Harley Jackson '04 More Than A Software Developer Following Graduation

With hardnosed determination, Harley Jackson '04 is challenging the definition of ability. In doing so, he is not only celebrating his own achievements, but celebrating his ability to defy the conventional public mindset, simply through his open personality and his ability to break dance.

Jackson, who earned his degree in computer science and Economics from Knox, grew up in Galesburg. When he was ten years old, he was in an auto accident where he sustained severe burns to his right leg. Doctors amputated the leg after six months of trying to save it. "The burns on my leg were pretty severe. By amputating it, they told me I would have more mobility," Jackson says.

Despite his physical limitation, Jackson pushed himself both physically and mentally. He got his first computer shortly after his accident. "I loved them [computers], and I was a computer science major from the moment I came to Knox,? he says. Jackson added Economics at his father?s insistence. ?He wanted me to have some kind of business background," Jackson adds.

While at Knox, Jackson was in the International Club and lived in the International House. "I think I got a broader view of the world and it helped me a lot to see things from many different perspectives."

He studied abroad spending six months in Tokyo, Japan in 2003, at Waseda University. That is where Jackson honed his break dancing. "That really changed me."

Never one to be boxed in physically or mentally, he excelled in his new hobby. "I thought it was just something for fun. I didn't take it seriously." While at Knox, he was a member of the breakers [dance] club. "But it was really small."

After graduating from Knox, Jackson moved to Washington D.C. and pursued his computer science career at Booz Allen Hamilton, a global strategy and technology consulting firm with 19,000 employees. As a consultant, Jackson develops software and interacts with clients.

"When I started my first job, there were a lot of things that I never saw in the classroom, but I think I was able to pick things up faster than most people. Knox opened up a lot of opportunities for me."

In his spare time, he has started a few small organizations based on dance. He practices two to four hours, five times a week and incorporates swimming into his routine to build endurance. After a few years of training with other dance enthusiasts, Jackson was asked to be part of The Counter Attack Breakers crew. The crew performs at various venues in Washington D.C. including half time for the National Basketball Association's Washington Wizards.

The Counter Attack Breakers have performed at charity events including a show for 'Kicking For Kids Who Can't' at the National Mall in D.C. The organization raises funds for children who can not afford prosthetics. Jackson also reaches out to the community to help others overcome their obstacles and has performed at the 2007 Extremity Games awards ceremony. The event, similar to the X games, is held for amputees.

Jackson is also on the board of Urban Artistry. The organization spreads urban culture and values. "One of our main goals is to teach urban dance styles and to attempt to get urban dances respected on the same level as classical arts like ballet, jazz and tap."

Jackson admits that although he outgrew his childhood aspirations to be an X-man, he still has big dreams. "But that is no reason not to fight for them." Right now his dreams include dance and empowering disabled people.

In his spare time, Harley Jackson '04 break dances. He trains for two to four hours at least five times a week. In addition to performing at various charity events, Jackson and his 'crew' have performed during down time for the National Basketball Association's Washington Wizards.