Alumni In Action: Natalie Cruz

7/18/2014

From Education in Nica to Teach For America

Recent Ohio University grad, Natalie Cruz, had her life flipped upside-down in the summer of 2013 when she realized the true value of education while on her GIVE excursion in Nicaragua. At the time, Natalie was going into her senior year of college majoring in Speech Pathology, coupled with a minor in Spanish. In attempt to recall her trip to Nicaragua,

“It was one of those light bulb moments when I saw the children running into the reading room where the English lessons are taught.”

She said, “It was breathtaking to experience the true value of education.” The children had such a desire to learn that it left her speechless. For the rest of the trip Natalie pondered education until she reached the definitive conclusion that education is the foundation to nearly any opportunity.

Inspired by this realization, Natalie was eager to switch her major to incorporating something more with education.

She ended up finishing out her Speech Pathology major–considering she was only three classes away from completing it–but she did end up completing her TEFL Certificate which will help to supplement her efforts to more effectively teach English.

Like most college students heading into their senior year of college, Natalie was tasked with figuring out her future plans post-graduation. After extensive research, Natalie became passionate about the mission of Teach For America. Knowing that there are over 57,000 applicants and only 17% get chosen to be apart of Teach For America, Natalie was nervous but tremendously determined.

After completing the notoriously extensive interview process, Natalie received acceptance into the Teach For America program and she will be located at a school district in Dallas, Texas. Here in Dallas, Natalie plans to “instill the ability to succeed” within her students and to show them that they can indeed achieve their dreams.