Meet Meagan Jackson | Doctor of Health Science Student/Mama

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meagan Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meagan, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Navigating work-life balance as a single parent has been a constant evolution and self-discovery journey. My parenting has shaped my work/life balance for the last 15 years. Managing multiple jobs in the past while raising two children initially pushed me to my limits, a testament to resilience but also a period where I often found myself run down. The decision to return to higher education after nine years was a pivotal shift, intertwining the challenges of academia with the pressing demands of parenthood. I started my doctoral journey in 2022, and that was a whole new aspect of life. I had to rearrange the workload mentally. Throughout this time, my engagement in an internship, volunteer work, and Public Health AmeriCorps service, although enriching, also tested my ability to maintain equilibrium. An acute awareness of my stress boundaries is central to my concept of balance. Understanding these limits has been crucial in preventing burnout, leading me to a pivotal realization: the importance of saying no to extraneous commitments and yes to what truly matters—my children first. Their needs and support are my priority, reflecting a commitment that they remain unaffected by the weight of my obligations. As a stringent timekeeper, I’ve learned that effective time management is indispensable for fulfilling responsibilities and ensuring meaningful moments with my children. Work-life balance is perpetually on my mind, navigating the fine line between making and breaking it. This journey has taught me the significance of self-care and setting priorities, shaping a work-life balance that is constantly evolving but consistently centers on what’s most important.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a dedicated healthcare professional, my journey is backed by Health Education, Healthcare Informatics, and Project Management certifications. This shows my deep commitment to making a difference in public health. People are my passion! I wouldn’t be satisfied with life if I couldn’t use my talents to serve others. This journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, moved on to a master’s in Public Health, and now aims for the highest point with my work towards a Doctor of Health Science in Health Informatics Management.

I’m especially proud of working towards my highest degree, an achievement only a few people reach. Being a single parent and facing the extra challenges that come with my gender and race makes this even more meaningful. I’ve climbed step by step, focusing on my education and pushing forward despite the challenges. The world is competitive, but I’ve found the best way to keep moving up is to stay focused on my journey. Paying too much attention to the journeys of others can bring doubts, something I try to avoid.

I’ve learned that making it on your own is tough. Building a network of friends and allies on the same path as you is key. They can lift you, share their wisdom, and open doors that might have been hard to unlock. If there’s something I want everyone to know from my story, reaching your dreams is possible. You just need a clear plan and the right people around you to make it happen. Stay true to yourself, and don’t try to fit into the status quo. Know your “why”. It is so easy to get lost in what you think success should look like and not what makes you happy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since spring is upon us, Toledo has much to offer! One place to check out is the 5/3 Field, where you can catch some baseball. I am also a fan of the Toledo Museum of Art. It’s a relaxing place to get some culture! The Toledo Botanical Garden is an excellent place for photo ops in front of brilliant blooms. Our zoo attracts people from all over; as a native and current resident, I know it never gets old. I am a budding foodie, so restaurants like The Heights, Real Seafood Company, and Georgio’s Cafe International are in rotation. The Arts Commission will host annual warm weather events this summer, like Art Loop, The Mix, and Momentum. These events are a compilation of food, art, music, and more! The Old West End Festival is always a grand time as well. Being in the Midwest, it’s a win if it gets people outside!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to Crystal Richards, MHA, PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM, the esteemed Principal & Owner of MindsparQ™. Crystal, who resides in Maryland, entered my life through a Facebook group where she shared an opportunity for a project management internship in 2022. Fueled by hope and a leap of faith, I applied and was thrilled to secure her inaugural intern position. Under Crystal’s guidance, over a year of mentorship was transformative; she honed my project management skills, crafting an internship experience of exceptional rigor. Crystal’s unwavering support during my PMP test preparation was instrumental. I passed on my first attempt, a milestone I had long aspired to achieve. Her faith in me and her genuine support, education, and mentorship laid the cornerstone of my confidence in project management. Crystal’s impact on my professional journey is immeasurable, and I am eternally grateful.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-jackson-mph-publichealth/

Image Credits
Meagan Jackson