There Are No Limits

Mar 19, 2021
By Emma Bennett

Sir Jimmie Blog

  • Friendships
  • New Experiences
  • Theatre
  • Growing
  • Community

Emma Bennett posing with a friend in front of a sign that says: Caution, speed bumps ahead.

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.

Emma Bennett posing with a friend in costume for a play.

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.

Emma Bennett selfie with a friend.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.

Emma Bennett posing with Neil Patrick Harris's star on the sidewalk.

Emma Bennett posing with a group of masked friends.

Emma Bennett on stage in a play.

Emma Bennett on stage in a play.

Emma Bennett on stage in a play.

Emma Bennett posing with friends, in their choir uniforms, in a church.Emma Bennett on stage in a play.

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