An amazing young lady with brains and beauty has RSVP’d to the Report! She’s a junior in college, the current Student Body VP at USC, won many teen beauty pageants and has even been a co-host of a local TV program. She’s truly a Jack-of-All-Trades….or should I say, a Jordan-of-All-Trades? Ha!
I first met Jordan Fowler several years ago at Menlo School, an independent college preparatory school in Atherton, California. My first impression was WOW, this young lady has such charisma and energy! I recently had the wonderful opportunity to interview her about what it’s like to be a pageant contestant and how her experiences will carry her throughout her life. Please enjoy my interview with Jordan – I hope it’s inspirational.
Robin: What’s your life motto?
Jordan: Nelson Mandela’s following quote sums up my life motto: "There is no passion to be found in living a life less than the one you are capable of living.” This quote inspires me to, no matter what, put 100% into whatever I am doing and to truly follow my passions.
R: What has been your proudest accomplishment?
J: My proudest accomplishment was not only winning Student Body Vice President at the University of Southern California, but also deciding to run for this position. At first I was hesitant about running; I wasn’t sure if this was something I wanted to do. I don’t want to be a politician and so I took a few days to really evaluate what this position and what Undergraduate Student Government (USG) means. During this decision-making period, I had a meeting with a student in a wheelchair who expressed his vision for increasing disability accessibility on campus and he also talked about his vision for a wheelchair basketball game. After this meeting, we drafted a proposal for campus renovations and policy changes to increase disability accessibility and we planned USC’s first ever wheelchair basketball game, which turned out to be a success. In terms of the proposal, we proposed that the Disability Services Program office be located to the 1st floor, instead of the 3rd floor of a building and now, $1 million dollars is being put towards these renovations. This is only the beginning, but seeing how much Undergraduate Student Government had the power to make somebody’s vision a reality, really proved to me that this was something I wanted to continue to be a part of.
R: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
J: Without a doubt, my mother is my biggest inspiration. She is the most selfless human being and lives her life always trying to help those around her. She is passionate, understanding and simply is excited for life! She is a go-getter who strives for excellence in everything that she does
R: What’s your secret to staying positive?
J: My apartment desk decor embodies my key to staying positive. Around my desk you will find quote boards with inspirational quotes. I truly think this is key. They say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with and I think the same goes for what you surround yourself with. When you surround yourself with positivity, it is hard to not be positive yourself.
R: With such a busy schedule, how do you stay organized?
J: They may seem out of date, but a big monthly paper calendar is how I stay organized. I love technology and I am a huge techie, but I truly believe in paper calendars over electronic ones. It’s easy to accidentally put an appointment in the wrong date or forget to press save on the event so I like to go old school! Oh, and my whole calendar is in pencil since things change :)
R: What’s a common misconception about beauty pageants?
J: Any negative thought about pageants is a misconception. (Well, except for the fact that they are addicting… that is true!) I have had nothing but an absolutely wonderful experience in pageants. Pageants gave me the confidence, skills and support system necessary to pursue my dreams. Pageants allowed me to start to think about my ambition at nine years old. I was able to gain life skills like interviewing, public speaking and presenting my best self. I was constantly around people who appreciated me for me and constantly encouraged me to dream bigger. I was introduced to the most amazing women across the U.S. who I am inspired and motivated by everyday. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for pageants.
R: What’s your ultimate goal for your future?
J: My ultimate goal is to continue to do what I love. Life is too short to waste any time not loving life. I am so excited because I feel as though I have finally combined all of my interests and found a career that combines all of my passions. I want to work in the field of design for social change.
Jordan is from the Bay Area and lives through her passion to make this world a better place. Whether she’s advocating for students as USC Student Body Vice President, managing a team as the Student Involvement Coordinator for the Media Institute for Social Change, serving as a liaison and mentor for over 900 USC clubs and organizations as a Peer Leadership Consultant, or being a part of empowering movements through Edge Entertainment, I Am That Girl, Motivate and Empower and USC Best Buddies, her purpose and true passion is to help other people in order to create positive social change.
You can learn more about this amazing young woman at her website here.
