Jordyn Griffin: Miss Colorado Junior High School America

My name is Jordyn, and I’m proud to be your 2021-2022 Miss Colorado Junior High School America.
The BRAVE platform is important to me because I have come to realize and understand that there are so many different points of view. It is very important to listen to others and gain knowledge & insight from their perspective.  Some people like to say it’s ‘walking in their shoes’…this can only be done if first you value other people.  To value people, means that you be willing to hear, not just listen.  Respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities & achievements. Listening & being patient with people is how I show respect. 

As I look back at 2020, boy what a challenging year. I know for sure perseverance & persistence, are what was need to get past that year. It reminds me of my grandmother saying, “Tough times never last, but tough people do”.
As a scoliosis warrior and since my diagnosis I have become an advocate for Scoliosis awareness and prevention.
I was standing slanted, diagnosed and even wore a brace (14-16 hours daily).  As you can probably imagine, this came with a lot of questions, rude comments & ‘funny’ looks. I was even called Handicap & asked by others if in would now be placed in Special Education classes…all from wearing a brace?!
​Later on in on the year I got surgery. Ever since I went through the hard times of back surgery & recovery process I have been working on making my platform even bigger. 
Let it be known that June is national scoliosis month. But, every month I go to The Children's National Hospital in Washington DC, and give a presentation about Scoliosis Awareness and Prevention. The doctor has even asked that my family mentor & speak with other families about the spinal fusion surgery to help ease their anxiety & nervousness about surgery. That's just ONE of the ways I promote the BRAVE platform.