Oh, you’re from Nevada?

“Oh, you’re from Nevada? What made you decide to go to school in North Dakota?” I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked this question in my four years here at UJ! While the standard answer – sports – is simple, the real answer is that I think the University of Jamestown picked me.

My first visit to Jamestown

I remember my first visit to Jamestown as being, well, cold. Coming from northeastern Nevada, I have dealt with snow and temperatures below zero (it’s the high desert) but had never experienced wind so bitter.

I also remember thinking this place was pretty awesome! UJ offered a small school with an exercise science program. I knew I wouldn’t just be a number here; these professors would know my name! I also had a chance to play softball. Everything was great, except the fact that I wouldn’t know a single person, and it was about 1200 miles from home. I’m not really the fearless type, but I decided to be brave and become a Jimmie.

Becoming a Jimmie

Becoming a Jimmie was, without a doubt, the best thing I have ever done. I was lucky enough to end up with great roommates (including Rachel who quickly became a lifelong best friend). I joined numerous clubs and organizations from Senate to Science club and Relay for Life. I cheered on the football team and attended choir performances. I met so many great people and baked a lot of cookies! I participated in many other things that not only made my college experience the best it could be, but also helped me to learn who I was without softball – the sport which had defined me for so much of my youth.

My last year as a Jimmie has easily been one of the craziest, yet one of the best. I chose to be brave once again and run cross country for Coach Clark. Let me be clear here – not only had I never ran cross country before, but I actually had never even ran competitively. Crazy I know, but it was easily one of the most fun things I have ever done. Lots of people enjoy running, but running in North Dakota offers unique challenges – from 80% humidity with 90-degree temps to wind chills of -10.

Looking back on my time here
I look at the girl who came for a visit to UJ four years ago and can see how much I have grown. Not only have I learned a great deal academically, but the range of opportunities and the supportive atmosphere have allowed me to try things without fearing failure. Thanks to UJ, I am now brave enough to take on whatever is next.