Hi, my name is Jaxon Ages. Jax for short. I am currently in 11th grade and have lived in Big Lake my entire life. My mom, a previous Face of Big Lake, was also raised here. I have been able to work at several local businesses and get to know many people. I enjoy sports, band, and horses. Life has had its challenges and coming out was a big step for me. I truly appreciate the community members who have shown support and been there for me. I am hoping we can continue to open our hearts to other people who are struggling just to be themselves. I know that I plan to continue helping others as best as I can.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have an older brother and sister and brother-in-law. I also have my one year old niece, Evelyn. My sister is like a best friend to me and has been very supportive. I also have my mom and dad. My aunt and uncle also live in Big Lake.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have lived here my whole life. My mom was raised here also.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I have worked at Fudgin’ Delicious when it was in Big Lake. I also worked at Dairy Queen. Currently, I work at The Magic Mushroom in the Crystal Garden, the Haven Bookstore, and Holiday gas station. In the future I would like to have a career where I can be hands-on, building and repairing things.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
My only nickname is Jax – short for Jaxon.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I love the books Losing Leah by Tiffany King and Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Parks.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would eat buttered penne noodles with parmesan cheese and seasoning. I would drink Ultra Red Monster and Code Red Mountain Dew.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I really enjoy sports and just being active. I love running, basketball, and skateboarding. I like going for drives, reading, and band. I was in two band classes and play the bass clarinet. And I like to hang out with my friends.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would repair my car or get a new car. I would make sure my mom is taken care of and take her to Australia. I would save some money for myself and travel.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome was to be comfortable being myself. I had to be confident about coming out as gay and then transgender. During the course of this, I have battled mental health struggles – PTSD, mood disorder, depression, anxiety and OCD. I was not always treated well in Big Lake when I came out. I wanted, and still want, to help others going through some of the same challenges I have. But I also must work on taking care of myself.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
If I could change something I would go back and spend even more time with my grandmother. She was very important to me.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
I have had quite of few role models. My sister and mom are two of the most important role models in my life. My grandmother was also a hero to me. She helped raise us and taught me everything about baking.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I can quack like a duck!
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
I am proud of my time at Horse Camp Rondaley in Wisconsin. I was a CIT – Counselor in Training and helped kids who didn’t know a lot about horses. I was able to help one girl who non-verbal. She was scared and crying and I was able to spend time with her, calm her down, and learn how to communicate with her so that she was comfortable.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
Magic Mushroom in the Crystal Garden, Haven Bookstore, and Dairy Queen
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
Despite the challenges I had with some of the community, many people in Big Lake have shown support for me.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself! It is not always easy to do but when you can, then you can help others be themselves too.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Andrea Gerdts – she has been so amazing and great to me.
