A life with deep purpose

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Wake up at 4 am. Coach women’s football. Head to the gym to train. Zip home for a quick meal. Walk to class. Go to football practice. Study on the bus en route to a volunteer gig. Go home and work on an assignment before bed.

Sound overwhelming? For football athlete and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry student, Jackson Findlay, it’s a preferred routine. “Everything I do has purpose, and helps me focus and be my best self,” says the Mustangs football defensive back.

At age 11, Jackson volunteered at a baseball camp in his hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia, which sparked his interest in working with children – and may have set the course for his career.   

“Working with kids is a passion of mine. I want to be a paediatric oncologist to give children with cancer a fighting chance,” says Jackson.

In his drive to help children while balancing a busy school workload, Jackson and fellow Mustangs athletes volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of London every week. As vice-president of the Mustangs Athlete Student Council, he helps recruit students to support this important initiative.

“I was drawn to volunteer with BGC because the organization provides vital programming for kids that helps them reach their full potential and be surrounded by a community of support. Playing sports with the kids is a joy, and it means a lot for us to be able to give back.”

Football is in the DNA

Jackson’s family has a deep history in professional football. His father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather each played for the Canadian Football League (CFL). However, his father didn’t pressure Jackson to uphold the family tradition.

“I started out as a hockey goalie because I loved getting in front of the puck, but it was my coach who recognized my potential as a footballer. He got my dad on board.”

After playing in high school, Jackson had ambitions to achieve a medical degree at a world-renowned university and to join one of the best football teams in Canada. Western was his number one choice.

“Schulich Medicine provided the opportunity to specialize in biochemistry and cancer genetics,” says Jackson. “Cancer affects so many people and is seemingly impossible to cure. I want to be part of that research.”

The MVP

When Jackson arrived on campus in 2021, it was an exciting time. With the Mustangs, he had a built-in support system with others who understood the pressures of being a student-athlete.  

While Jackson misses his parents and brother, the built-in family atmosphere at Western means he hasn’t been homesick. “I’m fortunate to have teammates who invite me for family Thanksgivings and other occasions, and my parents were able to visit for a few games last year.”

Jackson was recently named the 2023-24 season’s Most Valuable Player – well-deserved recognition for his work on the field and the positive attitude he brings to the team.

Donors make dreams a reality

Jackson has received valuable support from donors throughout his time at Western. With his heavy schedule, working throughout school isn’t possible.

“Being a student-athlete is a massive undertaking,” says Jackson. “We have commitments to school and to the team. It can be very stressful. I wouldn’t be at Western without donors. I love it here and I couldn’t have had this experience at any other school in the country.”

Jackson says it’s the community spirit that makes Western unique. “As athletes and academics, we wouldn’t be successful without fans, alumni and donors.”

After completing his undergraduate degree, Jackson plans to pursue a medical degree while playing for the CFL – scheduling school and a clerkship around the football season. It’s an ambitious plan but with his instinct to make a positive difference, Jackson will undoubtedly achieve greatness.

Donors are pivotal for the Mustangs

Mustangs football head coach, Greg Marshall, knows no matter the sport, donors build a culture where student-athletes are poised to succeed. “Western has the best group of alumni and donors in Canada,” says Greg. “They not only provide generous financial support, but they show up to games and events. They help us recruit the best in the country.”

Donor-funded awards enabled the Mustangs to recruit Jackson. “Jackson is an outstanding individual and a high-achieving student. He’s a quiet leader and treats everyone with respect. He models everything that makes our team strong and passes that on to younger players.”

Western’s coaches, staff and student-athletes are grateful for the faithful community of athletics donors who help make dreams – like Jackson’s – come true.

This story is featured in Western's 2024 Annual Impact publication.