwestern University near Chicago. Northwestern is one of the most prestigious universities in America as it isn’t only an academic powerhouse, it is also a sporting powerhouse. Northwestern competes at the Division 1 level in the Big Ten Conference, which is one of the most competitive sports conferences in the country. Northwestern placed fourth in the Big 10 for soccer this season. Turner was a role model for me at Northwood. He constantly gave me advice and helped me improve as an individual. Catching up with Turner and talking about the Division 1 level was beneficial for an aspiring Division 1 player like me.
Turner is from America but lived in Hong Kong before attending Northwood. He joined as a sophomore to enhance his soccer and academic abilities. He always aspired to play Division 1 soccer and is extremely grateful for what he has achieved. Turner and I discussed how he is finding college and how Northwood prepared him.
“My college experience so far has been great. I have had an enjoyable time and made a lot of friends,” Jackson said. “Being in Chicago has allowed me to do some cool things. Northwood did an excellent job preparing me for this adjustment. Having the experience of living independently at Northwood has helped me adjust easily,” he added.
Turner and I also discussed what he missed most about Northwood. “I miss all the little things like cereal check-in and late-night conversations with my friends,” he said. “Northwood gave me so many memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. The people make the place in my opinion, and I certainly miss the people at Northwood. I do not miss the terribly freezing weather though,” Jackson laughed.
I was eager to talk to Turner about college soccer and how it is different from the standard at Northwood. Turner has played for the u17s and u19s at Northwood, so his gauge of the standard is accurate. He said, “The Division 1 standard is unreal; everyone is a great player who rarely makes a mistake. I can see the better and more physically developed players succeeding in the college game. I think the program at Northwood can develop anyone to be successful in college if they are willing to put in the work.”
Turner concluded our conversation with a traditional Turner piece of advice: “The one piece of advice I would give to Northwood students is to keep going and keep grinding; in the moment it might seem difficult but, in the end, it is all worth it. There is a bigger world out there and not working hard with not prepare you for what is to come.”
It was great catching up with Turner; he helped me and many others during his time at Northwood. His great character and work ethic made him a key leader in the school and has helped him achieve his goals. I am confident Turner will be successful in whatever field he chooses, and it was overall a wonderful experience to catch up with him again.
