Intended Major
Biology
Extracurricular Activities
Timmy Global Health, SOG, Kappa Alpha Theta, Undergraduate Research, Biology Club
Hometown
Plainfield, IN
High School
Plainfield High School
Expected Grad Date
May 2018
Favorite Spot on Campus
Hinkle Fieldhouse!!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to work in a science related field, whether that be research, teaching, or medical practice. I simply hope in whatever I do, I utilize my strengths, help others, and find happiness.
What’s been your favorite course at Butler so far and why?
Tropical Field Biology! In TFB lecture, I learned about coral reef ecosystems (my favorite of all the ecosystems). Then, over Spring Break, our class traveled to San Pedro, Belize to snorkel the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Being able to fully immerse myself in the reef and see the ocean life I had been studying all semester was unforgettable. Additionally, I learned about the severe anthropogenic effects humans have on coral reef survival. With the coral reef systems quickly falling victim to human induced climate change, it is my responsibility to spread the preventative knowledge I have gained from the TFB course. I frequently talk about coral reefs, bleaching, and subsequent consequences to my friends, family, and classmates in hope that someone hears.
What is it like to be a part of the Butler Community?
The Butler Community is home. At home, you have people who care about you and want you to succeed. The Butler Community is no different. Every member of our community, be it a professor, classmate, friend, or peer, wants each student to have success by their own definition. I find my most comforting communities lie in Butler Student Ambassadors and Kappa Alpha Theta. Each organization is composed of uplifting, positive people that genuinely care about my well being. They take interest beyond the normal surface level conversation and actively participate in being a true member of my community of caring friends.
How will your Butler experience help you after graduation?
As a Butler student, I have learned to believe in myself. I am worthwhile, smart, unique, and should not be forgotten. Over the past four years, with the help of my professors, classmates, and friends, I have gained an incredible amount of self confidence. As an educated woman, I understand I am privileged and I have a great deal of power. It is my responsibility to take this knowledge with me after graduation and put it to use for the good of others. The strength that being a Butler Bulldog has given me will stay with me for the rest of my life. If I can only be proud of one choice I ever made, I made a really good one with Butler University.
What’s your favorite memory of your Butler experience, so far?
I hate to say it, but I peaked freshman year when my pledge class won First-Year Skits. All of the collaboration, creativity, late nights, patience, and struggles that went into constructing the skit paid off in that moment. It was the first time our pledge class really got to know, understand, and appreciate one another and from those practices, countless friendships formed. I recall looking around at the women surrounding me knowing that they were going to impact my life. I had no idea how right I was going to be.
What were your primary factors in making your college decision?
I am simple. I only required two things from a university. I needed small class sizes and something more than a diploma to be proud of after graduation. Fortunately, Butler was exactly that. As a senior in high school, I sat in on a class and at the end talked with the biology professor. He was very kind, interested in what I had to say, and said he hoped to see me in class next fall. I immediately felt comfortable in the classroom and sensed that I would absolutely succeed in this environment. Next, Hinkle Fieldhouse and Butler Basketball captured my attention. Standing mid court in Hinkle Fieldhouse, you can feel the spirit. You can almost hear the faint echo of cheering fans and the sound of the buzzer as the winning shot drains in the the bucket. Hinkle magic does not die. Hinkle magic is that something extra that I know I will always be proud of.
What makes you most proud to be a Bulldog?
I am proud to be a part of the Butler History Book. 162 years ago, a small Christian University opened its doors to any man and any woman of any color who sought education. That mindset has not ceased. Every student on this campus has a dream, a goal, a life aspiration that they seek to achieve through their education here at Butler. Despite working towards their personal goals, Butler students never hesitate to help a peer. Butler students understand that a campus community environment far surpasses an individualistic driven University. We work much better together than apart and when one of us succeeds, we all succeed.
What does the Butler Way mean to you?
As we all know, The Butler Way demands commitment, denies selfishness, and accepts reality, yet seeks constant improvement while promoting the good of the team above self. When I hear the meaning behind the Butler Way, I cannot help but reflect on the friendships I have made at Butler. My friends are fiercely loyal. They encourage me to face my fears, challenge myself, and they reassure me by reminding me of my own strengths. They would drop anything to help me if I needed it and they continually put the good of our friendship above the good of any situation. Because we are all Butler students, I think the Butler Way subconsciously acts within us and it will forever as long as we live.