Name: McKenzie Jackson
Company: University of Texas at Austin
Role: Event and Program Coordinator

 

1. 1. 1. What brought you to Austin and how long have you been here?
         I’ve lived in Austin since October 2016. I came to Austin on October 1 of that year, after having lived in Colorado for a year prior, with a couple of job interviews lined up – nothing set in stone. I knew a couple of people here at the time that generously let me crash on their couches while I interviewed various places, and by October 18th I was offered a full-time position at the University of Texas School of Law. I was moved in to my own apartment by the end of that month!
      2. How did you get connected to AYC?
         While living in Colorado, I was strongly considering moving to Austin as I always loved Austin and was missing my home state of Texas. I researched organizations that I could potentially connect with once I made it to Austin. I followed AYC on social media and kept up with the website, and saw the amazing events they put together. That is what sealed the deal for me. I had a history of coordinating community-wide events in other places I’d lived, so I wanted to contribute to the Austin community as well. After I had lived here about 6 months, I was finally ready to get connected and reached out to AYC to volunteer for Casino Social, and the rest is history!
      3. What are you involved with in AYC AND what is your favorite part of AYC?
         I’m involved in the Casino Social Committee and hope to get more involved with the Imagine Committee this year. I love meeting new people through AYC as everyone is so willing to help out and share their ideas. I’ve met so many motivated entrepreneurs through AYC which is really inspiring. I also always love the holiday party!
      4. Where can we find you brunching in Austin on any given Saturday?
         I love brunching at Hillside Farmacy, Blue Dahlia, or 24 Diner. Anywhere that has an outdoor patio is my kind of place!
      5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what would you use it for?
         Probably teleportation – for those days when you just don’t want to drive anywhere.
      6. If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be?
         Hmm. Probably Jennifer Garner. I mean, have you seen her cooking tutorials on Instagram? So good. I think she would be courteous too.
      7. If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them to show them a good time?
         My favorite place to take guests is the Barton Springs area. I love taking guests to eat at Juliet or Shady Grove followed by a walk around Town Lake or a dip in Barton Springs Pool.
      8. If you played hooky for a day, where would we find you and what would you be doing?
         If I played hooky for a day I’d probably be buying plants at Tillery Street Plant Co./East Austin Succulents followed by trying out a new brewery or restaurant. I also might be hiking the Greenbelt or a local state park.
      9. When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them?
         I tell people that I’m an event planner and plan to one day have a bed and breakfast/event venue of my own.
      10. What technology could you not live without?
          I could not live without social media, specifically Instagram, and I could not live without Google Maps. Social media helps me stay up-to-date with friends, family, and even current events, and maps helps me travel and commute SO much more efficiently. I think we should feel very privileged to live in this era and to know that we can show up to an unknown place and feel comfortable navigating around that place like we would a place we’re familiar with.
      11. Who inspires you?
          My mom! She’s always been a great role model – she treats people with kindness, is honest and fair, and she always encourages my brother and me to follow our dreams. I wouldn’t be living here in Austin without her constant emotional support and advice.
      12. What is your proudest accomplishment?
          My proudest accomplishment(s) are the times that I take a leap of faith, try a new thing, or face my fears. Those are always the moments that build the most character and that teach me the most about myself and what I’m capable of taking on.
      13. If you couldn’t live in Austin, where would you want to live?
          If I couldn’t live in Austin, I think I’d want to live somewhere that still has a laid back feel with plenty to do outside while also having the conveniences of a city. Maybe San Francisco, Nashville, or Charleston.
      14. I want to learn how to…?
          I want to learn how to throw pottery or blow glass. Both of these crafts are so exciting and intricate to me, and I love hand-crafted items!
      15. Pick:
          Soup or Salad? Salad
          Indoors or Outdoors? Outdoors
          Winter or Summer? Summer
          Tea or Coffee? Coffee
          Mountains or Beach? Mountains
          
      16. Favorite Drink?
          Peach Iced Tea