Meant to Be
As I toured various college campuses, I can still hear myself saying, “This is nice. I could maybe like it here.” Then I visited Jamestown, and I knew I was home. I felt an instant click—looking back, I can’t picture doing college anywhere else. University of Jamestown has brought me some of the best teammates, coaches, friends, and professors I could have ever asked for.
Jamestown has been home for these past four years; it’s helped me grow in ways I never could have imagined.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Four years of soccer under the famous Coach Becker has forged a bond with many of my teammates—one I’m sure we will never lose. There’s something about a preseason full of 3-a-days that tends to burn into your brain. I can’t forget the fitness tests on the track that end with a sprint up the hill, just because Coach walked down and “thought it looked fun.”
I will forever cherish the long bus trips with their spontaneous karaoke and shenanigans, the numerous team adventures. I will even miss running X’s for punishment (maybe when the pain isn’t so fresh).
All jokes aside, this program has shown me what true passion and drive looks like. I will forever be proud of my teammates and the blood, sweat, and tears we’ve shed for this program (I’ve had my fair share of bloodstained white jerseys).
Coach Jack and Coach Becker, thank you for all you do. You have truly helped shape me into the person I am today.
What being a Jimmie means to me
To me, a Jimmie is well-rounded. Being a Biology major, the majority of my classes are in the sciences. Before coming to UJ, I decided to apply for their leadership program. Joining this program has allowed me to meet students from all different majors and activities. Most importantly, it’s been a program that has made me think and reflect in ways that I never would have within my major courses.
Jimmies give back. One of my favorite things about UJ is our relationship with the community. When the city was being threatened with flooding this past fall, we volunteered as a team to help. There were numerous students, teams, staff, and faculty that were out helping the community prepare. This to me is special; our UJ community extends far past our campus.
Lastly, a Jimmie is PROUD to be a Jimmie. I love being part of something that is so clearly bigger than myself. Our UJ community supports each other, whether that be in the arts or athletics. We truly have a one-of-a-kind culture here.
As I approach graduation this spring, I will have to come to terms with the fact that I’ll be leaving Jamestown behind. I know moving away from my best friends and teammates won’t be easy. However, I take comfort in the fact that UJ has helped prepare me for the real world. The instant I set foot on this campus, I knew it was meant to be.
Once a Jimmie, always a Jimmie.
