Jordin Pardoski

Jordin Pardoski is wrapping up her 3rd season as an assistant coach of the women's ice hockey team. Her student-athletes are always the highlight of her day. She resides in Rochester, NY, with her fiancée Nina and their golden retriever Harriet. In their free time, Nina, Harriet, and Jordin love exploring different Rochester places and end the day with Pittsford Dairy ice cream.

1. HOW DO YOU TEACH OR EXEMPLIFY APPLIED CRITICAL THINKING?

Critical thinking is a way of approaching or solving problems with information you know or go and find. Not only am I solving problems or researching, but I have to be able to communicate what I am thinking. As a coach, my job is to develop our students as hockey players and strong, fierce women. I want them to leave RIT being the best version of themselves. To achieve this, they must be able to apply critical thinking skills. Whether I’m teaching our student-athletes how to work through a skill on the ice or, more importantly, deal with conflicts that arise in everyday life. The ability to think effectively is crucial to their development as people and hockey players. Every day I strive to create a space where our students can ask questions, think through solutions and be able to communicate effectively. 

2. WHY DO YOU THINK APPLIED CRITICAL THINKING IS IMPORTANT IN YOUR DOMAIN OR ROLE?

Critical thinking is crucial in decision-making as a coach. Critical thinking motivates you to investigate and choose objective reasoning over your immediate emotional reaction. Critical thinking helps us deal with everyday problems. Applying critical thinking helps me better understand myself and motivates me to set goals for myself and facilitate goal setting within the team. 

1. CAN YOU SHARE A STORY WHERE QUALITY APPLIED CRITICAL THINKING WAS KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS?

Critical thinking is a part of my everyday success. As a coach, the ability to communicate effectively is crucial. I must provide my players with quality feedback to set them up for success. I also must be a leader and create a space where they can openly communicate their thoughts and feelings without hesitation. We work together to find solutions every day.

2. HOW DO YOU USE CRITICAL THINKING IN OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE OF RIT?

In August, my partner and I bought an older home in Rochester. As first-time homeowners, it’s essential to use our critical thinking skills. While the house has a lot of character, it also requires maintenance. Before making any decisions, we take the time to research, ask questions and problem-solve.

5. ANY LAST CRITICAL THOUGHTS YOU WISH TO SHARE? 

Critical thinking can be challenging. Critical thinking pushes you outside your comfort zone but helps you choose objective reasoning over immediate emotional reaction. Critical thinking helps us deal with everyday problems. Being able to apply critical thinking helps people better understand themselves and motivates them to set goals. Don’t be afraid to go out and find answers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to be different.