Transforming Through Trials: Serene Jackson’s Journey of Purpose and Strength

Introduction: A Life in Transformation

Serene Jackson’s story is a testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and finding purpose in both triumphs and trials. As a guest on Purpose, Passion, and Prosperity, she offered a glimpse into her world—a world filled with challenges but also profound lessons of growth, healing, and unwavering authenticity. From battling cancer to working with the impactful organization Thread, Serene’s life and outlook inspire us to confront our difficulties while continuously striving to evolve into better versions of ourselves.

Facing Cancer: A Transformative Experience

One of the defining moments in Serene Jackson’s life came with a startling confrontation—cancer. After experiencing a severe bleed at work one day, she discovered that endometriosis had turned cancerous. Recently postpartum after having her third child, Serene was thrust into a whirlwind of medical procedures, mild chemotherapy, and the daunting uncertainty surrounding her health.

As someone who had already lost her mother to cancer at the tender age of five, this diagnosis felt like a cruel twist of fate. However, rather than succumbing to fear or anger, Serene resolved that she would ring the symbolic cancer bell—a sign of triumph over the disease—something her mother never had the opportunity to do. It was not just a fight for survival but a fight for her children, her sense of purpose, and for the life she envisioned for herself. This experience fundamentally altered the way Serene approached life, teaching her the significance of living fully present and without procrastination. “Life is going to fold you or mold you,” she aptly shared, and for Serene, the choice was clear: she allowed it to mold her into a far more motivated and purposeful person.

Motherhood as a Foundation for Strength

Serene is the proud mother of three children: two girls and a boy. Motherhood has been both a source of strength and a motivation to persevere through even the toughest times. Her children, especially her youngest—her son, whom she jokingly calls “the king” of the house—gave her a reason to stay steadfast during her cancer battle. Observing her children’s budding personalities and needs helped Serene realize the responsibility she had to not only survive but also thrive for her family.

As they grow, Serene continues to instill in them the importance of determination and hard work. Whether it’s her daughter’s cheer competitions or teaching life values, she reminds them to be their best selves, to work hard, and to avoid falling victim to self-doubt. Her role as a mother is as transformational and rewarding as the personal journeys she continues to navigate.

Thread: Finding Purpose in Supporting Others

A significant aspect of Serene’s journey is her involvement with Thread, a Baltimore-based organization that focuses on helping youth in the bottom 25th percentile of academic performance transcend their circumstances. Serene’s own life was impacted by this organization when it was known as the Incentive Mentoring Program, and she describes it as a “bridge to success” during her tumultuous teenage years.

Now a staff member at Thread, Serene has moved from an administrative role to working in HR strategy, ensuring the organization continues supporting countless lives. She recounted a particularly heartwarming moment of witnessing the Thread team rally around a student named Asia, who was completing the requirements to graduate from high school. Volunteers and staff rotated through shifts to support her, and when she emerged from the room after completing her coursework, an impromptu parade of love and encouragement awaited her. “We see you,” Serene emphasized, highlighting the organization’s transformative impact not only on the students they work with but also on the staff and volunteers themselves. Working with Thread has significantly shaped Serene’s personal and professional purpose, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

The Role of Therapy in Healing and Growth

Four years of therapy have profoundly impacted Serene’s approach to life, teaching her the value of self-reflection and challenging her entrenched beliefs. She credits her transformative mindset to therapy, which helped her transition from a place of entitlement to one of ownership and accountability. “When you transform the way you think, you transform the way you live,” she explained, emphasizing how therapy has influenced her reactions, relationships, and ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Through self-awareness fostered in therapy, Serene has learned to ask difficult questions, sit with discomfort, and approach life’s trials with patience and grace. Healing, she acknowledges, is a continuous process, but it is one she embraces fully—aided by her faith and trust in her resilience.

Living Authentic and Purposeful Lives

At the root of Serene’s journey is her dedication to authenticity. For her, success and prosperity are defined not by external markers like wealth or status but by happiness, family, personal growth, and leveraging purpose to impact others. She encourages everyone to avoid the pitfalls of comparison, embrace their unique journeys, and view life’s challenges as opportunities for transformation.

“Be a work in progress, not a completed art,” she urged, wisely reminding us that perfection is neither necessary nor attainable—and that the beauty of life lies in choosing to grow and evolve continuously.

Conclusion: A Life Still in Progress

Serene Jackson’s story is a profound reminder that purpose is not static. It is something we discover, refine, and live out through our trials, relationships, and personal commitments to authenticity. Through cancer, motherhood, and her work with Thread, Serene exemplifies the true power of transformation—a shining example of what it means to live purposefully, passionately, and prosperously. She’s not folding; she’s molding—and inspiring us all to do the same.