Meet Nadiya Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadiya Jackson.

Nadiya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I don’t think ever went a day without participating in artmaking. My life has been immersed in the arts since a child. I began acting for film and television when I was seven years old. I sang in the Colorado Children’s Chorale for five years and spent my high school at an arts magnet school (Denver School of the Arts, theater). Even during my free time, I find myself experimenting with watercolor, collaging, writing, and dancing. It’s been apart of my personhood and it only expands with me exploring different mediums and concepts.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There is so much pressure on young people to pursue higher education and I feel it all the time. I feel it when I’m going into work and knowing I can be doing more, I feel it knowing my sister is graduating from high school and perhaps I feel as though I should be setting an example for her. I definitely feel the pressure rise when people like to ask me if I’m in school as the segway for small talk. I attended college for one year and left because of the terror of accumulating more student debt than I could comprehend and what I sought for in an institution I did not receive at the college I declared. It left a residue of discontentment on my spirit. It made start to wonder if a degree was necessary as a working artist? My love for learning and even teaching but my disdain for bureaucracy positioned me in on a rock and a hard place.

In college, I found joy in taking courses in various techniques from welding, woodwork, to producing a western short film. I didn’t want to be limited to things that I could learn because of strict prerequisite courses obligated to complete in order to receive a degree. How much power and control do I have when it comes to how I want to navigate my education? How do I want to consume information that could elevate my career? It’s almost two years since I’ve been in an educational institution enrolled as a student. These past two years I have had to practice compassion on myself.

Although, I may not have all the answers to these mind-boggling questions and I’m aware of how big a chess move attending college has turned into. I needed to thoroughly take time for myself and come to a complete understanding that a degree does not add nor does it negate my worth but it was more so a tool that can be used to my advantage. I even have a choice into whether or not that is a route that is meant for me to take. I can decide to return anytime I decide to. College and universities are not going anywhere anytime soon unless there is revolution in dismantling oppressive structures, then I’m suited and booted to fight.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an educator, filmmaker, performer, and artist. One month I can be running lights for a stage play, the next week I could be assisting directing a musical, teaching kindergartners how to make the color violet, and spending my evenings going back and forth editing found footage for my documentary about coming of age in contemporary times and writing. I’ve done many performances in the Denver metro area and this season of my life, I am finding myself being gravitated to working behind the scenes for film and theater. Life is more captivating when I continue to step outside of my comfort zone and trying my best to never put myself in a stagnant routine. I find pride in knowing I am multi-talented and work ethic and dedication allow me to seek open doors to new and exciting opportunities and experiences.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very persistent in venturing into new hobbies and ideas. Somehow my inner child continues to shine through my tenacity to be socially conscious and being willing to try something new even if I’m the only one doing it. I distinctly remember in middle school how I became involved in speaking on social and environmental issues. In the seventh grade, I passionately delivered a speech on the importance of water conservation and every February in middle school I ran an array of activities in honor of Black History Month. That sort of engagement and drive carried on later on throughout my life. I have written and directed plays in high school that spoke about the Black experiences and issues that had affected the POC population at my school. I was very curious and outspoken and that made me stand out amongst my peers. I was very outspoken, never left the classroom without speaking my mind. My mother always pointed out my serious demeanor but I was still playful, having a sense of humor, and eager to engage anything that allowed me to exert energy and be expressive.

Contact Info:

• Email: nadiya.x.jackson@gmail.com
• Instagram: anadireelview
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvX4vVjn9BI

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