The Greatest of Small Gifts

There are many people who cannot even begin to fathom why a person would choose to go to a small college. Let alone a small college…in a small town…in a small state. When I first began my college search, however, I knew I wanted to go against this norm and attend a school that was smaller in size.

The right decision for me

As I reflect on my past two years of being a student at the University of Jamestown, I can definitely say that I made the right decision about college. I have discovered the many advantages of going to a small school.

If I had to choose two advantages in particular though, they would be the countless opportunities that I have been given to help me grow as an individual, as well as the relationships the University has allowed me to form with others.

The opportunity to grow

While college is indeed a time of growing in knowledge, I also believe that it is a time in which one grows as an overall person. Through participating in the wide variety of activities and organizations we have on campus, I have been able to grow as an overall person.

Participating in these activities and organizations has not only taught me leadership skills, but it has also taught me the importance of using the gifts that God has given me to selflessly serve him and those around me.

Forming relationships

In addition to being given wonderful opportunities for growth at the University of Jamestown, I have also been able to form relationships with students, staff, and faculty that I know will last a lifetime.

To this day, I still remember the phone calls and text messages that I received from my admissions counselor, Alyson, during high school. I remember one day in particular where Alyson called me just to see how I was doing. It was through my conversations with Alyson that I first came to the realization that the University of Jamestown valued relationships.

I will also never forget the time in which I stopped by the office of one of my professors to ask her a quick question. That quick question ended up turning into a long conversation about the goals and dreams that I have for my future, as well as the struggles I face as a college student.

There have been numerous times in which professors and staff members have told me they are praying for me. I will forever cherish the moments I have been able to have coffee in the Java Hut with my friends, and eat in the cafeteria with my peers. I am a strong believer that God has placed each and every person in my life for a reason. I thank Him for the classmates, peers, and professors that He has allowed to be a part of my journey at UJ.

Small school. Big opportunities.

Yes, the University of Jamestown is a small school. It may not be located in a big city or have unfamiliar faces roaming around, but that is what makes it special. The University of Jamestown focuses on the growth of its students, as well as equipping those students to give back to their community. Some of the best gifts really do come in small packages.