A Journey to Remember
You’d think four years is a long time away from home, from friends, and from family. These last four years have been anything but long. For that, I can thank the University of Jamestown for making my experience here exciting and engaging—time never seemed to stop. I guess time really does fly when you are having fun.
I still remember breaking the news to my family and friends that I was going to North Dakota to attend the University of Jamestown. I was going to earn my degree while playing for the UJ hockey team—a dream come true. At the time, I couldn’t imagine how much this journey would change my life for the better.
When I arrived, I was immediately impressed by the University and its sense of community. From day one, UJ has shown that it cares about me, providing an environment conducive for academic success and athletic achievement.
From the school administration to the staff and faculty, everyone who I have interacted with has always been friendly, supportive, and willing to go the extra mile to help me. I have been especially lucky to have amazing professors who have guided me to success during my time here and have prepared me to succeed in the future. They’ve set me up with internships, helped with applications, and provided me with the advice I needed.
The University has truly become a second home for me. A shout out also goes to my fellow classmates. I have met so many amazing students here. With such driven students wanting to make a difference, organizations and programs on campus flourish, like Samaritan’s Feet and the University Honors Program. With enthusiastic students willing to initiate, engage, and excite, it’s hard not to have fun.
When Coach Stork recruited me to the University of Jamestown Hockey Team, I was thrilled. I was honored to represent the Jimmies on and off the ice with teammates who had the same drive, ambition, and love of hockey. Three years ago, we connected instantly as a group. Every guy on the team brought something special. There was a sense of collective being formed right away.
New faces, a new university, and a new hockey program—that’s a lot of unknowns. As a team, we have faced these unknowns and have come out as a family. It’s not very often you can grow on and off the ice with the same group for four years. Now fast forward three years, we still have sixteen original players, plus new teammates who have instantly become a part of the family.
We have Coach Stork leading us in the charge and our strength and conditioning coach, Coach Ryder, ensuring we have that “dog mentality” down the home stretch. We have gained so many experiences as a group and have made memories for a lifetime.
Thank you to all the guys for making my experience an unforgettable one. In just over a month, we will be on our way to make more memories and battle for a goal we first made four years ago: to WIN a national championship.
When my time at University of Jamestown is complete, I’ll remember the amazing people who influenced my life and made this journey so unforgettable most. They say part of the journey is the end, and I wouldn’t want this journey to end anywhere else or with any other group. Thank you UJ, for an amazing four years!
