I just spent the past weekend celebrating my 21st birthday, and it’s wild to think about how much has happened in the past few years. This year isn’t just another birthday, it’s also my senior year of college. A chance to reflect on the journey that got me here and the impact it’s had on who I am now.
Turning 21 feels like one of those milestones where you look back and realize just how much you’ve grown. For me, this journey has been anything but typical. At 15, I faced a cancer diagnosis that completely changed my perspective on life. It was a reality I wasn’t ready for. It shifted everything I thought I knew about, who I was and what I wanted. My world became a mix of treatments, hospital rooms, and the challenge of just getting through each day.
But those difficult times shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. They gave me a perspective that I carry with me every day, reminding me of what really matters and what I want to put out into the world. Starting JZips was to make treatment comfortable for kids going through the same battle, but it ended up helping me just as much. Creating something positive out of such a challenging experience has been one of the most healing parts of my journey. JZips has given me a purpose that continues to keep me grounded and focused on the things I value most.
Now, as a senior in college, I’m looking forward to what’s next while feeling grateful for everything I’ve learned along the way. College has been an adventure of its own, a chance to build lifelong friendships, dive into new experiences, and keep pushing myself to grow. Through it all, my experience with cancer and the work I’ve done with JZips have kept me focused on how I want to make a difference.
Turning 21 feels like both an ending and a beginning—a time to reflect on the past but also to look forward to what’s ahead. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned with me. I’m thankful for everyone who’s been a part of this journey, supporting me through each chapter. Here’s to new milestones, new opportunities, and finding purpose in every step forward.
Thank you for being part of my story. Here’s to everything the future holds.
– Jordan