Sarah Jackson, or S.J., as she is known to her friends, is a senior communication studies major who was supposed to graduate this semester; but she wants to give back what CSUN gave to her.

So she plans to enroll in extra units next semester to be the new Associated Students vice president.

“I really found myself over here,” Jackson said. “I got involved with so many programs. They helped me find myself. I am very grateful to live here because CSUN is one of the most diverse campuses in the nation, and we as students can really benefit from that.”

Jackson was elected A.S. vice president, along with Adam Salgado who was elected A.S. president, under the “111 (One Vision, One Goal, One United Campus) You Decide” platform in an online run-off election April 25-26.

Her stay at CSUN is very different from the experiences she has had in elementary and high school, where she was not popular.

“I was the girl everyone made fun of,” Jackson said.

Things have changed for her after leaving high school. She now has several friends and is involved in various programs at CSUN.

She works hand-in-hand with Alexandria Barabin, who is the Club and Organizations Programming assistant.

Barabin said Jackson also works on several activities outside CSUN.

“Jackson is going to do a fantastic job at the A.S.,” Barabin said. “She already has a lot experience with so many organizations on campus.”

Jackson said Adam Salgado asked her to be his running mate. They met at the A.S. Judicial Court, where Salgado is attorney general.

“I was impressed by Jackson’s dedication and hard work for this school,” Salgado said.

Jackson also has great admiration for Salgado.

“I would never put my name behind someone who was not capable,” Jackson said.

“Adam has a lot experience in school government.”

Jackson, who was born in Brentwood, Tennessee, came to Los Angeles at the age of 7. Her father, Ronald Jackson, is a pastor and her mother, Patricia Jackson, is a teacher. She has two twin brothers.

Jackson said CSUN’s reputation drew her to the campus.

“I was going to study liberal arts because I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “CSUN is the best (university) in the state for that.”

After she became involved in campus activities, Jackson found a new passion.

“When I got here, I got very interested in the orientation programming and then I decided to go to Student Affairs,” she said

As the new A.S. vice president, Jackson said she wants to pursue a career in student affairs.

“I would love to work on a college campus doing that,” she said.

Barabin, who started working with Jackson in August 2005, said she has been impressed by Jackson’s dedication to students.

“It is a pleasure being around her; we have worked on different projects,” Barabin said. “She is extremely efficient.”

Jackson works in the Matador Involvement Center, in which she helps students with establishing new clubs and organizations.

“She is very good at calling the students and making sure they are following in the process to establish the new organizations,” Barabin said. “Even when she is not feeling well she always have a smile. Sarah is very willing to help students.”

Barabin said Jackson’s popularity will be a great plus for CSUN.

“She is very familiar with students because she already has a lot of connection with them,” Barabin said. “People are going to recognize her from the M.I.C. and because of that she will be more approachable by the students who need help.”