Journal Week 12

People involved:

1^stGirl:

Black hair

light blue eyes

Green NDSU scrubs 

Big smile 

2^ndGirl:

Blonde hair 

NDSU gold sweatshirt 

Where:

Starbucks 52^ndAve. 

Large tables in the middle of the room

The story:

Two girls were sitting at a table inside of Starbucks off of 52^ndAvenue. They were studying and seemed to be biology majors considering the majority of their textbooks were science based. I overheard their conversation about their Christianity. It seemed as though the girl in scrubs was preaching her advice from her own experiences to the girl in the NDSU sweatshirt. The girl in the scrubs was consoling the other girl for maybe drifting away from her Christianity. They talked about how it was okay she lost herself for a moment, but now she needs to put more of an effort into going to her bible study group. This then led to a different conversation consisting of the girl in scrubs showing concern and giving advice towards the other girl’s alleged drinking problem. It seemed as though the girl in the NDSU sweatshirt had recognized her drinking problem, and was seeking advice from the girl in the scrubs. However, there was no talk about quitting drinking completely. It sounded like the girl had a problem will having “one too many” and the girl in the scrubs was relating to the issue. I remember her saying “Now I can go out and have one bloody mary with my friends and stop after that”.

Famous country singer Taya Jackson was seen in Starbucks for the first time since she left for rehab.

Jackson has been in and out of rehab since 2016. The most recent visit was due to an incident back in October. Jackson had been on her world tour for her latest album when she had decided to cancel three tour dates last minute with no excuse. Fans later found out that Jackson had been MIA on a bender. 

This isn’t the first time Jackson has had issues with alcohol before. She has openly spoke about the issue in past interviews. Although she has tried to help others by speaking on the issue, Jackson slipped into the dangerous pattern that many others deal with too.

Jackson was seen for the first time since her most recent rehab visit in October. She was visiting with a friend over some coffee at Starbucks. Jackson looked laid back and casual in her sweatshirt and light wash jeans. Her friend had long black hair with light blue eyes, and was wearing kelly green scrubs. These characteristics leads us to believe she is visiting with her long-time friend Abby Miller. Miller has been by Jackson’s side since her first visit to rehab, and has always voiced her support for her friend. 

Sources say that Miller has been trying to help Jackson reconnect with her Christianity. Many overheard Jackson and Miller inside Starbucks that day discussing just how Jackson can fix her relationship with God. Jackson seemed to be very disappointed in herself which caused her to shed a few tears. Miller seemed to be consoling Jackson by giving her advice from her own experiences. Sources say that Jackson plans on building her Christianity by attending her Bible study groups. Miller has spoken on this issue saying, “I’ve been there before and I know how to get through it. It takes a lot of work especially when you don’t want to put in the effort”. Other customers overheard Miller explaining Jackson needs to read the Bible, and even if it is just one word that will help her begin her relationship. 

Miller has always been an advocate for Christianity, and now being in the public eye due to her famous friendship, has taken advantage of just that. She now has a following that looks to her for advice with their relationship with God. She has also toured as a public speaker advocating for Christianity.

Jackson’s first outing since rehab may be a sign that she will be back to performing soon. She has not yet spoken on the canceled tour dates, but her fans hope to hear from her soon. Although there was some disappointment, her most loyal fans understand her need for space and healing. We hope that this will be the last time Jackson will be in rehab and that she recovers peacefully.