Hello, my name is Jordan Oram. And I'm not easily defined by occupation.

That sounds a bit like a confession; like a dirty secret. Most of our young life we're given the impression that success is based upon making the right choice once and then flowing down that course. Become a Doctor, a Lawyer, a Pastor, a Plumber and then you're set. Well that has definitely not been the flow of my life. And I'm growing more and more ok with that.

 photo by Jordan Oram

I've had many jobs: from being a labourer and a landscaper, to being a team leader for a university study abroad program, to being a Dean of Men, and a Registered Massage Therapist. I taught Outdoor Education (archery, canoeing, nature studies, climbing, leadership development, etc) for near ten years while cleaning the pool, mowing the lawns, and stacking firewood at a children's camp in the edge of British Columbia wilderness. I've worked at a tea store, I've worked in reception/administration jobs, and cleaned dishes.

 photo by Karsten Klawitter 

I have climbed hills and mountains, rafted down rivers, and jumped off of a bridge. I've slept in a former prison where Gandhi was once a prisoner, canoed down a mighty river in a full squall so intense I could hardly see, and found myself invited to a formal dance recital in Antigua, Guatemala, at a five star hotel. I'm a fan of the random adventures that life seems to put before me. They make me chuckle in bemused fashion.

 photo by Karsten Klawitter

I am a writer, a photographer, a speaker, a teacher, and a performer. I laugh a lot, ponder somewhat, and try to live each day well. I like to think I succeed at that more than I fail. When it comes down to it though, when we strip away all the credentials, titles, stories, experiences; when I am alone by myself in a tent on a mountain with no one around, the thing I value the most, is knowing and seeing the fraction of a point of the journey I've been honoured to share with my friends, my family, my campers, my students, my patients, and random strangers I've passed on the street or who have read, seen, or heard any of my creations or antics. I believe that we change the world with our choices and that our words and deeds have great power. I have known fear and in it found some courage. I walk and stumble, fall down and get up, and step by step keep moving forward.

I want to explore and discover, share and teach, learn and be taught. I guess you could sincerely say that I am a wandering educator.

Hi, my name is Jordan and I'm stoked at sharing my journey with you.
Who knows where it will take us.

photo by Karsten Klawitter 

Jordan Oram is the Outdoor Adventures Editor for Wandering Educators.

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