By Veronica Askew

On a sunny day in October of 2016, I got the call that I had been accepted to the University of Jamestown.

Four and a half years later, I am now completing my final classes as a Jimmie and preparing to step into the real world.

My time at UJ has been filled with endless adventures, late-night study sessions, and too many laughs to count. Most importantly, there have been many lessons that I have learned about what it means to be Jimmie, as well as what it takes to be a kind, compassionate, and overall well-rounded individual.

Looking back, there are four pieces of advice that helped me navigate life as a college student and will guide me once my time at the University of Jamestown has ended.

1. Do not throw away the chance you have to learn new things.

One of the first things I learned upon my arrival at UJ was that opportunities to learn new things are around every corner. With every new class and every passing semester, I learned more about the history of the world and what it truly takes to be a teacher in the 21st century. The lessons I learned while in college are some of the most important, as they have built the foundation for my future career. Overall, I would urge all incoming college students to jump at the chance at learning new things and to learn as much as you possibly can while at UJ—even though it may feel overwhelming while you are a student, as a graduate you will come to appreciate all the things you learned in college.

2. Do not throw away your opportunity to ask for help.

Another piece of advice I have learned is the importance of asking for help. I learned very quickly that the easiest way to succeed in college is by working hard and asking for help when you need it. In fact, asking questions can be the fastest way of showing your professors that you truly care about succeeding in their classes. Not only is knowing how to ask for help essential in a college environment, but it is also an important skillset to have as one prepares to enter adulthood. Sure, it may seem difficult or even intimidating to take that step of reaching out for help, but once you do, asking for advice or support becomes that much easier. Therefore, I urge current and future Jimmies to practice asking for advice or support and to never feel that they are infringing upon someone else’s time or space by asking for help.

3. Do not throw away your shot to make lifelong friends.

One of the greatest lessons that I will take away from UJ is friendship. Since campus is such a small, tight-knit community, I was able to get to know a lot of people in a very short amount of time. I love that I know a lot of the incoming freshmen class every year and that I keep in touch with friends who have long since left UJ. Even though I became an introvert during my college career, I was never deterred from making friends. In fact, I can say with the utmost certainty that I have made several lifelong friends who I know will celebrate with me during life’s biggest moments and will be there to pick me up on the days when I am feeling low. Although I may not be able to see many of my friends as often once I graduate, it brings me comfort to know that the friends I made at UJ will always be there for me. Thus, when given the opportunity to meet new people, jump at the chance, because you never know when you will find friends that become your family.

Veronica Askew posing with a friend.4. Do not throw away your chance to find who you truly are and what you want to do in life.

The last piece of advice that I believe is essential to guiding students through college and beyond is to not throw away the chance to figure out exactly who you are. College is the time to explore your passions and figure out what career path you want to take. For me, being a teacher was the course I always knew I would follow. It was not until after I began my journey at UJ that I knew History Education was my true path forward. With the help of many professors in both the Education and History Departments, my future became clear, and I have realized with a great sense of certainty that this is the path I am meant to walk. Therefore, take advantage of the chance to find what you want to do in life in order to become who you truly are.

If you would have told the seventeen-year-old version of me that by the time of graduation in May of 2021 I would have experienced as much laughter, stress, anxiety, tears and fun as I have, I would not have believed it. Now, with a little over three months until I receive my diploma, I am extremely grateful for every new experience that I have had throughout my time at UJ.

Even more important and memorable are the lessons I have learned throughout my time as a Jimmie. I guess all that is really left to say is, I did not throw away my shot!

Photo: Courtesy CW

By Matt Thompson

Batwoman season 2 premiered Sunday January 17th on the CW.

After the departure of Australian actress Ruby Rose, TV Executives were at a loss on what to do moving forward.

Ruby Rose played Kate Kane from DC Comics as the main character and hero of Batwoman season 1. Following her appearance in the “Elseworlds” crossover between The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl, the CW brought Kate Kane into the mix of shows.

While many fans disliked Rose’s adaptation of Kate Kane, many sources had Batwoman listed has one of the CW’s top shows.

The biggest problem going into season 2, was how could they fill that role?

In the big “Crisis on Infinite Earths” Crossover, Rose’s character, Kate Kane, became the Paragon of Courage, even meeting fan favorite Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy from Batman the animated series (BTAS). Many fans thought this was a waste of time now, after all the love this scene got.

Shortly after Rose’s departure the CW announced they would cast a completely new character to star in the role with the name “Ryan Wilder.” She would still be a lesbian in the series; however, she could be any ethnicity.

Batwoman writers eventually cast African American actress Javicia Leslie to play Ryan WIlder. Wilder was not a character in the comics, however since DC Comics is constantly releasing new comics, they decided to continue with Batgirl, instead of moving it over to Future State like the rest of the heroes. This allowed them to introduce Ryan Wilder in the new Batgirl comic, Batgirl #50. This was done, so she could be introduced in the comics before her live action adaptation.

Her comic book character was shown as a drug-runner who is likable, messy, and silly. While she does have a big heart, she would steal if necessary. She gives off a Jason Todd feel, after stealing hubcaps from the Batmobile.

In her live action debut, she lives out of her van, and has the same training in martial arts, but her origin story is changed to fit the show. She is looking to get revenge for her mother after she finds Kate Kane’s Batsuit.

With Luke Fox (played by Camrus Johnson) and Mary Hamiliton (Nicole Kang) resenting her using the batsuit, fans were skeptical of the dynamic, but overall thought it has potential.

In my opinion, there is a long way to go as far as chemistry goes, but it looks like they will get there sooner than later.

By Jack Talley

Upon coming to UJ, I had no idea what to expect.

I knew one other guy and the basketball coach. After a few weeks, I was able to make a few friends from classes and as well as from being involved as much as I could around campus. I realized that UJ was the place for me.

Coming from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a city a bit bigger than Jamestown, I did not know how I would adjust to the “small town” feel. As time passed, I grew to love it.

Before coming here, my vision of college was always a large university with all the people I went to high school with—much different than how it was here. But I would never change that. I think that coming to UJ has helped me focus on my studies and become the best student I can be. My professors have always been willing to talk to me about my classes and provide me with the extra help I’ve needed to make sure I was successful. This support helped me realize that school is very important and made the classes much easier for me to enjoy.

Playing basketball here is something I would not trade for anything. Like I said, not having any connections at first made me nervous. Playing basketball put me into the Jimmie family more than anything ever could. With basketball, I have made the best friends that I have ever had in my life—people that I know I can count on to be there for me. With basketball, it is like a brotherhood, and being able to compete with your best friends is the coolest thing I can imagine.

If I had to pick my favorite thing about UJ, it would be the community that is the Jimmie family. As a Jimmie, you know that there are a ton of people that are out there supporting you and wishing you the best. Getting to know all the students, and even working on campus over the summer, has given me memories that I will never forget.

To wrap it up, I think that coming to the University of Jamestown is the best decision that I have ever made. GO JIMMIES!

By Nate Holmes

If I had to title the chapter of my life that began at UJ, I would title it “Hold Fast, Stay True”.

I come from a rough, humbling neighborhood in Miami, Florida. My vision of the world was very narrow before my time here at UJ. My desire for more, paired with what I believe to be an opportunity from God, is honestly what prompted me to come all the way out to North Dakota.

Prior to coming here, I had never envisioned myself way in North Dakota, let alone playing football here. I had never even seen snow before now. I came here with expectations that have been tested since my first steps on campus.

I had this notion that God had finally set me up to win easily. I was sadly mistaken.

I got here, and the world as I knew it immediately flipped upside down. My faith and trust in God were tested like never before. I couldn’t believe the things I was experiencing. Football was just something I’d never been a part of, my grades were at an all-time low, and I missed my family like crazy.

The bible speaks a lot about long suffering.

We forget that suffering is a part of this life, but you have to get through it. I found true mentorship here with Coach Mistro, Coach Ryder and Chaplin Candace. Those three have been my rock and my brothers, like Cedric Terry has been my family. They taught me to hold fast to the process and stay true to my assignment.

My campus ministry team has also been a light in my life, and I am forever grateful for them. UJ has afforded me the opportunity to meet people who truly care for the well-being of the next man. I found my extended family here. I am forever indebted to UJ for it.

By Allison Galbreath

During Freshman Convocation, former UJ President, Dr. Badal, told us that we will often hear to cherish our college years, because they are meant to be our best years—but that we should look forward to the future because our best years will often come later in life.

While I hope to have many amazing years to come, I can say without a doubt that my years at the University of Jamestown have been the best so far.

Why UJ?

I chose UJ for many reasons, one of them being the fact that UJ let me explore all of the things I was interested in. In many larger schools, I would be forced to choose between academics, theater, volunteering, and campus ministry, but UJ gave me the opportunity to participate in all of the things I am passionate about and find an inner peace as all of my passions came together. This peace allowed me to not only learn more about myself, but accept God’s call into pastoral ministry.

Finding my place

Like most freshmen, I started university with no idea where I was meant to be heading, but during my freshman year, I was able to find clarity and find a group of people who would support and encourage me in my ministry. I also made some amazing friends who have helped me grow and laugh and love every moment. Theater especially has given me the chance to grow and come out of my shell to be a more confident and open person.

This isn’t to say things were never difficult; finding who you are is often a difficult thing. During those times, though, I was able to turn to my mentors, friends, and God for guidance. What I can say with confidence now is that I am a Child of God and I am a UJ Jimmie.

Always have hope

I’d like to leave you with my favorite piece of scripture—a verse that continually inspires me—Psalm 71:14, “As for me, I will always have hope. And I will praise the Lord more and more”. As for me, I have hope in tomorrow. I have hope that there are many more amazing years to come and that we can overcome anything as a community.

By Andrew Reed

I attended the “Tabla: Indian Culture through Drumming” event on Wednesday October 28th to follow up my last article “Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum” and it did not disappoint.

I was greeted by Dr. Kihle at the doors of Voorhees Chapel on campus to a crowd of 6 or 7 students and a dozen more on Zoom. Dr. Kihle, being a percussion expert himself, had brought along with him plenty of different kinds of drums and even his own Tabla for students to try.

Dishant Thakkar, the keynote speaker, was projected on the large screen at the head of the chapel playing his own Tabla for all of us to hear for a couple of minutes before the actual event would begin. Thakkar was wonderful and it was amazing to see how many different sounds he could make with just two drums, which he would also explain how to do later.

Thakkar began the event by explaining who he was and the journey of his life that brought him to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he currently resides. We (the audience) then followed a presentation that Thakkar made on Indian culture, diversity, misconceptions and influence on the rest of the world. “It was cool to hear all this new information from somebody who has lived in both cultures (U.S. and Indian).”, said Benjamin Weaver, an attendee of the event, “I really enjoyed it.”

Thakkar finished his presentation with explaining the history, genres and parts of the Tabla drums. Then, the audience got a hands-on beginner’s lesson on how to play the Tabla drums. Thakkar walked the audience through a beginner song called Teen Taal which is meant for learning how to keep a rhythm on the drums.

Overall, I would call this event a success for the Look Beyond Committee with around 20 people in attendance on Zoom and in-person who experienced “Tabla: Indian Culture through Drumming.” I want to thank Dr. Kihle for letting me sit in and experience this event myself and I look forward to the next event put on by this Committee.

By Phyllis Bratton

The UJ community has lots of ways to keep up with what’s happening at the library – just join us on a variety of social media platforms! Choose your favorite and find us there:

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/UJRaugustLibrary and follow us on Instagram at @raugustlibrary to find out about the UJ Book Club, upcoming events in the library, new books, the “Let’s Talk About ____” series, and of course, the latest activities of George, Harriet, and Carl.

Subscribe to the Raugust Library YouTube channel to find all sorts of helpful videos on how to search the catalog, start an interlibrary loan request, get to the library website from off campus, and much more.

Raugust Library can be wherever you are – just look us up

By Jasmine Pipella

A clean slate. A blank canvas. A new beginning.

Every euphemism you can think of for four vacant, expansive – dare I say boundless – years that stretch back to the beginning of my journey here at UJ.

I was never completely sure of where I wanted to attend college, and I certainly never thought that small town, North Dakota would be the answer. However, before I knew it, I met Coach Gall, came for a visit on campus, and committed to playing softball at UJ – saying goodbye to all my friends and family back in Canada!

Jamestown soon became my new home. Jamestown is the place where I have developed into my interests and passions. Jamestown is the place where I have found friends and peers that inspire me and support me. I have grown into communities and values that ground me here, rooting me whenever I waver and pushing me forward whenever I need to borrow courage.

The transition into college and living on my own was much easier than expected thanks to my supportive family and the incredible people at UJ. My first year was mainly focused on softball and learning how to balance classes with all things a college sport entails. After an injury and many hours contemplating, I decided it was time to hang up my cleats and transition into keeping myself busy with a plethora of other organizations and activities – all of which have played a role in shaping who I have become over these past four years.

One of the best things that has resulted from my decision to attend UJ is the quality education I have received. I am so thankful for the chemistry department and all of the remarkable professors that have always gone the extra mile to help me succeed, while pushing me to be the very best student and person I could be, even outside the confines of the classroom.

UJ is outpacing me, graduation still over half a year away, but barreling towards me with the horizon of a whole new kind of independence. Just as I feared entering college and learning how to make my own decisions, I fear what it will mean to leave Jamestown and learn, once again, how to move forward on my own.

College has been the most predictably unpredictable time in my life – but I am forever grateful for it.

To all the amazing friends, professors, teammates, and friendly faces that I have crossed paths with over the last four years – Thank you!

By Andrew Reed

The Look Beyond Committee is hosting an event that should excite as much as it will teach.

“Tabla: Indian Culture Through Drum” is a chance to take a step out of the comfort of modern American culture, and into a whole new world through the Indian drum, the Tabla.

“Tabla: Indian Culture Through Drum”, will feature a special guest appearance through Zoom from master Tabla drummer Dishant Thakkar. Dishant will be teaching the basics of playing the Tabla and some history and culture behind the Tabla and India.

I sat down with Dr. Kihle (Assistant Professor of Percussion and Assistant Director of Bands) the moderator of this event, to gain further knowledge of the Tabla, and some insight into what will take place.

“He (Thakkar) is going to teach some Tabla drumming to participants.” Kihle continued with, “The second half is going to be Dishants thoughts and possibly participants thoughts on the interactions between Indian culture and American culture, how somebody from Indian culture experiences this culture and how people in this culture experience people from that culture.”

Dr. Kihle met Mr. Thakkar during both their times at Texas A&M Kingsville and when speaking with the Look Beyond Committee, Kihle brought up that he thought it would be a great opportunity to have Thakkar speak.

During our meeting, Dr. Kihle also added, “I hope that they will get a glimpse inside of a perspective that somebody who’s not from this country, and yet has experienced this country a little bit.”. He continued with, “And honestly, (I hope) they will appreciate what somebody else who’s not just like them is going through.”

The event is open to all students and is being held on Wednesday October 28th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm in the Voorhees Chapel. University of Jamestown COVID-19 protocols will be in place for this event which includes social distancing, masks and sanitizer and wipes.

By Kali Jensen

It was the summer before my senior year in high school when I began my college visits.

I scheduled several visits throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. My vision was set on a huge university in a large city. However, keeping my options open, I had a few smaller colleges and universities scheduled to tour as well.

After each college/university visit, I listed my pros and cons until I visited the University of Jamestown. I walked into Taber Hall, the admission office at the time, and knew right at that moment that the University of Jamestown was the university for me.

I walked in the entrance and saw my name. The smell in the air reminded me of my home church. At that moment of entering Taber Hall, I was overcome by the warm sense of having the feeling of home. I knew this was is where I wanted to receive my education before I even had a tour of the campus.

Moving four and a half hours away from home, I had a lot of emotions heading into the next chapter of my life. I knew this campus would let me continue my passion of elementary education, singing and my love for God.

The language of music
Prior to my Freshmen year at the University of Jamestown, I auditioned for the University of Jamestown’s Concert Choir. My audition landed me as a Soprano Two. I did not know at the time how blessed I was to be part of an amazing, talented group of individuals I would call family. Being a part of this Concert Choir family is an experience of a lifetime. I was blessed to travel to several surrounding towns, several states including the west coast and northeastern area, and internationally spreading our love of music.

Through the language of music, I have learned a lot about my choir family and myself. Each one of us has a unique life path; one of the paths includes music. When each of our individual paths meet, it is as if nothing else exists and we become one.

Music is not my only passion.
Another passion I have is my love of God. I was able to serve on the Worship Design Team for Chapel. As a disciple, I found joy in serving on this team and growing spiritually. This campus team has truly lived up to John 10:27.
“Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

It’s not always easy
My four-year journey on the University of Jamestown campus has been full of fun and excitement, but I would be lying to you if I said it was easy. Moving 300 miles away from home is not easy. Being 300 miles away from all family members is not easy. Moving 300 miles away from home, not knowing anyone, is not easy. All the unknowns are scary and hard. I have made many friends and have surrounded myself with people who encourage me to move onward and upward.

Quotes to live by
My moms push me to do better and be better. Each year, my moms give me a little quote for me to live by. They would send me these quotes in various ways. When in doubt, I recite the encouraging quote of the year. These few words would get me through the week and most often through each day.

Freshmen Year: You Got This!
Freshmen year is full of new things and uncertainty. I was by myself. I did not know anyone. I did not know where anything was on campus. I was new to town. I did not know anything about living on my own. I did not get the whole “college” thing.

I kept telling myself “You got this!” I made friends quickly. I found my way around campus. I asked many questions. I drove around town and found a great spot to watch the sunset at the reservoir. My professors helped me navigate college courses and pushed me to keep going.

Sophomore Year: Eyes on the Prize!
Sophomore year has many distractions. I have many friends. I was in the choir. I was on the Worship Design Team for Chapel. I sought out other campus teams and committees as well. There are many fun things to do on campus. Your time doing fun stuff can quickly consume your time away from studies.

I had to tell myself “Eyes on the prize!” I am at the University of Jamestown to earn a degree in Elementary Education. I needed to figure out how to balance fun, friends and education. With the focus of “Eyes on the prize”, I was able to balance education first and the rest fell into place.

Junior Year: Be the change!
Junior year was the year for change. Returning to college after summer break, I was not the same person. I needed to create and move towards my own path. I needed to be the leader of that path I was paving.

I grew that summer with a positive confidence and strength within myself that separated me from some of my peers. I had to remind myself to “Be the change!” and that it is okay. I began to like who I was starting to become. I had the confidence and ability to help others become the best version of themselves just as I did.

Senior Year: I can!
Senior year, then what? I have a new set of unknowns after graduation.

“I can!” I can move away from Jamestown. I can stay living in Jamestown. I can move back home to Minnesota. I can move where I find a job. I can further my education. No matter what I put my mind to, I can! If I can dream it, I can do it!

I have created many memories within my four years at the University of Jamestown. I have an amazing choir family. I am surrounded with individuals who love God, just as much as I do. I am blessed with Professors I can call friends. I have met several amazing people along the way.

Do not take your college career for granted. This educational experience is something I will never forget. I am excited and nervous for my next chapter in life.

My advice to everyone in any situation is to repeat after me:

You Got This!
Eyes on the Prize!
Be the Change!
I can!