Getting to know: Jackson Stroud!
You've seen him... You've heard him... but now... get to know him!
Our November student profile is our final 2nd year student, Jackson Stroud! Jackson is an incredibly popular figure around campus and I hope in this interview you will see why. Jackson radiates joy and he leaves everyone happier than when he arrived. Jackson has experienced incredible growth as a part of the NEXT Program and we are so proud of him. He loves, and is loved by, this campus. Jackson dutifully answered all my questions. When I told him he could respond “I don’t know” he quickly said, “I’m not going to do that.” and moved on. I hope you have as much fun reading this as I had conducting the interview! That’s enough out of me. It’s time to get to know: Jackson Stroud!
Where are you from?
I am from Ponca, Nebraska.
Do you have any siblings?
I have two older ones and three younger. And I have three triplet cousins.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food of all times is super nachos. They are hamburger meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sometimes sour cream.
What food do you think is gross?
I think stir fry is gross, because last time I spilled it all over my coat and the broccoli isn’t cooked all the way.
Hot drinks or cold drinks?
It’s a tie but my favorite drink is a pumpkin caramelicious from Scooters with pumpkin cold foam.
What is the farthest you’ve ever travelled?
The farthest I’ve ever traveled is to Iowa Falls.
What is your favorite place you’ve ever been?
My favorite place is I would say, West Des Moines. I like it because my uncle Mike lives down there and we got to do fun activities like glow in the dark glow golf. And I’ve been to Zombie Burger there.
What is one place you’ve always wanted to go?
I’ve always wanted to go to Romania, because my aunt and cousins went there on a mission trip.
What is your favorite thing about Northwestern?
My favorite thing is that everybody is so nice, and they really care about you. They have a kind and giving heart, and I love the social aspect of it.
Favorite movie?
It would be Halloween. I love Jamie Lee Curtis because she makes me laugh. Also Melissa McCarthy.
If you could see any musical artist in concert who would it be?
I want to see Luke Combs because I have been listening to his music for a long time. Especially Fast Car.
What do you want to do after you leave Northwestern?
After I leave my plan is to get a job at Fareway in Rockwell City, Iowa and live outside of town with my aunt.
What is something not many people know about you, that you’d like them to know?
I am from Moscow, Russia. I lived in an orphanage in Russia till I was 2. The cool part is I was born halfway across the world.
Do you have any strange talents?
I love to dance.
Why did you come to Northwestern?
I came to Northwestern because of the wonderful NEXT Program. I came in August 2022 and I got an acceptance letter from John Menning.
If you could meet and hang out with any person from history who would it be?
If I had to meet anyone it would be George Washington because he cut down a cherry tree. In 8th grade I dressed up as George Washington. I had a white wig and everything.
Favorite TV show?
The Middle on Prime TV.
Favorite book?
I actually have a few, In God’s Holy Light and The Rule of St. Benedict, and On the Road with St. Augustine.
If you could speak a foreign language which would you choose?
Russian. I only know the Russian word for mom.
What’s your favorite thing to do at Northwestern?
My favorite thing to do is connect with God, Jesus, and Campus Ministry.
Do you have any hobbies?
My hobbies are hiking, running, mostly hiking because I like to put my phone on silent and hike till my legs get sore. Especially in Iowa Falls.
What are you most excited about this year at Northwestern?
I am excited to graduate. It is going to be a big milestone in my life. I don’t want to leave because Northwestern is my home away from home, I might cry when I have to leave. You might have to go drag me out of my dorm. I want to stay till I’m 55 years old!
Strawberry, Grape, or some other kind jelly?
Orange Marmalade, because Paddington Bear loves Marmalade.
Breakfast, lunch, or supper?
I like breakfast, lunch, AND supper!
Who inspires you?
John Menning, Sherry Lang, and Harrison. John inspires me because he’s so funny and he walks so fast like Speedy Gonzalez.
What is your favorite part of Campus Ministry?
I get to be the Hospers Hall discipleship coordinator and go to all the D-groups. I got on the Campus Ministry team because (campus pastor) Mark DeYounge told me to apply.
Do you have a favorite superhero?
Superman.
What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years eve. I love them all. I also love March Madness.
Anything else?
As a part of Be Vulnerable night I shared my testimony and story. I had powerpoint, a video, and my photobooks. I spoke in front of the entire Hospers Hall.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know Jackson! He is really a delight to have in the NEXT Program and we are going to be as sad to see him go as he will be to leave. I know the Campus Ministry team loves to have him around as well. I hope to write a bonus piece about John and Sherry’s trip to the State of the Art conference in October so be on the look out for that, hopefully before Thanksgiving.
-Harrison