Utah Valley University freshman and TikToker Jackson Eyre’s message is profoundly simple: “The world is a better place with you in it.” He’s printed the message on T-shirts and is often seen sporting the life-affirming motto as he dances, goofs around, and shows his carefree side to his 434,000 TikTok followers.
Utah Valley University freshman and TikToker Jackson Eyre’s message is profoundly simple: “The world is a better place with you in it.” He’s printed the message on T-shirts and is often seen sporting the life-affirming motto as he dances, goofs around, and shows his carefree side to his 434,000 TikTok followers.
“If I can just give someone a smile — even if it’s just me being an idiot on the internet — I’m doing something right,” Eyre said.
Eyre’s infectious positivity and life-affirming mantra result from coping with the sorrow that accompanied the tragic loss of his best friend. He developed a conviction to create awareness and prevent others from experiencing that pain.
“My best friend and cousin Kellen committed suicide when I was in the ninth grade,” Eyre said. “When I heard the news, I just kept saying ‘No no, no no no no no, there’s no way. I couldn’t think straight; I just buried my head in my pillow.”
“All these thoughts came across my head,” Eyre added. “What could I have said? What could I have done? And when those thoughts are running across your mind, it just leaves you in this empty space.”
Now, Eyre uses the shirt with his signature refrain on his platform and sells them on his online shop to promote suicide prevention. Jackson said he’s proud to share a portion of all proceeds with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“My goal is to give a little bit of my life to others so that they can keep spreading positivity, because you never know what somebody is going through,” Eyre said. “The world really is a better place with all of us in it.”
On Thursday, Oct. 7, 2022, UVU will host the Conference on Suicide Prevention. Registration is free for UVU students. Learn more.
Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Hotlines
Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
SafeUT Crisis Line: 833-372-3388
988 Suicide and Crisis LifeLine: 988
Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
Online Resources
NAMI Utah: www.namiut.org
SafeUT: www.safeut.org
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Utah chapter: www.afsp.org/chapter/Utah
Photo courtesy of Jackson Eyre
