When I was first starting my journey at Butler, I was nervous about how small it was. I thought that I would see everyone that I knew when I went and it would resemble high school. Its great academics are what really attracted me, but I was still nervous about the size. After being there my first year, I fell in love. The small community feel and class makes it so homey and, in my humble opinion, one of the best schools in the US! I know I can walk around campus and see at least someone I know and that's so comforting to feel at home when I am actually five hours away.
This weekend was really the first time I experienced the community at an all-time high. Unfortunately, this past week, Andrew Smith, a former Butler student and basketball player passed away. It was a hard and tragic week for his immediate family, as well as his family at Butler. Even though I did not personally know him, I felt connected to him because of Butler. I attended the Butler basketball game against St. John's where his wife, Samantha, spoke. I will post the video of that below. It was such a moving experience that I was brought to tears listening to her speak. I was first confused why I was crying, but then I realized it was because of Butler. I felt so connected to Andrew and Samantha because of the loving community I am lucky to be a part of. Butler has given me a community of care, love and hope that I know I can always rely on.
Another instance of this was when a group of the Campus Ministry USA came to our campus. They stood outside of Atherton Union while preaching hate messages towards everyone who walked past them. Phi Delt across the street played music to drown out the chants and Butler students made signs protesting this group. Butler has the ability to rally together and remind me of just how special the school I go to is. I am so lucky to have an opportunity to go to a university where we all truly care for each other.
man running in forestPhoto by 
