Andrew Jordan, 20, a Menomonee Falls native, describes himself as a shy individual, but through his love of the Lord, he shines and thrives in the UW-Whitewater Catholic community.
Though he attended St. Anthony Parish, Menomonee Falls, Jordan became
Andrew Jordan is one of the student leaders for the Catholic Student Coalition at UW-Whitewater and he hopes to stay in the college setting by teaching theology. (submitted photo courtesy of Andrew Jordan)
more active in his faith life when he entered college. He is one of four student leaders with the Catholic Student Coalition on the UW-Whitewater campus. Whether running cookie bakes for students, volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, or leading Bible studies, Jordan strives to live every day as a witness for Christ.
His favorite part of being involved with the Catholic Student Coalition is the weekly, large group meetings.
“It is a time when we all come together as a large Catholic community on campus,” he said. “We can really come to a greater understanding of the Catholic faith and one another.”
School and/or occupation:
Sophomore at UW-Whitewater. Currently studying computer science but hope to one day transfer and get a degree in theology.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would definitely have to be a professor of theology. Teaching the faith and learning the faith is something I have always really enjoyed, and I want to be able to share it with other people.
What’s on your iPod?
Well, I have Matt Maher who is a popular Christian Catholic artist who I like to listen to especially when I want to listen to something spiritual. I also have Josh Groban who is an amazing singer. Then I also really like Taylor Swift. I have a lot of her early music on my iPod. I’m really open to listening to different kinds of music.
If you could dine with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would have to say St. Augustine of Hippo. He has been very inspiring in my own life, in my own faith. I would like to be able to talk to him about the work he has done, his theology and just be able to connect with someone who has a deep spiritual impact in my own life. He is the patron saint of theologians and one of the greatest theologians of the church. His own conversion of the faith is inspiring to me as well. I didn’t get into my Catholic faith until I came to college. I felt the spiritual connection to him who didn’t even come to the faith until his 30s.
Who has made the biggest impact upon you?
St. John Paul II the Great. He is someone who when I came into my faith really brought me into it through a book he wrote called “Crossing the Threshold of Hope.” It really just opened wide the doors of Christ for me and who he was and what he was about and what it means to be Catholic. It really inspired me to care about my faith and truly take more care and just a deeper love for it, and to take that love and share it with everyone else and be a witness of Christ.
What’s one thing that makes you unique?
I like reading philosophy for fun — from Plato to Aristotle to More. I always find that intriguing and interesting. Instead of picking up a novel, I have always picked up a complicated philosophy book instead. One philosopher in particular I like is Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger who is better known as Pope Benedict XVI. He is someone who has been very inspiring to me and really changed my outlook on life and the world.
Describe a normal weekend:
In short, relatively unproductive. It typically starts by sleeping in pretty late. Waking up, watching lots of Netflix. I particularly like Marvel Daredevil and Arrow, as well as the Flash. I also really enjoy reading a lot, not only philosophy but occasionally Star Wars books. I’m a big Star Wars fan. When I’m done with all of that, I attempt to get homework done.
Favorite Scripture passage:
My favorite prayer would have to be “Come, Holy Spirit.” It is the church’s official prayer for the invocation of the Holy Spirit. To me it is really important, and the Holy Spirit is something that we sometimes overlook, and it’s something I felt strongly about as a theologian, praying to the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to guide us to him and to learn and understand how to be more like him. I really saw the great calling to pray to the Holy Spirit to help me live my life.
Favorite quote:
Isaiah 35:4 “Be strong. Do not fear.”
As an over shy and fearful individual, I really found it encouraging. It combines the “be courageous” of Pope Francis and the “do not be afraid” of John Paul the Great. It’s something I have really found encouraging in my own life when faced with trials and temptations and anxiety — just to be strong and keep going.
What is your favorite food, dessert?
Chicken. I really like chicken. It makes Lent difficult at times, so I’m glad that’s over. I’m a pretty picky eater so chicken is always a safe bet for me. For dessert, I really like Twix.
A challenge in life that has strengthened your faith:
The lifelong struggle for me would be overcoming my fear of shyness. Being a shy individual has held me back at times. It reminds me in overcoming that shyness that the Lord is greater than our fears in life and our weaknesses. By his grace, he makes us better than we can possibly imagine. He allows us to be greater than we first perceived ourselves to be.
Favorite pastime/hobby/activity:
I’m a big writer. I really like writing — papers and letters. I really like writing letters to friends and reflecting on life. I really like to make it personal for them, helping them in times of need, being encouraging. It is something I have always enjoyed taking the time to do.
What is the most important thing you want to accomplish in life?
It may sound somewhat silly, but just to raise a family. And in this day and age it’s something that can be hard the way society is. But for me, if I could accomplish anything in life, it would be to raise a holy and loving family that understands what it means to be merciful.
How do you live your faith every day?
By being constantly in prayer. Also just trying to be compassionate with other people and kind and loving and just being a witness of Christ’s love and mercy that he has shown us, and reciprocate that to others.
Name one guilty pleasure:
I am a big fan of romance movies. My favorite is a Hallmark movie called “How to Fall in Love.”
