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State Rep. Jackson tells SU grads to make wise use of time

 

Southern University graduates were told Friday that their "investment in time" and "how wisely they use it" would be important to their future success.

 

"Time is the most valuable gift...you can never recapture it," said State Rep. Katrina Jackson. "How you used it at Southern University can determine how you will use it in the future."

 

Jackson, chair of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, spoke to 247 graduates at Southern's commencement ceremony held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Jackson represents District 16 that covers parts of Quachita and Morehouse parishes.

 

She stressed her theme of time management, telling graduates that focusing their time on important matters "is a gateway" to "success and fulfillment."

 

The Monroe native received her Bachelor's degree in Pre-Law and Legal Studies from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and her law degree in 2004 from the Southern University Law Center.

 

She also encouraged the students to use their spare time for their family and friends.

 

Jasmine Batiste, a family and consumer sciences major with a 3.6 grade point average, was recognized as the chief student marshal for the ceremony and lead the summer 2013 graduating class into the Activity Center.

 

Batiste said she wanted Southern University to show her how to professionally care for young people. She never saw graduating at the top of her class in the mix.

 

"I'm astonished," said Batiste, who was honor student at Brusly High School not far from the Baton Rouge campus. "To be at the top of my class at Southern University, that is something that really stands out."

 

With her concentration in Early Childhood Development, Batiste said she has long desired to work with children. She plans to move on to graduate school at Southern in the field of accounting.

 

"When I finish my degree in accounting, I want to own my own childhood development center and run it myself," she said.