The Capital Athletic Conference INTRODUCING ... feature highlights Gallaudet University senior men's basketball guard Johnny Jackson, a four-year letterwinner who spent the summer of 2009 working for Easter Seals in his home state of Alabama.

What is your background in the sport you play?   I started playing basketball when I was seven-years-old because my mom placed a basketball in my hands. It helped me stay out of trouble. That had a huge impact on my life and I have had a great life since. Basketball runs in my family. I have played basketball for four years at Gallaudet. I have enjoyed playing at GU because my teammates and I can communicate easier and we all have a tight bond since we are deaf. Deaf people play sports just like normal hearing people do. Being Deaf didn't stop me from playing basketball.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is my dorm because it is my second home! Most of my teammates and friends came over my room a lot. I feel like they are my family. 

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in?  The organization I participate in is my fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. It was my decision to be a member of Delta Sigma Phi because I felt closer to my brothers and there is a diversity of race which I was interested in getting to know them more about their background. My father was a brother of Phi Beta Sigma.

 What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  I think it is the current financial crisis our country faces along with jobs. As a senior, it may be tough to find a good paying and stable job.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  Math and Computer Science. It is most important for me to learn both because I want to be able to teacher children in the future. I want them to understand that math is not that hard to learn. It is fun to learn math. I especially enjoy math puzzles. That's why I love math!

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  Cathy Day was my interpreter for 11 years at my mainstream school. She helped me a lot through everything in school and in my life. She never gave up on me since I was a kid in elementary school. I am thankful that I had her as my interpreter. She was a great person to me. I consider her family.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   The same advice that I would give to all children in school; ‘pay attention and get the best education you can.'

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  Any music with heavy beats. I love to dance to vibrations.  

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  Tracy McGrady is my favorite player because he is my role model. Plus, a lot of people tell me that I look like him.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with.  My father, President Barack Obama and NBA basketball great Michael Jordan. My father because I didn't have a chance to get to know him well because he died when I was 5-years-old. President Obama because I would like to discuss his life and political background as he became the United States' first black President. Michael Jordan because I have always wanted to meet him and would like to discuss basketball with him.