By Brandon Rubertus | September 1st 2024
As my time in Butte draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past year with a mix of emotions. It’s not totally unlike wrapping up a day down in the shaft — covered in a layer of grit but with a few hidden strands of silver stuck to my bootstrap. Leaving a place like Butte, which welcomed me with open arms, tossed a few rocks in my path, and taught me how to dig deep (literally and figuratively), feels like closing the door on a one-of-a-kind mine I’ll never quite find again.
I’ve learned that Butte really is the center of the universe, in that uniquely Butte kind of way. Sure, it’s got a rugged exterior, with potholes deep enough to continue mining for copper, but there’s a warmth
here too. It’s the kind of place where people are always ready to lend a hand, even if that hand is covered in engine grease, or holding a Twisted Tea, or both. The residents of this jagged mountain town display a resiliency and tenacity I’ve yet to discover in the other dozen places I’ve lived.
I’ve learned that trying to introduce change here can be likened to swinging a pickaxe at a granite wall — you might get a few sparks, but you won’t move the mountain. Does that make any sense? I’m not sure, I’ve given up on attempting to learn mining terminology. Point being – I’ve faced some resistance, been met with a few blank stares, and probably been the subject of a few, “Get a load of this guy” conversations around the way. But every time I saw a kid at the Science Mine light up with curiosity, it reminded me why I came here in the first place — to strike a spark, to ignite a love for learning, even if it meant tunneling through a few layers of skepticism.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that the community wholeheartedly appreciates having access for their children to explore science in a safe and engaging environment. I was unsure – because while Butte is known for its rich mining history and summer festivals – it was fair to question the towns lack of youth activities that don’t involve a sports ball. Our recent Mining City Family Science Nights at the Science Mine have proven that families here are jumping at every opportunity to engage their future scientists
and engineers in STEM.
And now, as my time in Butte comes to an end, I’m still not sure how much of a difference I’ve made. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in the imperfections, the joy in the small victories, and the satisfaction of finding a good parking spot on a snowy day. Butte has taught me that sometimes, you’ve just got to keep digging, even when the shaft gets dark, and that every now and then, you find a nugget that makes it all worthwhile.
I leave with a heart full of gratitude for the people who took me in, showed me the ropes, and taught me that “hitting pay dirt” doesn’t always mean finding gold — sometimes, it just means finding good people and a place that feels like home. You all know who you are.
So, as I pack up and head out, I do so with the knowledge that Butte will always have a claim staked on a part of me. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll be back to poke around this old mine again, just to see what new treasures are waiting to be unearthed. Until then, thank you, Butte, for the ride. It’s been one hell of a dig.