Meet Northwest Alum ‘12 Jordan: “Hi, my name is Jordan Spencer and I graduated from Northwest in 2012. I took more of an alternative path and went to trade school instead of 4 year college, where I studied Fire Science and Prehospital Emergency Medicine.
I am currently a career firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Cannon Beach Fire District out on the Oregon Coast. I’ve spent time with the United States Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources as both a firefighter and Fire Engine Supervisor.
My time at Northwest prepared me for my chosen college pathway as I had strong college level reading and writing skills, well developed study skills, and good time management abilities, all learned while studying at Northwest. My path was not one that would be readily visible while at Northwest, but that is what Northwest School is about: finding your own way, whether that’s a Masters of Performance Arts or an Associates of Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services.
My education impacted my career choice with Northwest’s sense of community and helping others, specifically its Environment program: cleaning the building really instilled the sense of pride and ownership in the place of work and home. In my daily work life we are expected to maintain our station and apparatus in the best condition possible, with attention to the little details an absolute must. Northwest’s Environment program really helps hammer home the importance of the details and how incredible it is when everything is kept nice and everyone pitches in to help.
If there is one thing I would say to any senior still trying to figure out where they are going once they graduate, I would say don’t limit yourself. There are so many paths to choose from and it is okay to think outside the box. The only true expectations are the ones you set on yourself to help you reach your goals, so don’t be afraid to take chances and go for what you may think is unattainable.”