Senior Spotlight May 2020 – Sydney Butler
This year we are continuing our tradition of Senior Spotlights! With graduation postponed, it is more important than ever to highlight this spring’s graduating class.
The class of May 2020 is experiencing their last few weeks of college unlike any of those who came before them. It has been a tough time, but the seniors are adapting to new ways of learning and are continuing to celebrate their accomplishments thus far.
Meet Sydney Butler! Math and science were always on her radar as a kid, “I have always liked science and math but wanted to do something different. Something cool. Also, after the infamous tornado in my hometown of Joplin, MO, I became curious about the mechanisms behind these destructive phenomena. Once I decided to attend OU, it was a no-brainer that I would pursue meteorology.”
Sydney is Sooner born and Sooner bred, but choosing a school was not that easy. “Originally, the main reason I was drawn to OU was bc my father went there. At first, I kinda applied to make him happy. I was actually sure I would go to TCU but then I visited OU and fell in love and felt like I was at home. Not to mention, the fabulous NWC. Glad I changed my mind!” she said!
In her time at OU, football games were some of the biggest highlights for Sydney. She also overcame many obstacles on her way to graduation, “I would say the largest thing I overcame in college was just coming out of my comfort zone and trying new things. I came to OU not knowing anyone, joined a sorority, and decided to pursue a major I didn’t know anything about really. I even got to experience (legit) storm chasing for the first time in TORUS. I became more open to asking people for help, which built long-lasting connections among me and my colleagues.”
Now that her time is up at OU, Sydney has been accepted into graduate school, “I will be attending Texas A&M University’s graduate school in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. Can’t wait!! I may be an Aggie now, but I’ll always be a Sooner. ☝🏼❤️”
Congratulations Sydney! The School of Meteorology is looking forward to all your future accomplishments.