Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Jefferson.
Hi Christian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi! I am Christian Jefferson, a 21-year-old college student that hales in Dallas, Texas. I wish I had a long-drawn-out story to tell for my childhood, but I honestly don’t. I had a great childhood with a great mother and stepfather who always supported my dreams and endeavors. I then went to college, stayed until I was in my second to last semester, and dropped out. I guess with everything involving the then-new pandemic, stress, and me listening to everyone but God, I thought it was the best decision. During those gap “months,” I struggled a lot, I cried a lot, I learned a lot, but most importantly, I grew a lot. I grew in myself; I grew in knowing and loving God for real, I grew in my relationships, I just grew. So then, I went back to school at the top of 2021, and that’s where I’m at today! I once had a podcast, I had a blog, I wanted to do so many things, and maybe someday I’ll get back to those things, maybe not, but the only thing I’m focused on at the moment is acing all my courses, graduating in December 2021, and growing my love for God every single day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I’ve had A LOT of other struggles along the way that led me to lose money, friends, my job, and even my faith at some point. It was hard. HOWEVER, I love that God allows us to learn valuable lessons through our stupidity. I would get mad at God because I would question Him like, “Why would you allow me to go through that?” But soon after, I would be thankful because I learned a valuable lesson through that, and that lesson could be used to help someone through their lesson, and so forth. My stupidity turned lesson could be used to change lives, and so instead of a struggle, I’d like to call it a blessing in disguise.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Professionally, I’m just a student. I am a senior marketing student set to graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas in December 2021 *Yipee*! Voyage has so many amazing people featured all the time, and I almost did not do this interview because since I am a student, I thought I wasn’t good enough. HOWEVER, as one of my role models, Melissa Fredericks, would say, “I am the reason and the occasion!” Being a college student is not at all easy, and I am very proud to “take up space” (remember this) in that arena.
I also do work in Dallas County by participating in the Young Women’s Advisory Council partnered with NTARUPT and the Texas Women’s Foundation. Through collaboration, grantmaking, and advocacy, we amplify the voices of young women of color throughout Dallas County to identify and address core issues and create solutions toward meaningful systemic change. This organization helps me to hone in my “why.” My why is to teach and create safe spaces for all women to learn the art of “taking up space.” Women grow up being told to “be seen and not heard” and that ideology has spilled over into workspaces, marriages, various teams, organizations, literally anything you could think of. The thing is, when women actually do speak up and recognize who we are, we’re SO BOMB at everything! Taking up space simply means knowing who you are, be confident in who you and what you know, and apply that to every area in your life! Whether it be the boardroom, classroom, your own home, your job, ANYWHERE! I take pride in working and creating change for women in my city, and I hope to continue that for the rest of my life.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
GOD! God gets all the credit and my whole life is dedicated to giving Him the glory in everything I do. My mom is everything, no super long explanation necessary because, trust me, you’d be reading for days. My boyfriend, a few friends, nothing major. I have a very small village but I appreciate them all immensely for their prayers and guidance.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cueenchristian/
