ButlerONE: The College First-Year Experience Podcast

What happens when your dream doesn’t go as planned? Nick Okoro, a recent Butler grad, walks us through his powerful journey from soccer academy standout in the UK to thriving student-athlete, mentor, and leader in the U.S. He shares what it means to redefine success, build community, and embrace transformation during the first year of college. This episode is packed with wisdom for students, families, and educators alike. The purpose of this podcast is to reinforce that while the transition to college isn’t easy, everyone has individual struggles to navigate–despite what students may see and feel around them. Whether it be making friends, academic resilience, learning how to be alone, adjusting to a PWI, Imposter Syndrome, etc., first-year students have moments of transition each and every day. But within the transition, lies an opportunity for transformation.

It's not if, but WHEN, you'll struggle academically in your first-year. Chemistry professor, Dr. Stacy O'Reilly, shares how academic failure creates opportunities for students to grow in new ways. The purpose of this podcast is to reinforce that while the transition to college isn’t easy, everyone has individual struggles to navigate–despite what students may see and feel around them. Whether it be making friends, academic resilience, learning how to be alone, adjusting to a PWI, Imposter Syndrome, etc., first-year students have moments of transition each and every day. But within the transition, lies an opportunity for transformation.

Learn how to transform potential conflicts into opportunities for growth, as residence life Community Director Taylor Hess shares compassionate, actionable approaches to handling roommate and friend challenges.The purpose of this podcast is to reinforce that while the transition to college isn’t easy, everyone has individual struggles to navigate–despite what students may see and feel around them. Whether it be making friends, academic resilience, learning how to be alone, adjusting to a PWI, Imposter Syndrome, etc., first-year students have moments of transition each and every day. But within the transition, lies an opportunity for transformation.

Student leader Summer Adkins gets real about the gap between what she imagined college would be and what it's actually becoming—challenges, surprises, and all.The purpose of this podcast is to reinforce that while the transition to college isn’t easy, everyone has individual struggles to navigate–despite what students may see and feel around them. Whether it be making friends, academic resilience, learning how to be alone, adjusting to a PWI, Imposter Syndrome, etc., first-year students have moments of transition each and every day. But within the transition, lies an opportunity for transformation.

Leah has wasted no time making a significant impact on the student culture at Butler. She shares her story and offers great insight into embracing all that the first year has to offer.

Everyone talks about “advocating for yourself,” but what does that really mean? Community Director of ResCo Hall, Kaylin Zocharski, shares why speaking up for her needs and using her resources changed her college experience.

Hear from Makeda Lands, one of the most interesting people on campus, on her unique academic journey that includes dropping out, pursuing acting, and the importance of using your academic advisor.

Library Administrative Supervisor Brandon Signorino vulnerability shares his powerful story of resilience during his time as a Butler student. It's a must-listen for all students, but especially helpful for first-generation students. Also, he’s in a band, so that’s pretty cool.

Blake is a dynamic student leader on campus and we get the chance to have a fantastic conversation with him about how his first semester forced him to process unresolved issues in his life and how he was able to thrive after a rough start.

The President is in the house! We are thrilled to have President James Danko on the podcast. We’ll get to hear more of his story, what it means to be president, and advice for students and families.

Butler alumna, Psychology professor, and first-year student advocate, Dr. Karina Hamamouche shares her deeply relatable college journey and how she went from not wanting to go to Butler to being one of its biggest supporters.

Entrepreneur, storyteller, and lecturer Anthony Murdock invites us into his experiences as a Butler alumnus that continues to shape the work he does all over the country today. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss!

Meet your Student Government Association (SGA) Student Body President and Vice President–Katie Stanley and Suchi Bandaru! They drop some gems that every first-year student needs to hear!

College of Communication faculty member Carly Middleton shares her experience as a first year faculty member and how it’s similar to being a first-year student. She also told us why families should never leave their kids on day one…or they might pack up their bags.

The introduction episode of ButlerONE’s Summer 2023 limited podcast series, “The Struggle Was Real.” This episode we introduce the purpose of the podcast, meet our student co-host Gaby Perez, and podcast producer, Isabel Villanueva, and discuss our interesting transition stories.