How PHlight Club Changed Jordan’s Life
Thriving Through Adversity
A bright and articulate high school junior, Jordan has lived most of her life in Thorne Bay, Alaska, surrounded by a large, close-knit family. Her dad, stepmother, grandparents, siblings, cousins, and friends all provide Jordan with different kinds of supports. As a nurturer herself, Jordan reciprocates. Even so, connecting with adults and peers has not always come naturally for her.
When Jordan was 12 years old, her mother tragically passed away. This devastated Jordan and left her feeling lost. Jordan explains, “I felt alone and couldn’t deal with the loss of my mom. I was an introvert and didn’t know how to reach out and ask for the support I needed.”
Shortly after her mother’s death, Jordan attended her first PHlight Club as a 7th-grader. “Before PHlight Club,” Jordan reflects, “I didn’t realize that I needed a Web of Support.” During PHlight Club, she says, “I learned that I have the power to reach out and choose the adults (Anchors) I want in my Web and that more Anchors means a stronger Web. It was a completely new concept for me. Building a strong Web of Support really helped me deal with the loss of my mom.”
Over the next four years, Jordan attended many more PHlight Clubs. “I’ve lost count, but I have been to at least eight PHlight Clubs. I’ve gained confidence in myself and realized my value. I’ve learned that I can set boundaries with adults and friends in my life and also be open and honest about my needs. I can be strong, yet let people know if I feel uncomfortable without being rude.”
“Watching Jordan thrive after the tragic loss of her mom has been amazing,” says Amy McDonald, Jordan’s school counselor and Brightways facilitator. “She has grown into a strong, confident young woman. She has taken what she learned at PHlght Clubs and applied it to her real life. Jordan has an amazing Web of Support created cooperatively between her and her Anchors!”
PHlight Club has also helped Jordan discover her unique talents and gifts. “PHlight Club has helped me realize that I have compassion and empathy and that I’m a great listener.” She has come to recognize that, “I am open with people, which makes others feel comfortable and safe opening up to me. Because I’ve been through a lot, they know I can relate, and they trust me with their feelings.”
Today, Jordan is a student leader at PHlight Club. She connects with other teens and helps them understand why and how to build their own Webs of Support. Additionally, she has participated in educator workshops for the past three years. “I love supporting kids at PHlight Club, and I also love sharing my story with adults. I know I’m making a difference in their lives.”
Jordan is excited about what the future holds for her. “Because of my ability to connect with people, I have decided that I want to have a career as a therapist. After graduation, I plan to attend college in Fairbanks to earn my degree. In the meantime, I will continue helping other kids and adults learn how to build Webs of Support. It has made a huge difference in my life, and I want to share it with as many people as possible!”
Learn more about PHlight Club at brightwayslearning.org/phlight-club.