We recently connected with Jordan Elmore and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jordan, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Growing up, I often felt like I was carrying the weight of the world—both literally and figuratively. Struggling with being overweight made me feel out of place among my peers. I avoided sports, dreaded pool parties, and carefully chose clothing in hopes of hiding my size. It wasn’t just about my body; it was also about how I saw myself. Every mirror seemed to reflect someone unworthy, someone not good enough of anything great.
On top of that, I grappled with a secret I wasn’t ready to share. Living in the closet, hiding from the world that I was gay, felt like being trapped in a box that was too small, with every attempt to express my true self stifled by fear—fear of rejection and judgment from those close to me and fear of being even more “different.”
These two struggles intertwined, creating a cycle of self-doubt. I often avoided social situations that were unfamiliar out of fear that people would notice my weight or that I didn’t share their interests. When I did interact, I felt I had to wear a mask or act in a way that was not me, guarding the parts of myself I thought would make me unlikable.
Looking back, I see how much time I spent trying to disappear when what I truly wanted was to break free from the shell I had created. Breaking free from that mindset wasn’t easy—it took time, support, and learning to value myself for who I truly am. Those early years taught me what Maya Angelou has perfectly summed up, ” Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am currently a Special Education teacher and recently graduated with my second Master’s degree! As of now, I have a Master’s of Arts in Autism Studies and a Master’s of Education in Special Education, which I actively use daily at work, helping several of my students overcome challenges so they can be successful within the general education setting. Working with my kiddos has brought more joy into my life than I can put into words, and seeing the amount of progress they make over the years has been the most rewarding.
Aside from my professional work, I also strive to be an active member of the LGBTQIA+ community and currently serve as the Director of Recruitment & Retention for the Phoenix Gay Flag Football League. I am also involved with Phoenix Pride, being a volunteer on two committees focusing on fund development and community engagement with youth.
In a more artistic space, I recently choreographed for the amazing LGBTQIA+ chorus group known as Voices of the Desert for their Love is Love show. I have also been a pro dancer for the Dancing for One N Ten event for the last two years; this event benefits our One N Ten youth center so they can continue supporting their mission of providing a safe community for healing, learning, and embracing identity.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful skills that have helped me on my journey are resilience, self-compassion, and authenticity.
One piece of advice that I can give is that the road to self-love and confidence is not linear. It is a road that has sharp turns, ugly dips, bumps, and some bad weather that you constantly battle. There are days when you’ll feel on top of the world and days when you’ll feel the world is on top of you. It is the way that you work through these set backs and “off days” that truly develop you as an individual.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My mom and grandparents have been my biggest fans during this point in my life. There have been a lot of positives and negatives from when I first started my academic journey back in 2019 with my Bachelor’s degree, and not once have they turned their back on me. They have always pushed me to move forward and try and be the person I am destined to be, and even if it wasn’t defined yet, they told me that I would know in my heart what road I should take.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jordanelmore/profilecard/?igsh=MTl3dmFzczg1dnpwZg==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-elmore-b47762122
Image Credits
Bay Reed Photography
Hannah Lorsch Photo & Film
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