prospective honors students

WHY HONORS?

APPLY

COST & FUNDING

CURRICULUM

CLASSES

INVOLVEMENT

HOUSING

FAQs

Renee Buettner, senior

MAJOR: Nursing

MINOR: Language Studies - French

HOMETOWN: Belleville, IL

EMAIL: rbuettner@sycamores.indstate.edu

What are your career goals, and why?

My future career goals include becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatric Oncology/Cancer. I love working in the hospital setting, especially with children, especially with those who continue to hope and live life the fullest they can, even when their situation is not the best.

What hobbies or interests do you have?

My favorite hobbies include painting and/or drawing and reading. I have shown art pieces in the Rhoads Honors Gallery and in my room in these past few years. I also love a good book for fun, it’s hard to read sometimes when so much time is spent studying, but when I get the chance to disappear into a fantasy world of literature, I couldn’t be happier.

What other leadership roles do you have and/or what else are you involved with on campus or in the local community?

President of Presidential Scholars Association
Member of the Honors Council
Student Nurses Association Class Representative, former Treasurer
Supplemental Instructor (SI) Nursing Pediatrics Class

What was your favorite Honors class so far, and why?

My favorite Honors class has to be my 301M Legend and Belief class with Dr. Nan McEntire. It has definitely been a treat listening to the stories in her class, telling legends myself, and learning about the world of folklore. This class was the break in my day and something I always looked forward to attending.

What do you like most about being an Honors student?

My favorite thing about being an Honors student is the personal connections I have made with other Honors students and Honors faculty. I love that my Honors professors know me by name, and I can come to them with questions about most anything. I feel like an individual in the Honors program and not just some 991 number I tend to be in my larger general education classes. I also feel that I have made a great number of friends through the Honor’s program who would help me if I need anything. Over the past three years, the people of the Honors program have truly become my family and home away from home.

What advice do you have for first-year Honors students about easing the transition from home to ISU?

Get involved in activities and meet new people, especially during Honor’s activities. These will help you meet new people, especially students found in the same situation.
Use upperclassmen in the dorms or in classes as resources for class and college life.

What advice do you have for first-year Honors students about time management?

Start studying early, try not to procrastinate, manage your time
If you have the opportunity, study in groups. Having other people to bounce ideas and theories off of help you and them to learn.
Find a way of organization for your classes, assignments, extracurricular papers, meetings and ISU letters/reminders that works for you. For example, use a planner or calendar to write down assignments, meetings, due dates, and exam days.
Meet people early in your classes, especially your professors. Then if you need help, you do not have to be afraid to ask for it from your classmates or professors.

What advice do you have for first-year Honors students about dealing with stress?

Sleep allows you to function day in and day out, try to avoid those all-nighters and weeks of sleep deprivation. You can’t be up to your full potential without a good night’s rest.
Try to stay healthy especially in eating and exercising. This can help prevent illnesses that cause more stress.
Go to class, but remember to take breaks while studying at times to not become too overwhelmed or burnt-out.
Make friends, they are the ones to help you through the days.
Talk to someone you trust, whether a faculty member or friend, they can help you through some of the toughest times.

What other general advice do you have for first-year Honors students?

The Honors faculty and Honors office are there (in Pickerl or their offices) to help you, if you have questions about scheduling Honors classes or what Honors events are coming up, don’t be afraid to ask.
Use your resources on campus, the people and services (library, tutoring, writing center, etc.).
If you have any questions revolving around Honors, come to me and I can help you or direct you to someone who can.