FORMER Woodridge High School student, Michael Jackson is living proof adversity is no barrier to achieving your dreams.
Dr “Mick”, as he now likes to be known, graduated from Woodridge State High School in 2008 and went on to do his degree in mathematics at QUT.
Displaying excellent grades, he was then invited to complete his PhD – and two weeks ago he became a doctor.
Women’s charity 4Voices has been supporting Dr Jackson’s mother, and heard he needed a hand to find some work after his graduation.
“We found out from her that he had just completed his PhD but was struggling to find work,” the charity organisation’s founder Jo Westh said.
“We were excited by the opportunity to help, so offered to help him with his resume and job search.
“His PhD is a testimony to a work ethic that any employer would be grateful to have. I think he has a fantastic future contributing his significant skills to help make a difference.
“Michael has had his own struggles and has demonstrated a fierce commitment to overcome all that life throws at him.”
Dr Jackson said he was hesitant to accept 4Voices help at first.
“4Voices is a women’s charity and I’m a guy. I was hesitant at first, but I couldn’t be thankful enough in being able to meet these incredible volunteers,” he said.
“The women at 4Voices have been incredibly generous. They went out of their way to make sure that my graduation was the best it could be, including gifting me with a beautiful suit to wear for the event.”
Dr Jackson said he felt honoured to be among the 1% or so of Australians who have a PhD.
“Going from growing up in a suburb that regularly gets disparaged to having a PhD fills me with pride and it shows that where you grow up doesn’t dictate who you become,” he said.
“One of the things that kept me going through my PhD was the character of Dr Nick Riviera (from TV show, The Simpsons) and looking forward to being able to be called Dr Mick.”
Dr “Mick” is keen to get into a research role, ideally within the medical field or working with data.
If anyone has any suitable job opportunities, contact Marita on marita@4voices.org.au
