He left Sunday for Purdue University in West Lafayette to participate in the Cornell A. Bell Business Opportunity Program in the School of Management. Jackson said the program will introduce him to the curriculum and professors — including Bell — as he pursues a degree in accounting.

“I will also get an early introduction to college life and meet with the counselors and other administrators on campus,” he said. “And the program will allow me to earn 12 college credits toward my degree.”

Jackson hopes to become either a tax or corporate accountant.

“Math has always been my favorite and strongest subject in school,” he said. “I took accelerated classes in math while at Wirt just to be prepared for college. And I want to help others with their financial situations on various levels.”

Jackson added he became interested in accounting while watching “The Suze Orman Show” on cable television.

“She really helps people who have difficulty in budgeting their money or saving their money to improve their living skills,” he said. “I want to do something of that nature. I have always been fascinated with money and how finances work.”

Jackson was president of the National Honor Society, a member of the Academic Super Bowl team and excelled in science, math and English. He also helped design Wirt's home page as part of the Surf's Up for Teen Techies program.

“I know it was a lot of stuff to handle, but if you put your mind to it and stay focused, you can accomplish all goals,” he said.

Terrance Jackson at a glance:

Age: 18

School: Wirt High School

Grade-point average: 3.817