Alyssa Smith
Major: Psychology and Spanish
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Butler’s Honors Program provides unique opportunities, fosters a sense of community, and helps to create lifelong learners. Meet Alyssa, a Butler Honors student who has met new people and gained valuable experience through the Honors Program.
What has been the best part about being an Honors Student at Butler?
The Honors Program has so many things to offer, and I have been able to play many roles in the Honors program through being a student, working in the office, and being on the Student Honors Council—which all have given me amazing experiences. One of the best parts about being an Honors student is the opportunity to take fun and engaging classes outside of my major. I have gotten to learn a lot about interesting topics that I would not have had the opportunity to engage in otherwise. Through these classes and Honors community events, I have had the privilege of being able to meet so many different Honors students. Beyond that, being able to do a senior thesis has been a great experience for me to be able to participate in research and gain the opportunity to present my research at a conference. The skills that I have learned in the Honors program are definitely something that I will take with me through graduate school and my future endeavors as it has taught me to think more critically and dive deeper into topics that are interesting to me.
Which Honors Program faculty member has inspired you the most and why?
Dr. Carter has played such an integral role in my Butler Honors experience. I had Dr. Carter for my First-Year Seminar—Women Writing the World—and Dr. Carter took the time to get to know me and help me grow both as a student and as a person. Dr. Carter taught me how to identify issues, big and small, that impact women in societies around the world and empowered myself and my peers to be able to advocate for issues that are important to us. Dr. Carter embodies what it means to be a strong woman and an advocate for others which has motivated me to do the same. I would not be where I am now at Butler without Dr. Carter and I feel so lucky to have had her as a mentor these past few years.
What advice would you give someone who is considering joining Butler’s Honors Program?
In Honors, it is not about being the smartest or the best at something you do. Honors has something for everyone and will add so much value to your undergraduate experience. You will have the opportunity to take fun classes, attend Honors community events, and participate in research for your thesis, all which prepare you for your future. Honors is a great way to meet new people and learn about things that you may not have the chance to learn about in your other classes. I highly recommend joining the Honors Program, even if it seems scary. I promise that myself and so many others have had wonderful experiences in the program, and if you ever have questions, we would love to talk to you!
How would you describe the community in the Honors Program?
The Honors Program is a vibrant community where you have the opportunity to meet so many different people. There are so many things to be a part of and ways to get involved in Honors—whether that is through the Honors society, Student Honors Council, study abroad, Honors community events, or just hanging out in the office. The Honors faculty want to get to know you and want to help you thrive, which makes the community even more beneficial for student success.