We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jc Hoffman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with JC below.
JC, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Growing up, resilience was just life, a series of challenges and experiences that shaped me without my awareness. Looking back, I can see how each moment contributed to the person I am today. My childhood was a mix of typical sibling rivalry and extraordinary circumstances. For me resilience and optimism are inseparable.
My parents always told me I could be anything I wanted, as long as I was willing to work for it. Being a girl, they made it clear that nothing would be handed to me on a silver platter. I was often the only girl on sports teams, facing skepticism from teachers and coaches alike. But their doubt only fueled my determination to outperform the boys. College athletics took this lesson further, honing not just my physical strength but my emotional fortitude. I learned to keep my composure under pressure, never letting opponents see me sweat. This skill proved invaluable in facing life’s more complex challenges as an adult.
However, the most profound lessons in resilience came from an unexpected source -my early childhood in West Germany during the Cold War. As a young child, I didn’t understand the gravity of our daily routines near the U.S. Army base: my father checking our car for bombs using a broom with a mirror, armed guards patrolling housing at night, constant warnings about potential attacks.
It was just normal life to me. Even when a car bomb exploded very near our home when we got off the bus, life went on. We adapted, changed our routines slightly, but never let fear paralyze us. This experience, more than any other, taught me the importance of carrying on in the face of adversity, of finding normalcy in abnormal situations. Looking back, I realize that resilience isn’t about being tough or unbreakable. It’s about adapting, persevering, and maintaining hope even when circumstances seem dire and test our ability to stay grounded in who we are. It’s a quality built over time, through both mundane annoyances and life-altering events. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. While the challenges may change as we grow older, the core of resilience remains the same – the belief that we can endure, adapt, and ultimately overcome whatever life throws our way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As an Army kid, I didn’t just grow up; I evolved through a kaleidoscope of experiences, each new location adding a vibrant hue to my perspective. Six moves in 18 years weren’t mere changes of address; they were chapters in an epic tale of cultural immersion and personal growth.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion weren’t buzzwords in my world. Each relocation brought new faces, accents, and traditions, weaving a rich tapestry of human connection that became the foundation of my worldview. The Cold War era in Europe offered a front-row seat to history, but I soon realized that some of the most profound cultural discoveries lay within the borders of my own country.
College athletics taught me the art of living “in the zone,” where instinct and skill merged into pure performance. This passion for excellence led me to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy, embracing a role as healer and caretaker. Yet, life was missing something. It wasn’t until I stepped into the world of acting that I once again felt truly awakened. Acting became my new sport, an arena where I could channel my energy, dedication, and perspective into the ultimate challenge of creating compelling characters and stories.
My journey from Army brat to athlete, from doctor to actor, is a willingness to embrace the unexpected. This path is infused with the same drive that propelled me through my athletic and professional careers. My worldview has been shaped by a lifetime of diverse experiences that are my compass which always keep me moving forward. This viewpoint allows me to approach today’s issues with depth and authenticity, bringing a fresh take to every character I embody.
My path has led me to a lead role in my feature film debut, Riding on Faith, seen on The CW, Roku Channel, and Tubi. This opportunity is a validation of the unique brand I bring to the screen. In an industry often defined by typecasting, I stand out as an actor who defies easy categorization. My brand is built on versatility, authenticity, and a life lived in perpetual motion. I bring to each role a wealth of experiences that span continents and cultures, infusing my performances with a depth and relatability that resonates with diverse audiences. As I continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of acting, I carry with me the lessons learned from every move, every game, and every patient I’ve treated. I am more than an actor; I am a storyteller whose own story is as compelling as any role I might play.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe this advice is beneficial for anyone, no matter where they are in life, and it’s something I aim to follow each day.
Be able to eat alone and support yourself before being in a committed relationship–My parents taught me one of the most valuable lessons: financial independence is crucial for navigating whatever life brings and will always ensure you can stand on your own. Being comfortable eating alone reflects a strong sense of self-awareness. If you don’t truly know yourself, can you confidently choose the right person to commit to?
The mind, the body and the spirit all have to be nourished. — Professional women today are stretched too thin. Societal pressures have us striving to be super moms, super executives, and super everything. This imbalance affects the mind, body, and spirit connection, leading to burnout in work, relationships, or family life, and can result in illness, making things even worse. It’s crucial for everyone to prioritize self-care and recognize the need for it in ourselves, their partners, neighbors, or friends. When we feel nurtured and refreshed, we are more efficient, creative, and loving.
Live in the moment. –It may be a cliché, but it’s true: life is fleeting and can change in an instant, never to be the same again. Take advantage of every opportunity because it might not come again. Slow down and fully experience each moment by being truly present. Engaging actively in the present creates lasting memories and rejuvenates your spirit in ways that watching through a camera lens cannot. So go, chase your kids, or dogs, or rock that dream audition and live life to the fullest, because everything could change, for better or worse, before you even finish reading this sentence.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
The biggest challenge I am currently facing is to be a better parent. This pursuit is not as simple as it sounds. I’ve learned over the past two years, it’s a mission that’s fought minute by minute, one word choice at a time. It’s a journey without a clear destination, but with the most precious cargo imaginable – my son’s future.
I remember the day clearly when we received the diagnosis. My 9-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia. In that moment, the fog that had shrouded our family life for years suddenly lifted. My son, like so many others, became one of the “lost kids of Covid.” when schools closed during his crucial reading years of kindergarten and first-grade. If only I had known then that he wasn’t being willful when he refused to do reading and writing, but was crying out for help. The diagnosis was a turning point. The traditional parenting discipline methods – the “no TV until you finish your reading” approach was useless. I knew I needed to become a new, more dynamic parent.
My husband and I immersed ourselves in online parenting classes, and books on ADHD and dyslexia. We implemented these newly learned strategies, always keeping our son’s unique needs in mind. We had the quick realization we couldn’t do it alone. Finding professional help was a challenge in itself. The pandemic had stretched health resources thin. As we worked with a counselor, it became clear that we needed even more specific strategies. That’s when my husband and I started to see a behaviorist. This decision was a game-changer. Not only did the behaviorist help us manage our son’s behavior, but they also taught us so much in how to manage our own. We learned to be hyper-aware of our reactions, choosing our words and actions carefully. We realized that as parents, even the smallest actions can be the models from which our son would learn.
This journey taught me patience I never knew I possessed, that it does indeed take a village to raise a child and there is help out there be it a friend, school counselor, or neighbor. I’ve learned strategies to help manage my son’s executive functioning issues while simultaneously working to foster his independence and self-assurance. Most importantly, I’ve come to understand that this isn’t just about our son – it’s a family journey. A reminder that becoming a better parent and a better family isn’t about perfection, but about progress.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jc-hoffman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jchoffman.actor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCHoffman.actor/
- Other: https://imdb.me/jchoffman
Image Credits
Headshots and photos by Lenny Rodgers and Fr3deR1cK Taylor
Headshot in blue suit by Debbie Lopez
Styled by Curating Confidence and Fr3deR1cK Taylor
Clothing provided by The G-Spot in Winchester, PA
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.