Kate and Cameran met for the first time in 2024 at Butler’s Pre-College Programs (formerly BU: BeReal). They were assigned as camp roommates and developed a fast friendship as they both planned to study neuroscience.
After staying connected over the summer and throughout their college decision-making processes, they are now Butler first year students and roommates once again. Both Kate and Cameran credit Pre-College Programs as instrumental in shaping their visions of the college experience.
Kate Norrod ’29
Major: Neuroscience
Valparaiso, IN
Cameran Paxton ’29
Major: Neuroscience and Psychology
Pennville, IN
What did you learn about yourselves and your areas of interest through Pre-College Programs?
Kate: This was my first opportunity for independence from my family and hometown in an environment where I didn’t know anyone around me. This forced me to come out of my shell and be social, which was scary at first but caused me to grow a lot as a person. I learned that I could be on my own and thrive.
Cameran: I learned that I am capable of being a leader, and I really stepped into that idea during camp. In terms of my interests, the colleges that we previewed and the activities we did were fun, but since they did not have anything to do with my major of neuroscience per se, the previews of the colleges we went to reinforced my idea of pursuing neuroscience.
What were some of your favorite interactive/hands-on experiences during camp and why?
Kate: While there were no neuroscience or psychology classes at Pre-College Programs, I did get to try other areas that I surprisingly enjoyed, such as marketing. The “classes” felt like a trial-run for college of sorts and I got to explore topics I had no previous exposure to. For example, I had a lot of fun in the marketing/strat-comm class with Dr. Carter, which I wouldn’t have taken as a neuroscience major.
Cameran: One of my favorite activities was when we got divided into groups and followed a chef’s step by step instructions to make tacos. All the activities we did were fun, but this one almost invoked more creativity and freedom in me. Plus, it involved food.
What did you think about attending college before coming to Butler’s Pre-College Programs, and how did this camp shape your view of college now?
Kate: I knew I wanted to attend college, but as the oldest child in my family, I felt kind of in the dark about everything. The camp gave me a very positive perception of Butler and of college in general.
Cameran: I think I had been pretty set on going to college for a long time, and I knew it was something I was going to do–I just didn’t know where. I was scared of my ability to socialize with so many people, being from such a small town with no diversity. This camp at Butler provided me with the opportunity to socialise and meet so many new people. After camp, I viewed college as something I could conquer instead of fear.
How did Pre-College Programs prepare you to pursue a college degree?
Kate: I got a preview of college life. We lived in the dorms, took classes, ate at the dining hall, etc. which was extremely helpful in learning the social and personal skills needed to succeed in college. It was my first time away from home, sharing a room with someone I didn’t know, and truly being on my own, all of which are necessary to college life.
Cameran: The program I attended was labeled as leadership training, and I believe it did just that. I had been scared of branching out and being myself all my life. At this camp, I embraced being a little bit different, and I gained confidence. At the end of camp, I ended up giving a speech about how much the camp meant to me. It is the fact that I did that which surprised me—before camp, I would have never thought myself capable of giving a speech in front of so many people.
What was your biggest takeaway from your Pre-College Program experience as a whole?
Kate: My biggest takeaways: I can thrive in a college environment and Butler is the place I can do that.
Cameran: I felt like I had found a place to flourish and belong. I think I knew by the end of my program that Butler was going to be my number one choice in colleges to go to. It felt so weird to feel so at home at a college that is in the middle of a city, especially when I am from the middle of nowhere.
What advice would you give high schoolers considering an overnight on-campus experience?
Kate: I would recommend anyone to take this experience if you’re able to. It’s incredibly beneficial as far as personal growth – getting out of your comfort zone and gaining college experience has been very helpful for me. It also helps to get a feel of a school beyond just a visit and it was a major factor in my decision to attend Butler.
Cameran: Do it. It will be an experience you will never forget. It is so eye-opening and everyone is just as wanting to meet new people as you are. For me, I worried about the money I was spending to be at the program, I almost didn’t go because of that. But I am so glad I did, everything was worth it. And most importantly, I met some really cool people who I still talk to and meet up with. Take the leap, overcome your fears, go to a pre-college program. You won’t regret it!