Photo:Courtesy of Jordan Turpin
Courtesy of Jordan Turpin
Jordan Turpin is heading into 2024 with big dreams.
In a new interview with PEOPLE, the aspiring model — whohelped her siblings escapethe so-called “House of Horrors” in January 2018 — opens up to PEOPLE aboutovercoming a difficult year, finding joy with her new four-legged furry family members and her hopes for the future.
By leaning into therapy, Turpin has gained tools to help her through her more difficult times. “[These] coping skills help motivate me to get out of bed,” she says. “I’ve been sleeping really well, been eating really well. I’ve been eating my three meals a day. I’ve been getting up early, going to bed early. I feel healthy. I feel good.”
Jordan Turpin August 2022 cover.
When she has “down days” or nightmares, “I get out my journal, and I’ve really just learned to work with my pain. And I have friends and siblings that I can talk to and go to,” she adds.
While 2023 wasn’t easy, Turpin also created new joyful memories — and connections — that gave her hope.
Jeanetta Turpin (left) and Jordan Turpin (right) with Demi Lovato.Courtesy of Jordan Turpin
In September she also visited the set ofAmerica’s Got Talent, where she met Howie Mandel — someone she had looked up to while in captivity.
“I hadmy role modelsnowand my role models I’ve hadbefore, when I was younger,” Turpin explains. “When I meet somebody like Howie, that I was a fan of since a long time ago … it makes it even more unreal when you never thought it could possibly happen. It’s really emotional, in a good way. It’s [like], ‘This is real freedom.'”
Jordan Turpin with Howie Mandel on set of ‘America’s Got Talent.'.Courtesy of Jordan Turpin
With the “best team” around her — and “now” role models including Selena Gomez, who has been open about herown struggles with mental health, to look up to — Turpin feels ready to tackle bigger projects in the new year.
“I’ve always looked up to her because I’ve always seen what a big heart she has. She’s always stayed humble, she’s always been herself and she’s so connected to her fans,” Turpin says of Gomez. “I just feel like she’s so appreciative of a lot. I could talk about Selena Gomez all day. She’s done some little speeches [about mental health], and she motivates me to want to help others too.”
“I think the easiest for me to do is [a] sad [role] because I can relate. I think it would be good to play in a movie like that so I can help others. When I see a movie [like that], it helps me because I know I’m not alone,” she says.
But Turpin — whose favorite shows includeCharmedandThe Vampire Diaries— isn’t ruling out comedy: “Once you get to know me, I do joke a lot and I have a funny personality.”
Stillclose with her 12 siblings, Turpin has also found healing with her beloved pets. “I have a lot of animals,” she says, chuckling.
She’s not kidding. Earlier this year, she moved into a new home — mainly so her four guinea pigs and four dogs (she added her new puppy, Buddy, to the family over the summer) would have room to roam.
“I want my dogs to have that big open space. I have such a connection with them. I can just give them a look, and they know what I’m saying. They’re just so funny,” she says of her pups, who love to “cuddle up” on her. “When I got Buddy, I got him at a time when I needed him. He’s my best friend and he’s gotten me through a lot.”
Jordan Turpin wearing her Braveness hoodie.Courtesy of Jordan Turpin
Now feeling “healthy and good,” Turpin is looking forward to forming stronger bonds with her supporters.
“I think Braveness was perfect for the name because I really want to help others. All my friends, fans describe me and say, ‘You’re an inspiration to me and you’ve helped me,'” she explains of her “Doing My Best” hoodie (available until Nov. 27). “Everyone can do what I did. I want everyone to know that we are all brave, and there is hope. I’m hoping to figure out a way to communicate with my fans more. There’s a lot of things I want to share, and I’m just really hoping next year I can help as much as I possibly can.”
source: people.com
