I know what you’re thinking right now. You have two or three top schools picked out and you’re wondering, “What makes Butler stand out? They are smaller than the rest, they can’t compete in a lot of ways state schools can, but they do have a cute mascot…” Well, my friend, allow me to enlighten you.

Other than Trip, our perfect little canine mascot, Butler has so much to offer. I’m not going to sit here and bore you with statistics on placement rates and program success because let’s be honest, it’s pretty obvious that Butler has academics in the bag. However, Butler has something not many other schools can offer. We have the Butler Way.

I’m not talking about our booming basketball program and all that it stand for (however that is also pretty awesome). I’m talking about being able to walk up to anyone on campus and having a nice conversation with them despite never meeting before. It’s about meeting some of your best friends in Schwitzer or Ross Hall and only one year later, not being able to imagine your life without them. The Butler Way is knowing you can drive down Hampton at any time of the day or night and yell “Go dawgs!” and someone will always yell it back.

On campus, we care about each other. Believe me, I know it sounds like a complete cliché and that every school is a community, but not like Butler’s. We have the love and pride of a small town but the talent and opportunities of a big city. I mean what other school allows you to say you have class with and know multiple starters on the division 1 basketball team?

We have the social life of a big school, always offering events for students, alumni, and faculty and staff. Homecoming is a blast, seeing everyone tailgating in front of historic Hinkle creates a picture in your head that will last for a lifetime. Not having to worry about walking back alone at night is one of my favorite things about this school. Even if you’re that freshman at their first party who had a little too much to drink, there will always be someone willing to walk you back to wherever you are going. This makes you more friends than you’d ever think possible. The amount of compassion my fellow classmates show on a daily basis is amazing.

Butler is a down to earth school who is accepting of everyone. We care about our fellow dawgs and are there to support each other through finals, the week before spring break, and any losses during March Madness. We survive together, fight together, and ultimately succeed together. That in my eyes is the Butler Way.

I have met my very best friends at this school, and nothing gives me more pride than saying I am a bulldog. I know you’re still debating on schools, but it will only take a few days here to realize this is your new home.