My Work...Their Guidance...My Success
I came to Butler University as a Dance Performance major. After only one semester, I decided to go in a different direction. I ended up a Public and Corporate Communications major and the switch was difficult for me. I had never had to deal with such a heavy load of academic classes. I felt overwhelmed, struggled with time management and lost confidence. For the first time, I was on my own and wasn’t doing a good job of managing my own life. The loss of confidence shamed me, and I began skipping classes. I was afraid to speak to my professors, because I thought they’d be angry and disappointed. My grades slipped, and when I was supposed to be graduating with my peers, I still had a year to go. At that point, I felt like a failure and decided to give up my dreams of a college degree.
Later I decided it was best to finish my degree. This time around, I had help. As a condition of academic probation, I became affiliated with the Learning Resource Center. I was really nervous about going initially, because I thought someone would be scrutinizing my every step and pressuring me to perform. I didn’t want to be under a microscope…and I wasn’t. What I found at the LRC was something that makes Butler a truly exceptional university.
I think the word that most sticks out in my mind about the LRC is "Resource." There are so many resources available to help students become, well…better students. There weren’t any watchdogs as I had originally suspected, but instead advisors willing to offer support and answer questions. The staff wants you to have the best academic experience possible. These caring individuals are dedicated to helping Butler students become successful, life-long learners.
I first worked with Ms. Cara Cima, meeting with her once a week and defining areas of improvement. With her help and guidance, I was able to address those weaknesses and eventually overcome them. She also opened my eyes to many different university resources that I didn’t know existed. There were information packets, special seminars, a counseling center and study programs available to aid student performance. My discussions with Ms. Cima helped me open up and start sharing, especially with my professors.
But that wasn’t all. The LRC staff not only cares about your academic successes, they care about you. Even after I was no longer on academic probation, I visited whenever I needed some support or guidance. Ms. Cima took the time to help me, even though she didn’t have to, because she was invested in my education.
As a result of my time at the LRC, I regained my confidence, improved my GPA and even received a special academic award upon graduation. I learned that asking for help is a good thing and that I wasn’t alone. Many students struggle, but there are people at Butler who care and this creates a campus community. I was given the opportunity to participate in a group discussion facilitated by Ms. Cima and really enjoyed the opportunity to sit with students that were having the same problems I had years earlier. I told them that what they were going through was normal and that help was available. I had been in their shoes and came out on top with the help of the LRC. They could too!
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Learning Resource Center
Jordan Hall 136
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
(317) 940-9308
(800) 368-6852 ext. 9308
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