Future doctor, 15, nominated for national award of excellence

For the typical 15-year-old, the school day usually ends when classes dismiss at 3 p.m. But not for pharmacy student Christina Jackson, a 15-year-old junior at Mast Academy Homestead.

After school lets out, Christina does volunteer work or attends Miami Dade College, where she takes multiple college courses.

Christina, who was pivotal in getting students at her school involved with dual enrollment classes, loves her volunteer work at Homestead Hospital, where she has had different roles. She also volunteers at an outpatient center in Florida City, as well as at her physician’s office.

“I really enjoy doing it on my free time,” Christina said.

Christina has her sights set on the University of Miami and would like to be a pediatric neurologist.

She believes she’ll value her one-on-one time with patients and chose pediatrics because she enjoys working with children.

“It’s something I am very passionate about,” said Christina, who recently was nominated for the National Academy of Future Medical Leaders Academic Award of Excellence from the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists.

Her mother, Francis, is delighted.

“I am very proud of what she has accomplished but she’s not done yet,” she said.

Francis Jackson said she worried about Christina after the girl’s father died of brain cancer a few years ago. She feared Christina would fall behind in her development.

“Instead, she decided to pump it up. She’s just doing amazing,” Francis said.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 7:30 PM with the headline "Future doctor, 15, nominated for national award of excellence."