Ohio Education Association supports aspiring Black educators
April 25, 2022 — Three Central State University students were awarded Ohio Education Association Aspiring Educator scholarships during half-time of the 2023 Classic for Columbus basketball game at the Schottenstein Center on April 22.
As he was introducing the scholarship recipients, OEA Vice President Jeff Wensing said, “OEA is very pleased to give this $5,000 scholarship to Christian 'Chrissy' Jackson, a sophomore at Central State majoring in special education."
"Chrissy decided to pursue this dream because she was inspired by a great special education teacher who believed in her brother, who has a learning disability, and helped him learn and grow. She knew she wanted to be that help for other children," Wensing added.
In her scholarship application, Jackson said she is passionate about offering compassionate help to others, and in fact, she earned a certification as a nursing assistant when she was in high school at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center before deciding to enroll at Central State.
Now, she spends her days in classes and her nights working 12-hour shifts at skilled nursing facilities, earning what she can to cover her schooling expenses.
"Chrissy, we want to take some of that burden off your shoulders ... so you can focus on your studies and focus on becoming the best special education teacher you can be for your future students."
"Please accept this $5,000 scholarship and our congratulations to you, ... to Dr. Lillian Drakeford, the interim dean of the College of Education at Central State, ... and to all students who are following their hearts into a career in education," Wensing said.
Central State students Chenae Roker and Laketa Wright each received a $500 book scholarship to help with their schooling expenses.
"OEA's 120,000 members applaud you, support you, and welcome you to the most rewarding profession there is — education," Wensing added.
Jackson said she became involved in the OEA Aspiring Educator Division by networking with her professors and attending College of Education majors meetings.
"My favorite thing about CSU is how connected we are. We have many networking opportunities and alumni that connect with the student body to provide internships and even jobs when we graduate,” she said. “I am proud to be a rising junior graduating from the CSU College of Education in May of 2025. I want to be able to give the generations under me the same opportunities I was given."
