Zoie Lowe ’22
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
College of Communication
Hometown: Greentown, IN
Why did you transfer to Butler University?
Originally, I applied to Butler as a high school senior, but I did not get accepted. From a very young age I had always wanted to go to Butler because I have a brother who also went to there, so my family and I visited him frequently. I remember visiting campus and just being there felt like home to me, even at such a young age. When I was in high school my family and I would go to Butler basketball games and that feeling of “home” when I was on campus still remained. Although I did not get accepted my first time around, I decided to re-apply to Butler after my first semester of freshman year because I knew that Butler was where I was meant to be.
What extracurriculars have you participated in? What sparked your interest to join?
I am currently involved in Greek life (a member of Alpha Chi Omega), an executive member of Butler Ambassadors for Special Olympics (BASO), a Butler Student Orientation Guide (SOG), and a member of the club Dawgs Serving Dogs. I became interested in Greek Life because I knew that it would be a great way for me step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and help others through service. I decided to join BASO and hold an executive position because I have always had a passion for working with those who have disabilities. I have an older brother, Zack, who was diagnosed with Autism when he was around 18-months-old. The way Zack can light up any room that he enters and not let negativity ruin his spirit is inspiring.
I decided to become a Butler SOG because I saw it as another great leadership opportunity, as well as a way to show incoming students why I love Butler and why it is an awesome school full of amazing people. Lastly, I decided to join Dawgs Serving Dogs because I love animals and saw this club as a great way to volunteer and raise money for the local humane society.
What hands-on learning experiences have you had and/or what internships have you completed?
I have not completed any internships or hands-on learning yet. However, through Butler’s Communication Sciences Disorders clinical practicum, in the near future I will get the opportunity to experience working in a clinic and provide therapy to people in the community. This is something that is very unique about Butler’s CSD program and I am very excited for the experience and skills that I will gain from it.
What is your favorite thing about Butler?
My favorite thing about Butler is how everyone cares. The professors only want what is best for their students and are always there to help them succeed. Along with this, the students at Butler care too. Throughout my time at Butler, I noticed a sense of community. Whether it’s holding the door for someone they don’t know or looking out for one another, the people of Butler truly care and are considerate of each other.
What is the most unique experience you’ve had while attending Butler?
I think that the most unique experience that I have had while at Butler was transferring at the start of my spring semester of freshman year. It was very hard for me to adjust and there were times when I called my parents a lot throughout the week crying and I would often go home on the weekends. Everyone else was already well-adapted to the school and atmosphere, while I had no idea what to expect. Although it was a difficult change for me, what kept me going was how caring everyone is at Butler. I was blessed with amazing roommates that were always there for me and were the first people to show me around campus and help me find where my classes were—they are now my best friends. At the time I was a Biology major and was struggling with it, but my then advisor, professors, and the Center for Academic Success and Exploration were incredibly uplifting and helpful for me. Everyone cares for each other at Butler and there is a special feeling of community here.
What tip(s) do you have for incoming transfer students?
One big tip that I have for transfer students is to put yourself out there. When I transferred, it was during the spring semester, so clubs had already began and it was hard for me to get involved. However, I made it a priority of mine to attend the block party at the beginning of the fall semester so that I could find what clubs interested me and go to call-out meetings for them. I think that it is also important to be open to change. I came into Butler as a Biology major and thought I had my life figured out. After a few months, I realized that I did not enjoy being a Biology major and I found myself under a lot of stress. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, my strength was not Biology and it took me awhile to realize that and I didn’t want to at first. I decided to take an Exploratory class my first semester of sophomore year and it was probably the one of best things that I could have done for myself. With the help of my professor in that class, I was able to continue to learn my strengths and weaknesses, and how to better develop my strengths.