Naturelle is a senior at St. Catherine University and a member of the inaugural cohort of College Possible university leaders. She joined College Possible as a junior at Johnson Senior High School before graduating from high school in 2021. Originally, a friend involved in College Possible programming introduced her to the organization and suggested she also join, since she was interested in attending college. As a first-generation student from a low-income household, College Possible Minnesota was vitally important because it gave her an advantage and allowed her to attend college.
“I still remember when I received my college acceptance letters as a senior in high school,” said Naturelle. “I was so proud of myself! Without College Possible, I would not have entered college, much less think about graduating with my bachelor’s degree.”
During each College Possible student’s junior and senior year of high school, they are paired with an AmeriCorps coach to help them navigate the challenges of college applications. This can be anything from selecting which colleges to apply to, ACT preparation, completing financial aid forms, and proofing personal essays. Naturelle had a strong relationship with her AmeriCorps coach, who helped her navigate financial aid and college resources, and she continues to have a supportive relationship with her advising specialist.
“I always feel heard and appreciated. I enjoy working with someone who also shares similar values and prioritizes College Possible’s mission for student success.”
Naturelle specified that College Possible has been particularly helpful when navigating financial aid struggles: “FAFSA was always difficult for me to complete, but College Possible provided answers and additional help with FAFSA completion, so I could get the aid that I needed. Additionally, College Possible helped me become more financially literate about student loans and understanding my financial aid awards.”
The university leaders program, formerly known as community leaders, exists to help College Possible students earn degrees by strengthening their campus connections through a supportive peer network. University leaders help foster a greater sense of College Possible community at their institutions by creating a social network of College Possible students on their college campus and mutually empowering one another to thrive. Naturelle has always been passionate about supporting students and her peers. She wanted to become a leader to empower others to become leaders. By inspiring others in her network, she is working to empower her community.
“As a university leader, I want to provide tailored guidance for student success, bridging the gap between students and college coaches, allowing both to gain firsthand insights from a current student familiar with the campus and curriculum.”
Naturelle’s favorite part of being a university leader is her interactions with her fellow College Possible students at St. Catherine University. As part of her university leader role, she plans events for her College Possible cohort. “I enjoy seeing students, especially freshmen, feel comfortable and excited in the space and activities. I always look forward to meeting students and checking in with their college journey. Plus, it feels rewarding to be able to help students with tackling their academic questions and concerns, especially when they brighten up from learning something new!”
When asked what she would have done if College Possible didn’t exist, Naturelle replied, “if College Possible was not there, I do not believe I would be where I am today. I would not have started college immediately after graduating high school, and it would have been more difficult to get to college. I would have lost early college preparation, professional development opportunities, and a supportive community built around college access and success. “I am grateful to have College Possible support me in my college journey, and I am glad that I am part of College Possible to continue that uplifting cycle with student success in college.” Majoring in chemistry, Naturelle intends to take a year off after graduating this spring and then enroll in medical school. During her gap year, she hopes to travel and explore the world outside of the United States.
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