Imagine being surrounded by people who can advise, coach, and challenge you to pursue your academic, personal, and professional goals. People who are always there for you no matter the detours or alternate routes you may take along the way. At Butler, mentorship extends beyond the classroom to the many student services and centers across campus. 

Daniel Meyers
Director, The Compass Center

How do you empower students and help them achieve their goals?
Working directly with students is the reason I am at The Compass Center and I love the opportunity to help students realize their goals. With our interfaith interns, my goal is to listen to their ideas and vision for programs and partnerships and then strategize on how to make it happen. I see myself as a coach in this way, to encourage them with the ideas they have. With all of our student groups, we want to empower students to be creative, thoughtful, and create new ways to form relationships, build empathy, and help others learn about religious and secular identities.

What is the most rewarding part of working with and mentoring students?
For me, it’s problem solving. We often run into a challenge when trying to build a new idea that will bring new people into the room for a conversation, encounter, or experience. Working through the challenge to re-design, try again, or start with fresh thinking is where I see students really grow. In most cases, a new approach will be taken and I see how proud students are of their own grit and ingenuity. When I sit down to talk with a student and they share a challenge or problem, I know there is great potential for something new to form and I love the opportunity to join them in that work.

What advice would you give a prospective student who’s considering Butler University?
There is a vibrant community here that is always changing, and it changes as a result of student creativity, student leadership, and student involvement. If you are wondering what your purpose is in getting a college education or who you will become after you graduate, come to Butler to find out. There are so many opportunities to identify passions, make an impact, and create new relationships. 

Jenna Burd
Sophomore
Marketing and Entrepreneurship and Innovation double major
Sacramento, California

How has Daniel Meyers encouraged, inspired, or influenced you?
Daniel has inspired me by giving me the space to make my visions come to life as the Community Interfaith Engagement intern this semester. He is an encouraging leader but also is great at sorting out specific details to make sure things are done right.

Above the boss-employee relationship, I’ve enjoyed getting to know Daniel personally and allowing him to guide me through my personal faith journey. He is very approachable when it comes to personal questions about spirituality. He is also very knowledgeable about how to guide people to find beliefs and values that truly empower them.

How have the resources offered by The Compass Center helped you succeed as a student? 
I am a member of Hillel, an Jewish-life organization on Butler’s campus. Through them, I’ve found a community of like-minded individuals that will serve as friends for life.

Why did you choose Butler?
I chose Butler because I had a gut feeling that I belonged here. Turns out, I was right. I love the small school atmosphere, integrated Greek Life, Bulldog spirit, and the amazing friends I’ve made along the way.