
Diquan Jackson, Community College of Philadelphia
If you've been around Scanlon Ice Rink, you have probably been lucky enough to encounter DiQuan Jackson. The current Community College of Philadelphia student is known for his jokes and his ability to put a smile on every face he encounters.
"I tell my bosses all the time - I don’t come to the rink for a pay check. I really come to put smiles on people’s faces, including the young ones, including my coworkers. I just love a happy atmosphere at the rink. That’s how it was when I was growing up."
Jackson started Snider Hockey when he was 11 years old and currently serves as a coach for the 18U team at the organization.
His positive outlook on life has allowed him to achieve many things including coming in third place of his 18U team, moving out of his parents house in his first apartment, and attending Community College of Philadelphia--where he says many doors have opened for him.
"It made me want to learn and get my education."
Jackson says the opportunity for brush-up classes, a program where students who have failed placement tests can take a class before they take the placement test again, has really helped him grow in college.
"The brush-up class taught me so much about writing essays and stuff like that and once I took the test, I passed it. Proudest thing I ever did."
Jackson plans to pursue a career in communications after graduating from college.