Hey, I’m Jordan!
A lifelong language student, I’m here to help you achieve your language dream—no matter what it is!
With over 15 years of learning experience in dozens of languages, I’m ready to go all-in to create a highly-personalized plan and help you see it through!
Whether your goal is speaking German with your coworkers or Spanish with your in-laws, reading haiku or holy books, I’m ready to guide you on your own, unique language journey.
If that sounds like fun, you’ve come to the right place!
Language learning is for everyone!
There's just something mysterious and romantic about the idea of worlds beyond our own, secreted away in the sounds and symbols of languages of other peoples in other places.
But most English speakers will grow up learning just the tiniest sliver of another language, enough to get by in school or perhaps pronounce the name of an occasional odd item at the grocery store. I fear a majority believe that is all they are capable of, and that living a language is a privilege possessed by only a select few "geniuses" who have a "talent" for doing so. It is this self-defeating narrative that I created Lodestar in order to combat.
My work is based on one core belief — that anyone can find enjoyment, enrichment, and even a certain enlightenment through the study of language.
It doesn't matter who you are, where you are from, how you did in school, or how much time or money you have to spare. Any language you desire can be made a part of your life, and a part of you. The first step is to believe in yourself.
We are social creatures. Most of us humans can’t fly or breathe underwater or see in the dark. But what we lack we more than make up for with our tremendous gift of language. It is, in a word, our "superpower."
For us, there is nothing more natural in the whole world than learning a new word, a new expression. In our daily lives we are constantly absorbing them, whether it's workplace jargon or internet memes, and we do this absolutely effortlessly. It is only when we put a label on it and call it "study" that the anxiety comes in and we overthink our instincts.
I am confident when I say that anyone who wants to learn, can learn — and often much faster than they imagine!
I have met countless students from around the world, all learning different languages for different reasons. The number one predictor of success isn’t aptitude or talent. The ones who succeed are those that find joy in their study.
The fastest road to success is to stay inspired, dedicated, and in love with the language you have decided to make a part of your life.
After all…
Learning should be fun!
Make no mistake, mastering any skill is hard work. From marathon running to mountain climbing, if these things came easy there would be no journey to speak of, and no thrill or satisfaction to be had. Like all the rest, language learning requires discipline, flexibility, and even a bit of bravery from time to time.
But the absolute last thing it should be is boring!
In school, we often find ourselves learning without motivation. Memorize this, drill that, but without ever knowing how these things will fit into our lives. I have found that the best way to make steady progress is the exact opposite: to motivate each step of the learning journey by keeping you, the learner, at the forefront, and tapping in to what exactly it is you love about language.
Now I want to help you take your studies to the next level so you can start living your language dream
I’ve gotten where I am with the help of countless others, and nothing would make me happier than doing the same for you. Whether you’re just starting out on your journey or have years of experience, I’m ready to become the secret weapon to unlocking your language potential.
I’m no guru, no language genius, and I make no lofty promises of silver-bullet-trains to overnight success. I’m just a firm believer in the awesome learner that sleeps within us all—that with the right plan, serious motivation, and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams.
At the end of the day, language learning is my favorite thing in the world.
If I’ve done my job well, it might just become your favorite too.
Learn a language, change the world?
In these crazy times we live in, where outrage and hate can spread online at nearly the speed of thought, the world is in desperate need of wise, considerate people who can fight the nastier impulses of humanity with kindness, open-mindedness, and compassion.
I firmly believe that there is no greater education for instilling this understanding than truly, deeply immersing oneself in another culture. This is why my language studies will always put the human element at the forefront.
A language is so much more than its library of sounds, letters, and grammar! Our songs, our legends, and our most cherished moments all turn on the words we use. As a result, each language serves as a window into the culture and lives of its people. One can’t help but be fundamentally changed as a person during the course of learning a language and getting to know its people on such a deep level.
I started Lodestar with the hope that I could make a small difference using what I know and love best: the immense, inspiring world of language learning.
The times we live in may be fraught, but between the countless resources available online and in print and the ease with which we can connect with others around the world, there has never been a better time to be a language learner.
Wherever you are and whatever your goals, I hope I can leave you even just the tiniest bit more inspired and able to tackle the challenges you face in mastering your dream language. Whether Lodestar is right for you or not, the world needs more motivated learners with open minds and hearts.
Thank you so much for dropping by, and don’t forget to do your reviews!
Ready to make your language dream a reality?
Register now for a free consultation session where we’ll begin making a personalized learning plan so you can reach your goals faster!