Bernardo (Bernie) Leal Sierra
Intended Majors: International Business and Spanish
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana (but born and raised in Monterrey Nuevo León, Mexico)

What were you involved in during high school?
Throughout high school, I was involved in student government, Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Pave the Path Youth Leadership Summit, Interact Club, Law Club, and many other fun activities.

 How did you first hear about Butler, and what made you choose to go here?
I first heard about Butler at a college fair at my high school. While Butler did not start as my first choice, every time I came to campus—whether it was for a visit, Open House, or Blue Scholars Day—I kept falling in love with everything Butler had to offer. A tight-knit community, great education, and an environment I knew I could thrive in were the reasons I became a Bulldog.

What do you hope to get involved with on campus?
I am hoping to get involved with the Latino Student Union along with musical groups to expand my horizons. I am also a part of the Morton-Finney Diversity Scholars Program, and I am excited to see what I learn and what I can dive into with the program.

What are you looking forward to most while being a student at Butler?
What I’m looking forward to most at Butler is the chance to give back to the community. When I was searching for colleges, it was important to me that the school had a strong mission of service, along with quality education and a variety of opportunities, and Butler checked all those boxes. After seeing how Butler already supports the surrounding community, I knew it was the right place for me.

 What advice would you give to other students starting their college search?
The best piece of advice I could give any student entering the college search is to find a place that takes your breath away and makes you feel like time stops for a moment. When you feel that way, you will know you have found the right place. And also start applying for scholarships early!