(Fall 2021) – Jazzlyn (Jazz) Morton, a SMART alumna, is loving, brave, and filled to the brim with determination. A first-generation college graduate, Jazz completed her final semester of graduate school earlier this spring, and graduated from Hampton University with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration.
Jazz remembers establishing the foundation of her educational journey early on. At SMART, she looked up to the Scholars who came before her who reminded her that she was not alone on her journey. “I’m not the only first-generation low-income student,” Jazz learned. “If they can be successful, I can too.” During her summer after 5th grade, she participated in one of SMART’s partner summer programs, where she attended a college career fair. There, Jazz was immediately captivated by the exposure to social experiences that are tied to college and knew that one day, she would make it happen.
Jazz credits her experiences leading up to college for easing the transition to Hampton University. She was exposed to different groups of people and spaces from a young age. With guidance and support from SMART’s school enrollment team, she attended The San Francisco School for middle school and later graduated from Gateway High School. The diverse interactions and friendships growing up would later prepare her for the culture shock of living on the East Coast.
Throughout the years, Jazz was fueled by the idea of building a legacy for her family and for the future generations to come. Her mom, who is her biggest role model and best friend, had taken some courses in community college and although she had the chance to move away for school, her mom ultimately didn’t go due to family reasons at the time. “When you hear those stories from your parent,” Jazz shares, “it makes you want to finish what they started. My mom didn’t get the chance, and so let me make it happen.” And, that’s exactly what she did.
After high school, Jazz moved nearly 3,000 miles away from San Francisco to begin her next chapter at Hampton University, a historically Black institution of higher education (HBCU), located in Virginia. Despite her excitement to attend an HBCU, Jazz found the highly competitive environment challenging to navigate at first and even had doubts about moving so far from home. However, with the support of her new friends and encouragement from her family back home, she eventually broke out of her comfort zone.
During her freshman year, Jazz learned about the school’s five-year MBA program, an opportunity to earn two degrees in only five years. The program provided extensive professional development, career building opportunities, exposure to major companies, and had an enforced business dress code. “It felt like it was where I was meant to be,” said Jazz.
Jazz was intentional on cultivating experiences that would align with her interests and nurture her growth. She quickly learned how and where to apply her strengths best. From being the Secretary of the Entrepreneurship Club to the Events Coordinator of Feminaire, and Manager of Internal Affairs for her MBA’s Leadership program, Jazz was applauded for her impeccable organization and leadership skills. “I really like making sure everything flows correctly,” she explained. “I like to be a solution.” Jazz became the go-to systems thinker among her peers.
Jazz’s ambition and desire for new experiences shaped her growth and education journey over the years. Now, she holds two degrees in business administration. “How can I help the next person in solving their problem?” Jazz wonders. Her future plans include giving back to and uplifting her family and community. One day, she hopes to become an entrepreneur and support her communities as a financial coach.
