CU junior Jordan Legan tries to exemplify one saying in everything he does: It is better to try and to fail than not to try at all.
Before Legan was born his mother was in a car accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury, which gave her short-term memory loss.
Her handicap left the Legans with significant financial burdens.
“It is a conscious effort for her everyday to do the little things,” Legan said.
Yet Legan says he did not fully understand his mother until he himself experienced loss. In high school Legan was forced to quit playing soccer due to injury. Again in college he suffered another injury that kept him from running track.
“I didn’t understand it until I’d lost the things I’ve lost,” Legan said.
Legan reminds students of the benefits of looking on the bright side.
“If you look at things positively, it will get you pretty far,” Legan said.
The Pinnacol Foundation awarded Legan a scholarship in the fall of 2008 after hearing his story. They give Legan financial aid for tuition as well as help to ease the burden of living and medical expenses for his family.
“What impresses me about Jordan is that he seems very committed to his goals,” said Elizabeth Starkey, executive director of the Pinnacol Foundation. “He has had barriers in front of him and he always seems to prevail and keep a very positive attitude about it. We are proud he is part of our program.”
The scholarship allows Legan to attend CU where he said he believes greatly in the value of hard work.
“I am just a normal kid who works hard because my mom and dad worked hard,” Legan said. “I am a direct result of my mom’s accident; she is my hero.”
Legan said he believes in hard work, God and friendship.
“Don’t give up,” Legan said. “People get so worried about the bigger picture when life is so simple. Do the little things right while you can, and do them well.”
Legan’s long-time best friend Matt Philson, 21, a junior in biology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, said Legan has made the best out of his situation.
“He really does just roll with it,” Philson said. “He puts forth the effort to better his situation and is very perseverant.”
Philson said Legan will go to any length to help people.
“(He’ll) give the shirt off his back to anyone who needs it,” he said.
Legan said he greatly values the work of the U.S. Air Force and one day hopes to be a para-rescue man.
“I like the para-rescue creed, ‘These things I do that others may live,’” Legan said.
Legan says architecture and para-rescue both appeal to him for the same reason.
“You have to earn it and do the little things right,” he said.
Despite all the trials Legan has endured, he says he is grateful for his blessings.
“I am so thankful for the Pinnacol Foundation,” Legan said. “There are people who want to help you out.”
Throughout hardships, Legan says he remains optimistic for the future.
“That is the thing about life,” Legan said, “you can never get enough of it.”
For more information about the Pinnacol Foundation visit their website.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Georgianne Cotton at Georgianne.cotton@colorado.edu.
