I have been an English Education major here at UJ for more than four semesters now. I would describe my experience here as worthwhile.

My professors have challenged me to actually make the effort to learn in their classes. They demonstrate that they know what they are talking about; yet, they haven’t been detached from me or my peers. They are professional, yet personal. I know I will leave UJ with a quality education.

My Favorite Things About UJ

Some of my favorite things about UJ are the student organizations. I have participated in several clubs including Cru and the history club, where I have made some really good friends.

Since I’m only one of three English majors in my class, student organizations have been a great way to connect with people who share common interests with me. I like clubs so much that I actually started a chapter of a national club called the Intelligent Design and Evolution Awareness (IDEA) Club.

Why I Love College

I love college, because it is where conversations happen. People have completely different worldviews and opinions, so they get into great conversations. These conversations are meaningful because they facilitate critical thinking, which in turn, helps people grow closer to the truth. Conversation has definitely characterized my time here at UJ—probably more than any other time in my life. I love it.

I have also enjoyed my time being a cellist in the pit orchestra for the fall musicals. I like that I don’t have to be on stage, but I still get to contribute. Like playing a sport, I feel like I’m a part of a team.

I’m a Resident Assistant in Kroeze Hall this year with freshmen, and it’s crazy to think that I’m already a junior. Time flies when you’re having fun…and studying hard.

By: Allan Pruss

As we embark on the fourth year of Jimmie Hockey existence, I and 18 other Seniors will be on our last journey of Jimmie Hockey. This group of Seniors, with the help of many others, built this program to what it is today.

It’s not often that you get to spend every day (during the school year) with the same group of teammates for four years – not many people can say they have even had that opportunity in their lifetime. It’s been truly special to build this program from the ground up and set the standard for Jimmie Hockey. And it’s safe to say we have created bonds and friendships that will, without a doubt, last a lifetime.

Come May, it will be bittersweet as we will walk the stage together and pass this program down to the next class.Our Brand

On the ice, we have built our identity around being a fast-paced, tight-checking team. We look to push the pace, be physical, and create an exciting environment in the John L Wilson Arena. Jimmie Hockey is a relentless and fearless style of hockey where everyone shares an “all in mentality.”

The commitment from Head Coach Dean Stork and our Strength Coach, Ryder Weischdel, has given us all the tools for success and helped us to showcase our skills to the best of our abilities on Friday and Saturday nights.

Jimmie Culture

None of this success would have been remotely possible without the continued support of the students, faculty, and the community. As a player, it’s so easy to be motivated to play your sport when you look into the stands and see your professors, classmates and the community cheering you on while wearing Jimmie Orange. Jimmie Hockey thrives off the support we receive, and we hope over these past few seasons, we have created an exciting product to watch.

So, thank you, THANK YOU Jimmie Nation for taking us in and supporting us, and being there every step of the way. The culture that has been created around the school and athletic department has been tremendous, and as a team, we hope we have been able to grow that amazing Jimmie culture.

Many Places

Being from Western Canada, the Midwest was foreign to me, but it’s not anymore. Jimmie Hockey has taken me through not only the Midwest, but all over the United States – places like Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Illinois, Michigan, Colorado, and Missouri, as well as Texas and Ohio for National Championships. These trips have strengthened our bond as a team and been eye opening for all of us. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t give Kim, who is undoubtedly the best driver in the world, a shout out – so, thanks Kim!

The adventures with this group have been endless and the memories will last a lifetime.

Sir Jimmie Blog

It is hard to believe that nearly two years have gone by since I transferred to University of Jamestown.

Coming as a transfer student in January 2018, I never realized the impact this campus would have on my life. Going to a junior college in California for the first two years of college never really gave me the sense of what campus life was like at a University…not to mention what the true meaning of extreme weather was. Going from class to practice and back home again never really allowed me to have a connection to my school or even to the community.

When I came here to UJ, that all changed.

My second home

Being a student at University of Jamestown is like having a second home. I can always count on someone to give me a smile when I walk by, to hold the door a little bit longer (so I do not have to struggle to reach my ID), or even just to give an early-morning wave hello on the way to my 8 a.m. class.

University of Jamestown is a tight, inclusive community that I am going to miss.

Joining the soccer team

I have had the opportunity to be a part of and participate in many amazing experiences, but by far, the experience that will forever stand out is the day I joined the soccer team. That day, I joined a family that will forever have an impact on my life.

I have met my forever friends here and being on a team with such supportive, compassionate, kind, and amazing women has made it so hard for me to even think about leaving. Two years ago, I would never have thought little old Jamestown, North Dakota would have an everlasting impact on my life. But here I am – forever changed.

This soccer career of mine has not always been the easiest. I have faced a lot of adversity but never gave up. Through surgeries, rehab, and countless practices and games, I have always pushed myself to never give up, no matter the pain.

Finding the willpower to do so would not have been possible without the help of the people here at UJ. As an athlete who has faced her fair share of injuries, I struggled with the balance of rehab and supporting my team; yet, through those struggles, my team’s support for me remained constant. The amazing Athletic Training staff (shout out to Camden), has been there through it all, and I will always be grateful for that.

To my coaches…

Coach Becker and Coach Jack: thank you for always being there for us in so many different ways. Through any hardship, whether it be in soccer, school, or just life in general, we can always count on you!

And to my teammates…

I am so thankful for all of you. You are the sisters I have always wanted but never had. The love and sense of family we share with each other is something not everyone gets the chance to experience. I wish our dance parties in the locker room, pregame prayer and cheer, the long bus rides, and staying in the “lollipop hotel” would never end. I could not have asked for a better group of strong, supportive women to finish off my soccer career and end my college journey.

Being a Jimmie

Being a Jimmie is something that will always live on in me. From the basketball and volleyball games, to the study groups in the library, the morning coffee dates at the Java Hut, and Marge’s omelets, nothing can ever compare to University of Jamestown. I am so thankful for the experiences I have had here and for the relationships I have built that will continue through my lifetime. It is such a cliché to say, “these are the best years of our lives” …but they truly are.

It is such an honor to be a student at University of Jamestown, and I will be an even prouder alum come May. Though these two years went by much faster than I had hoped and imagined, nothing will ever beat being a Jimmie!!

#RollJims

By Madison Solwey

1. Try. That’s all you have to do is put in a little bit of effort. In your classes, relationships, studies, or going outside of your comfort zone. Try new clubs and intramurals. If a campus organization even mildly peeks your interest, try it out. Go to a sporting event or cafeteria by yourself because you will meet people. You get out of it what you put into it. If you are trying to make friends or just want to check out something new, you are making an effort and that is all that matters.
   
2. Procrastination is NOT your friend. I was a major procrastinator in high school, and even though I managed to scrape by, I brought so much anxiety and stress upon myself. College is a whole other playing field. Even if writing that Freshman Comp paper is the last thing on your mind, do it anyways. You will feel so much better once it is done. Putting off a giant presentation until the night it is due will only cause you pain and suffering. Work on things a little bit at a time to ensure you are getting the maximum quality that you can out of yourself.
   
3. Manage Your Time. Getting a planner or monthly calendar to hang on your wall will help you out tremendously. Schedule everything that you believe to be important. That includes homework, clubs and activities, social outings, and even some down time. The last thing any of us college students need is to burn out. There will be too many things going on to be stressed. Having a planner will not only keep you more organized, but it will help keep your mental health in check. With less stress and more organization, you will be so much better off.

For those who may be new to the University of Jamestown this fall, feel free to use the virtual tour!

Click on each building on the interactive map and view a tour of each building and facility on campus!

Click here to find the virtual tour.

Interactive Campus Map

By TIffany Meier

Many people want to experience the world, but do not know the first step in approaching the matter.

Studying abroad is an option that all students have an opportunity for, but are just unsure of where to start. I should know, I used to be one of them. That all changed when I walked into the Study Abroad office and began planning my trip for the fall semester of 2019. So if you are like me and want to discover other parts of the world, here are a few tips and guidelines to help you along as you embark on your journey.

The first step to figuring out study abroad opportunities is to talk to Lexi Lueck. Lexi is the study abroad counselor at UJ and is full of great information. So make sure to hit her up early in the fall semester and keep going back to her throughout the year. Quit saying “Yeah, I’ll go tomorrow” and just do it already. Ask for options and just sit and talk to her. It may seem extremely overwhelming but remember one step at a time. ALueck@uj.edu .

The second step would be to get your four-year plan done. Attempt to have one semester empty if possible, which sounds impossible depending on your major. If you really want it, you can make it work. If you need help with this go to your advisor or the Registrar’s Office in Taber Hall. They can help you organize your classes and guide you through the best ways to set up your schedule to allow you to study abroad.

Third, really take into consideration all the options Lexi mentions and find the best fit. What works best with your major and other things going on in your life? Should you go in the summer?… a semester?… do an abroad internship? Once you decide the best time to go for you then start looking at the different programs Lexi mentioned.

The fourth step is to talk with Financial Aid and figure out the cost for the programs. Some programs are expensive and may seem overwhelming at first. By talking with the Financial Aid office you’ll be able to find a sense of comfort and maybe even some answers to the questions you don’t quite understand. The Financial Aid program is absolutely phenomenal on our campus. I spent many afternoons with them and exchanged many emails during my application process. You would be surprised by how many people are willing to support you through a study abroad trip. I speak from personal experience here.

The fifth part I am recommending is to make sure you pay attention to the application process. You do not want to miss out on a program because they filled up or you missed the date to send your confirmation payment in. Really try to stay on the ball and work ahead. Again Lexi is a great resource to have. She offers great advice and will help you take things one step at a time, if you ask her to send you a reminder she definitely will.

If you absolutely cannot make any of these study abroad options work, definitely consider taking one of the classes that offers traveling. There are many different options with this; a biology class goes to Canada every summer, nursing goes to Kenya every year, foreign language classes go on trips often, and band and choir go on international trips every few years. These are just a few of the many options for traveling from being in a class. You do have to pay extra to take these classes, but they work really well with a busy major.

Overall, any major can study abroad at some point because there really are so many different options. If you manage to graduate from the University of Jamestown without getting out of the country, you must have tried exceptionally hard. Get out of your comfort zone and go see the world!