Sammy Butts, an architecture student, has done more than most during his college years. On top of going to classes and school work, he wrote and self-published, “College the Book: The Powerful College Planning Guide.”
“I remember the confusion of enrolling during my freshman year, especially when dealing with financial aid. I remember joking with a family member that there should be a book that tells you everything to expect,” Butts said. “Almost two years ago, I was having lunch with several friends who had just graduated. I had a light bulb moment and thought to myself, ‘I can write a book,’ so I did.”
Those struggles are something most college students will face, but Butts’ book is set to relieve the stress of the enrolling process. He was inspired by his own struggles and frustrations, and he wanted to help prevent them from happening to the children of his hometown.
“I frequently go back home to my school district where I am an employee and often talk to kids that are in very low-income families. Kids that may never have another chance to make a difference in their future if they are unable to stay ambitious enough to get to college,” Butts said. “I want to help these kids as they get involved in the admissions process to have that excitement, ambition and a positive outlook on their future.”
The book was a huge undertaking. Butts had to continue to go to class, do his schoolwork and simultaneously research for the book, which he published on his own.
“It takes hundreds of hours of work, and most of all, the diligence and investment to work through each part of starting up a business in the publishing industry,” Butts said.
The book, retailing at $14.95, is a monthly step-by-step process beginning with the senior year of high school and continues on to the first college semester.
Butts visited several high schools and colleges to talk about his book.
“The book has only been out for a few months and the response in the education community has been great,” Butts said. “Hundreds of copies are in the hands of high school students across the nation and orders for next year are coming in.”
Butts was interviewed on the radio and spoke at local schools. He most recently spoke at the George R. Brown Convention Center last Tuesday.
Butts just released the 2012 edition. He is currently working on next year’s edition and a promotional video.
“We are believing for the best,” Butts said.
