What is your name:
Will Jordan
What’s your Origin Story?
I am a Jacksonville native and I grew up in two separate families. I spent most of my lifetime with my mother on weekdays and my father on weekends. At an early age, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, and despite my high level of intelligence, I was socially challenged. Until 10th grade, I never really had any true friends, and I’ve never hung out with anyone away from school or church. I was usually confined to my family at home, watching TV or playing video games. My childhood neighborhood was just north of the Riverside/Avondale area, but I also resided in the Northside and Springfield areas too. I graduated from Paxon in 2007 and obtained my AA in 2011 at FSCJ.
Why are you pursuing a degree in Digital Media?
Advertising and graphic design is a career in high demand, and art is my most influential form of communication.
Who inspires you the most and why?
That’s a difficult question to answer, and it’s a long list of people. It includes my parents, my family, my pastor, my church, my teachers and professors, my counselors, my high school basketball coach, and my best friend of almost 10 years, Emily Dale. But of course, I do inspire others as well. (I would put Jon Taffer on this list because he’s the perfect no-nonsense celebrity model of inspiring success)
What do you do off campus?
I love to hang out with friends, play basketball (recreational or competitive), and go roller skating. Being a die-hard sports fan, I also enjoy attending sporting events.
What work are you most proud of?
My paintings, especially of the mayor and President Obama.
Favorite Book / Movie / Series / Video Game / Comic?
Movies: James Bond, Star Wars, Steven Spielberg classics, anything sports-related, childhood-age classics from the 2000s and before (I have a personal video library of all the above mentioned items)
TV Series: Both shows involving Jon Taffer (Bar Rescue and Hungry Investors), House of Payne, Cops, anything involving police videos or crazy moments on home video. I also watch some Discovery/Science Channel and Animal Planet, watching how everyday objects are made and watching some survival shows as well as some facts/documentaries on certain animals of interest.
Music: Whatever interests me. WAPE 95.1 is my favorite station.
Video Games: Classic Sonic and Mario games, Pokemon, Fighting games
What are your future goals and aspirations?
I want to be a blessing to others, working on art and digital media projects and tutoring in mathematics. I also have a desire to design logos and basketball courts, but I may try making ads or commercials too. As an active church member, I want to organize a church basketball team or league.
Interesting facts about you:
I am very kind, understandable, and respectful of others. I am well-known for my talents and my presence at school and church. I never hesitate to ask questions whenever possible. I’m actively involved in my church as a newsletter editor and choir member. I used to work in the church’s media ministry. I’m a lifetime supporter of my alma mater’s (Paxon) athletic program. Whenever I’m presented with a problem that I’m familiar with, I look for the solution rather than the excuse.
One thing you wish you could share with others is…
I would share with others how much I matured during my high school and early college years because with being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, I had to mature myself into a sociable and respectful young man despite having few friends to begin with. I would strongly encourage others to set goals and follow them; stay in school; choose your friends wisely; promote drug and sex education rather than participate in such activities; respect one another; and make a difference in other people’s lives.
You can find samples of Will’s work and learn more about his story through the following links:
Jacksonville.com: A special gift
Our featured students are nominated by their classmates. Have someone you’d like to nominate? Please contact Professor Liz Murphy Thomas at Liz.Thomas@fscj.edu