Jordan Crooks
Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Class of 2027
Why did you chose Central?
I fell in love with Central’s campus as soon as I saw it. It truly felt like home for me. I thought it was absolutely beautiful and I also had a wonderful tour. I noticed how everyone around town was so kind. What’s not to love about Central?
Favorite professor and why?
Tough one… I’ve had a lot of awesome professors all whom I like for different reasons, but I’d have to say that Dr. McAninch and Professor Goodman have made a positive impact on my time here at Central.
You’re majoring in Elementary Education because?
I’m majoring in Elementary Education because I love children and I love the reward. I feel joy when I watch kids get excited about learning. I also feel I have that mothering personality that just naturally works well with kids.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
Besides being on the dance team, I work in admissions as an Admission Ambassador and at the Art Center in Pella. I am also involved in the Central Teacher Academy. On top of all that, I’m also the assistant show choir director for Pella High School. Even though that is not technically an on campus activity, it does consume a lot of my time and I wouldn’t have gotten that amazing opportunity if it wasn’t for Central!
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I have a wide genre of music that I listen to, but Luke Combs and Benson Boone are definitely at the top of my playlist!
How has attending Central and being on the dance team impacted your life?
Being on the dance team here at Central has taught me how to bond with my teammates in a remarkable way. They are like sisters to me. They push me to be the best version of myself and they keep my drive and passion alive.
Favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories would have to be when I traveled to South Padre Island in Texas. I got to walk on the beach and see the sunrise with my grandma and it was also the first time I had ever seen the ocean.
What’s the best smell in the world?
Definitely my mom’s cooking!
What’s the best advice you have ever gotten and from who?
Some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten from my mom is “Learn to forgive and forget because life is too short to hold onto those grudges.”
Teammate who should compete on America’s Got Talent
Jessie Pospisil was the first person who came to my mind because I love to watch her dance. Hip Hop is her specialty and she’d definitely get that golden buzzer!
Favorite TV Show
I currently really like “The Summer I Turned Pretty” but another classic I love that you can’t go wrong with is Friends.
What’s it like to work with Coach Gbogbo?
Coach Lexi is hands down one of the best coaches I’ve ever had in my life. She is very passionate about the dance team and she is very supportive of all us girls. Lexi is a great communicator and knows how to inspire us dancers to reach our full potential. She is a great role model and is part of the reason I’m considering coaching a sport myself someday.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central dance team?
My favorite part about being a member of the Central College Dance Team is my friendships with all of the girls on the team. I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve ever had in my life while being on the dance team. They are all very caring and supportive people and know how to make me laugh. I don’t know what I would do without them!
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to be living somewhere warm and own a house and have a family. I also hope to be teaching 1st grade and maybe have a choreography job on the side as well!
Favorite food from Central Market
Cookies on Fresh Cookie Tuesday
Bucket list
1. Spend New Years Eve in Times Square
2. Rent a private island in the Maldives for a getaway vacation
3. Go on a helicopter tour and see iconic landmarks
