By Maddie Summers ‘27, staff writer
When Jordan Hildebrand began his journey at LVC in the fall of 2022, he was uncertain of what he wanted to do in college and beyond.
Now, as he wraps up his senior year, Hildebrand, an English major with a specialization in journalism and communications, has never been more confident.
“Now, I am leaving, having worked through that uncertainty to find what I’ve wanted to do all along: write,” he said. “This can be attributed to my writing classes, my professors and even the friends I’ve made here who have helped me realize that I have a real knack for touching people’s hearts with my words.”
His time at LVC has taught Hildebrand not only about his passion for writing, but also about perseverance and all that he is capable of.
“College has taught me that if there is a will, there is a way. I used to commute 100 miles a day from the fall of freshman year up until the end of my spring semester in my junior year,” he said. “If I have the strength in my body to do it, then I will make sure that it gets done no matter what. It is a good reminder that never giving up is better than never trying.”
Hildebrand attributes his success to the influence of the amazing professors and classes he has had the opportunity to learn from at LVC. Two professors in particular played an important role in shaping him into the writer and person he is today.
“The greatest influence in my college years would be Dr. Romagnolo,” Hildebrand shared. “I have taken many classes with her, and her guidance through my writing has helped me become a more effective writer. She has helped me unlock some of the most vulnerable elements of myself through my work to enhance my writing, and for that, I am endlessly grateful. I would also say Professor Jaime Fettrow-Alderfer, for her humor, wit, and willingness to work with students through pretty much anything. She has also been an extremely wise supervisor who has allowed me to hone my journalistic writing.”
After graduation, Hildebrand plans to continue working at his two jobs and staying at his internship until he is offered a full-time position there or given an opportunity elsewhere.
“I am fortunate enough that they want to keep me on, but I’m not going to get comfortable, and I’m going to keep looking until I find something. I am most excited to no longer have to leave my job and do homework when I get home,” he quipped.
As he finishes this chapter in the Valley, he wants to leave younger students with this advice.
“Know your limits. It is okay to test yourself and see what you are capable of, but when your body tells you that you need a break, you’d better listen,” he said. “Burnout will hit you like a truck if you never give yourself the time to breathe or step away from your work. Make sure you always allot time for yourself and do the things you love most. Your body and your mind will thank you so much in the long run.”