by Alexandro Cazares, Music Major, ’16

The lessons I learned during a four-week intensive program at Summer Fusion have been taught before. Where was I when class was in session? Apparently I was being an unsuccessful adult. I was not practicing mindfulness.

So, here are some #ProTips for my fellow Butler Bulldawgs:

1)         Life is always on the move. That is a fact. From time to time, I would have a breakdown. We all have breakdowns at some point. Once you get into that funk, you must be proactive! Do breathing exercises. Go on a nature walk without distraction. Be in the present, be mindfulness.

2)         Create an empire of networks. We can only take ourselves so far, even if it is 99% done. Do not just call it good and be done, go and complete that 1%. What if that last percent is the start of your new job or a long lasting friendship?

3)         That said, Civic Leaders in Indy want to help. They are not going to look for you… you are going to look for them. If you need assistance with networking or you believe you have never done it before, go to Internship and Career Services in Atherton Building.

4)         Know your strengths. Everyone has something to contribute; the trick is knowing how we fit in each situation. When you work on your own strengths and collaborate with your colleague’s strengths, the dynamic of the teamwork will be on a whole new level!

As a musician at Butler University, I strive for being an American citizen. I want to be a part of my community and help a cause. I want to make an impact that will change the course of someone’s life for the better. My music making can have meaning if I can find “the right” people to assist me. That is the journey I am on.

Summer Fusion presented opportunities to embark a journey to discover Indy’s hidden gems. I have been at Butler for three full years and maybe been to 35 percent of all the cool things that are out there.

My senior year at Butler will be the best. It will be the best because I will be doing the thing I love to do. My closest friends are my friends because they compliment my goals and my strengths. To be surrounded by like-minded people, is a source of energy I need to go and conquer my mission; to find happiness with music.