Thursday, April 9, was a normal day on campus for many. But for Stockton student, Jack Edward Schmick, it was the moment everything he had been working toward finally stepped into the national spotlight.

JackEdward Schmick, a sophomore Psychology major with a concentration in Forensic Psychology at Stockton University, spent part of his childhood in the foster care system, from ages 5 to 10 before being adopted. His experiences in the system shaped his outlook and mission to help others. 

With the help of DCF Workers & Case Workers, Schmick founded Bags for Buddies in 2016. This initiative supports children in the foster care system by providing essentials, allowing them to transition smoothly through the system. 

JackEdward Schmick was featured on Good Morning America, hosted by former football player Michael Strahan. His appearance marked a major milestone, but as he puts it, “just a stone down along the path.” 

When speaking about his reaction to finding out he was going to be on the show, Schmick says, “Hearing that I would be on Good Morning America, I felt excited and very confident. It felt like a step I had been working toward for a long time.”

Despite the scale of the moment, Schmick explains that he approached the experience with a calm and focused mindset. Before going on air, he was thinking “this [is] actually happening and [it’s] the beginning [of] what’s waiting for me in the future.”

While many might imagine a packed, high-energy studio, the reality was different. “It surprised me that no one’s in the studio except the producers and cameraman,” Schmick said. “It [was] just me and the anchor having a conversation.”

When asked about rehearsing or having to practice his speaking skills, Schmick explains, “I’ve been blessed that this sector of speaking always came naturally to me. I just tell myself I’m having a conversation, and the words flow freely.”

Behind the scenes, however, the atmosphere was a mix of intensity and precision. “It is very serious, yet laid back at the same time,” Schmick said. “Everything [works] seamlessly [to] create what everyone sees on television.” Before going live, producers helped him prepare by walking him through potential questions and getting him camera-ready.

Schmick also spoke about the reaction from friends, classmates, and the outpouring of support for Bags for Buddies. “It was very comforting to know [that] students and my peers wanted to join the cause and help children and teens feel more connected to their communities and childhood.”  

With Bags for Buddies now being federally cleared as a certified non-profit organization, Schmick says, “we plan to campaign outside of New Jersey further and begin scaling the charity much more.” Bags for Buddies has a great future ahead, as “hundreds of people have reached out asking to start their own branches, donate, offer help, send compliments, and share this initiative with others that they know.”

Despite the national attention, Schmick remains focused on the bigger picture. “I see myself having more media appearances, as it is the fastest and most efficient way to spread Bags For buddies to everyone,” he says. 

Reflecting on his foster care journey to now becoming an adult, Schmick shares, “something that [didn’t] seem attainable during a time in my life of being in the system and having nothing to my name, and nothing to show, it shows to never give up hope and to always continue to persevere because great things await everyone.”

Schmick’s message to children that are in the foster care system, “anything and everything is possible and to never tell yourself any differently.”

To support this initiative: Donate at: https://www.bagsforbuddies.com/donate

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