I am Jacqlyn Jones, a second-year student at UC Berkeley. I am intending on studying film and media and interdisciplinary studies, and I serve as the Coordinator of Videography  and Media Production in the Cal DEIBJ office. I am passionate about the work I do within Cal DEIBJ at Cal Athletics and strive to help provide a lens into the many stories that students and staff on this campus have to tell. Thank you to the incredible and supportive team I work with, Dr. Ty-Ron Douglas and Jasmine Turner. I am grateful that I get to utilize my creative skills in the videos and content we create, as well as develop my storytelling ability through videography.
 
In addition to my role within Cal Athletics, I also work in the department of Letters and Science as a Peer Advisor and provide support and resources to students within the college. I am enthusiastic about assisting students and pointing them in the right directions in order to ensure their academic success within the University and beyond. With patience and care, I am determined to make sure students who ask me questions are given the correct information to answer their concerns. I always love to help a fellow student out.
 

Outside of my work, I am a photographer for my own personal projects, for Black Lives at Cal undergraduate research, and a member of DIASPORA, a black, student-run magazine on campus that highlights black art, style, and culture. As a part of the creative team, I conceptualize and execute photoshoots that focus on spotlighting black beauty and excellence with many amazing models who are students on this campus. DIASPORA just released its first print issue for fall 2022, in which I contributed a shoot inspired by early 2000s laundromat aesthetics. As I continue as a photographer for the magazine, I plan on conducting many more photoshoots that incorporate symbolism and provoke questions, as well as center blackness and beauty in all its forms.
 
My extracurriculars also expand into martial arts, of which I have practiced for 12 years and currently hold the rank of 1st degree black belt in the art of Shaolin Kenpo. Karate has taught me discipline, focus, and perseverance, in addition to confidence and strength. This achievement is one that I always aspired to complete since I started at 4 years old and my accomplishment has proved to myself that I can do all things I put my mind to no matter how physically or mentally difficult they may seem. 
 
I hope that my story inspires you to also hold the same mindset about yourself and reflect on all that you've accomplished thus far. As I continue my tenure within the Cal DEIBJ office, I am excited to develop and release more content that educates, celebrates, and accelerates people's stories and experiences within the Cal community. 
 
Happy Black History Month and Go Bears!

Jacqlyn Jones is a second-year student at UC Berkeley. Jacq—as she is affectionately known—intends on studying film and media interdisciplinary studies. Jacq serves as the Coordinator of Videography and Media Production in the Cal DEBIJ Office.