By Emma Bennett

When I was a senior at my small high school, I couldn’t wait to graduate and go to a big college.

I had lived in Jamestown almost my entire life, and although I loved growing up here, I was sure that the next step for me would be far, far away.What I missed when I was at a big college

Once I started college at a university out of state, I began to realize that I had taken the best things about a small school for granted. As a freshman, I was paying my dues and taking responsibilities that nobody else wanted, just waiting for my turn to be passionate about what I was doing. I grew increasingly frustrated with my decision to go somewhere that limited me to one, solitary identity: a freshman musical theatre major.

I missed knowing people who were interested in different things than me. I missed performing every chance I got. Above all, I missed being involved and feeling like an important part of what was going on around me. I knew I had the potential to be far more than just that one thing, but I wasn’t sure how to fix it.

Discovering UJ

Eventually, I came home for a visit that happened to coincide with UJ’s fall musical. I was incredibly jealous at how many people got the chance to perform on the Reiland’s beautiful stage. I met some of the students involved in the show and was surprised to learn that they weren’t all theatre majors; they were graphic designers, engineers, nurses, and everything in between. Every single one of them was immersed in and excited about other activities around campus.

I had seen many shows here before, but that experience really helped push me to make the decision to come to UJ; the perfect school for me had been just around the corner all along.

Becoming a part of the campus community

I was so nervous to start classes here. Most people find it difficult to move away for college, but the hardest part for me was coming back to my hometown. I was determined to keep my head down and play the part of the dutiful freshman for the rest of the year, but I was met with such positivity and acceptance that I quickly became a part of the campus community. Since I transferred to UJ, I have become more than I thought possible: a double major (I never would have known I was interested in marketing!), an actor/designer/director, a member of the choir board, and so much more.

I’ve had the opportunity to work multiple jobs, meet so many interesting people, and even help develop a new service organization on campus. I no longer feel defined by one little piece of who I am. There are absolutely no limits to who you can be, and that’s something I learned here.

I came to college hoping to grow and learn and become a better version of myself. UJ has been a wonderful place to do just that. I am so thankful for all the professors, classmates, and friends that have accepted and challenged me along the way, and really made UJ my home.

By Valentino Grasiuso

When you’re born in a third world country, most people don’t even think of the possibility of studying in the United States; it just seems so far from reality.

But, inspired by the dream of playing basketball at a higher level, I decided to take a chance in the land of opportunities when I was only 16.

It was nothing but pure excitement and fun during my exchange year—so much so that I decided to come back for my senior year of high school and try to find a University to attend.

UJ was the first school to give me a chance, and from the moment I opened the first package, I knew it was a good fit. Traveling further north to an even smaller town seemed crazy at the moment, but that’s one of the many lessons that this experience gave me: it doesn’t matter where you are—what matters are the people you are with.

Even though basketball didn’t end up working out, I am grateful for everyone in the program for taking me in and giving me a chance. I realized I was still looking for something bigger. Basketball opened many doors for me, took me to the United States, and now it was time to move on.

I found my spot in the team, not during the year I played, but during the years I didn’t. Being a part of the group in a different role made me realize that sometimes, experiences are meant to take you to a different place, but we shouldn’t be afraid of letting go.

UJ has a very special place in my heart. Throughout my years, I met some of the most incredible people. The ability to stop by your professor’s office to talk about schoolwork or personal endeavors is something you don’t hear from a lot of schools, so I am very grateful I had the chance of learning from the people I did. They not only taught me business, but many life lessons I will carry with me for a long time.

My English wasn’t very good at first. Throughout the years, my friends always worked with me to progressively improve and become part of their culture. An experience like this, being 6000 miles away from home, is not easy. I missed, I doubted, I struggled, but UJ always made me have a positive look on whatever was going on.

For future/current students and alumni, I would say: take risks, do what you love, and embrace discomfort. Life is what you make it, and opportunities seem crazy until they don’t. They say we have two lives; the second one starts when we realize we have only one. UJ helped me start living my second life.

By Jenna Windjue

From the moment I set foot on the University of Jamestown’s campus, I knew where I was going to spend the next four (or more!) years of my life.

I was blown away by the small but beautiful campus and all the resources it had to offer. When I was considering coming to UJ, I reached out to my high school coaches, who had both been Jamestown College graduates. This was the first time that I had heard the UJ community described as “the Jimmie family.”

My coaches went on and on about their wonderful experiences in Kroeze Hall and described so many traditions and memories that made a positive impact on their lives. Their love for UJ was obvious, and I knew that I wanted to be apart of something that would continue to change my life many years after graduation.

Over my last four years at UJ…

I have learned a lot from being a part of this Jimmie family. Besides learning how to cope with enough “unprecedented events” for a lifetime, I have learned to build strong relationships with people who share my same values and ideals. I have been fortunate to surround myself with amazing people who challenge me to be a better person, teacher, and leader every day. It honestly seems like UJ is a magnet for truly amazing people, because the friends I have made at UJ are lifelong friends who have made my time at UJ unforgettable.

The full Jimmie experience at UJ would not be what it is without the unrivaled education from dedicated faculty. Each professor I have had at UJ has made a lasting impact on my life and has taught me so much. I have spent many hours in their offices asking them every question from chemistry to the meaning of life.

Professors at UJ enhance the Jimmie experience, because you get to know them on a more personal level then at any other University. As a future educator myself, I recognize how important these relationships are for a successful education. I am grateful to the faculty and staff at UJ who go above and beyond to ensure that the education we receive here makes us competitive employees and leaders in our future fields.

I take a lot of pride in being a Jimmie. So much so that I am constantly teased by my family for wearing Jimmie apparel… a lot. But I would not have traded my time at UJ for anything. I have loved learning and being in the supportive environment that has shaped me and so many Jimmies before me. I have loved being a member of the Jimmie family, and I look forward to continuing to embrace this unique community for many years to come.

Thank you to every member of the Jimmie family for continuing to support and represent the principles and ideals the University of Jamestown is founded on. It is because of you this university is one of a kind! Go Jimmies!

By Nate Swanson

To say that University of Jamestown was my first choice of college would be a lie.

I actually didn’t even know about UJ until my senior year of high school. I ended up getting an email to participate on the esports team here, and I couldn’t pass up that opportunity. Though Jamestown wasn’t my first choice, I am so grateful to have come here.

Since coming here, I have made many friends and participated in tons of activities. The friends I made here are really like family, and I couldn’t be more grateful than to have met them. Additionally, I really love the closeness of everyone here. Jamestown really offers a kind of connection that you just can’t get at any other college. Whether it’s going to basketball games, or simply studying in the library, you can always find someone you know.

Jamestown also offers tons of activities that I am so happy to be a part of—one of which is theatre. The type of acting we do at University of Jamestown is an experience I never have had before. Before UJ, I had only ever done improv at my local high school. When coming here, I really didn’t know what to expect, and I was surprised in a fantastic way! I have done as many shows here as I could because of the amazing cast and crews that we have here!

I am so grateful to Jamestown for the close relationships and fun activities that I get to do! There really is nothing like it anywhere else.

By Emma Stoehr

August of 2017, I had to finalize my decision on where I wanted to attend school and play basketball.

I called the head coach at the time, Greg Ulland, and told him I was committing to the University of Jamestown. His response to my commitment was the first sign that I was making the right decision.Starting off my freshman year was exciting and nerve racking all at the same time.

I came in only knowing my roommate, and I was five hours away from home. It was very hard to adjust at first moving from a big town (Woodbury, MN) to a smaller town (Jamestown, ND). I also felt like I was the only one that missed home like crazy and was constantly busy with school and sports.

After my first semester, I started to get into the groove of things. I found a good group of friends that created a lot of fun in Kroeze court yard. Also, we attended more sporting events other than our own. Freshman year flew by and in the blink of an eye I am finishing up my last semester as a nursing major. I have learned so many life lessons throughout college and have created so many memories that will stick with me forever.

There are a few things that made Jamestown the right choice for me.

First, I knew I wanted to give basketball a shot my first year of college. This has been such a highlight in my four years of college and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My teammates are like sisters to me and the bound that we have created, especially my senior year, is something special that I will never forget. This team has taught me how to be a better leader and how to be there for someone when it may not be their best day. Also, all the hard practices and time commitment has taught me that not everything in life is going to be easy.

Second, deciding to choose nursing as my major. I started off as a biology major, then exercise science, and finally settled on nursing. Yes, it is okay to not know what you want to major in when you first come to college. Juggling nursing and basketball was definitely stressful and time consuming, however it has taught me time management and multitasking. The nursing faculty is extra special and if I would have met every one of them before choosing this school, this would have determined my major from the start. I never thought I would have the type of relationships with my professors that I do. They personally know me, and you don’t get that type of relationship with professors at a bigger school.

Third, the small class size. I never thought I would attend a college that seemed smaller than my high school. However, this was the best choice for me. I have a nursing class of 18 students. I feel this has allowed me to focus and be committed to being attentive in class. Also, a majority of the students are athletes, so they are able to relate to be a student athlete. I like being able to walk around campus and say hi to a majority of the people I walk by.

Overall, coming to the University of Jamestown has molded me into the person that I am today. I now know what it means to be a Jimmie and I have loved being a part of the Jimmie family.

By Phyllis Bratton

Who doesn’t like getting something for nothing?

In this case, all you need to do is walk over to the Raugust Library lobby and take a look at a book truck full of items you can carry away!

Since we didn’t have our annual book sale last April, our basement is overflowing with gift books that we can’t use and books that we have withdrawn from the collection. So we are GIVING them away!

Every Monday until Spring Break we will be putting out a truck of NEW old books – feel free to take as many as you can carry.

With any luck, we will be able to hold our book sale this spring, starting April 26. This year, all proceeds will go to the local food pantry, and you will also be able to trade food donations for books. More information about this later.

Until then come and browse the freebees.