By Maggie Erickson

After four years at the University of Jamestown, I’ve learned a lot about myself and grown in ways I never thought I would. My experience has not at all been what I expected going into college, but it has been amazing.

Initial plans
My senior year of high school, I decided to go to UJ where my parents worked as the director of financial aid and the head baseball coach (no, Tom Hager is not like that at home). My initial plan was to major in accounting, someday become a CPA, and lay low while in school.

If you know me, you know that is not at all what’s going on now.

Changing Majors
I am currently double majoring in Graphic Design and Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. I did keep an Accounting minor and added Character in Leadership to the list as well.

New Activities
During my time at UJ, I’ve been involved in chapel choir, concert choir, Relay for Life, Alpha Chi, Omicron Delta Kappa, CIL, student senate, and probably a few other clubs or organizations that I’m forgetting. I’ve made great friendships, gotten to do things I love, travelled to Italy, gained amazing connections, and expanded my knowledge in a lot of different areas in the past four years.

Character in Leadership
During my senior year of high school, my mom convinced me to apply for the Wilson Scholarship (which I was not about at the time), where I ended up meeting Liz Hunt who convinced me to join the Character in Leadership program – probably the best decision of my life thus far. I also ended up winning the Wilson, so I guess mom was right about that one – shout out to Judy Hager for that and everything else she’s right about.

I honestly believe the Character in Leadership program is one of the best things this school has to offer; I have learned so much about myself and my beliefs in the past four years that I probably would not have explored otherwise. I have made wonderful friendships that started within the CIL program. I’ve also made numerous friendships through other campus organizations and classes that will all stick with me.

Why UJ is Unique
University of Jamestown has allowed me to get involved in things I care about and pursue a field of study that I’m passionate about. After deciding to switch majors, I thought I was going to have to transfer, but Mike Woodley convinced me otherwise. As you can tell, a lot of what I’ve done at UJ has been a result of other people convincing me to do things. The people at UJ are not afraid to get involved in your life and help out in any way they can, and that is unique and wonderful.

I’ve also had the chance to be taught by amazing professors like Liz Hunt, Mary Reed, Mort Sarabakhsh, Amie Aesoph, Chris Hoke, Teddi Jo Paulson, Vicki Greshik, and many others. There are far too many people at this school that have had a great impact on my life to name. My favorite thing about my experience at UJ by far has been the people I’ve met and gotten to know. The people at the University of Jamestown have taught me so much in and outside the classroom. I’ve gained connections with professors, staff members, and fellow students that will stay with me and continue to help me grow throughout my life.

The influence that University of Jamestown can have on a student like myself is great, it is memorable, it is beautiful, and it is important.