Natalie Borsuk
What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
Since arriving at Wake Forest, the most fundamental change I have experienced is gaining more confidence in myself, my abilities, and my passions. Through various leadership roles, I have become more comfortable speaking in front of others, directing or leading, planning and executing events, and being confident in my abilities. Through my coursework and guidance from professors, I know that my skills and expertise can apply to various fields and have set me up for success in the post-graduate world. Finally, I have explored multiple interests through courses and extracurricular involvement, allowing me to find my passion and love for civic engagement.
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
The most meaningful experience I have had at Wake has been my involvement with Deacs Decide. I stumbled across Deacs Decide my sophomore year before the 2022 midterms and am so grateful I did. I learned so much from the previous directors about mobilization and engagement efforts around voting. I am most proud of Deacs Decide’s efforts during the 2024 Election and the two years of preparation our team did. Despite new voter ID laws and not having an Early Voting site within walking distance to campus, we increased registration rates by 137.5% from 2020 levels and are eagerly awaiting our turnout numbers, but know that it will reflect all the hard work we put in. My involvement with Deacs Decide has empowered me with various mobilization, outreach, engagement, and organizational skills I plan to take with me when I leave. I have grown as a person and leader and will leave with a lifelong passion for democratic and civic engagement.
Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate motto is a guiding philosophy for many students and alumni. Did it have an impact on your student experience and has it influenced your plans for the future?
The Pro Humanitate motto has definitely guided me through my experience at Wake Forest. In my coursework, particularly in politics and history, I’ve been drawn to questions of representation, civic engagement, and the broader societal impact of political systems. Researching youth voter engagement and historical political movements has deepened my understanding of how individuals and institutions can contribute to the greater good. It has also applied to my extracurricular involvements, especially voter engagement. Pro Humanitate, or for humanity, applies directly to civic engagement as being an active member in our government and democracy can shape the laws and direction of the country. Wake Forest’s motto has impacted me so much that I know that whatever I do, I will want it to impact society positively.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
I have loved all my classes at Wake Forest, but one of my favorite non-major courses that I took was my fine arts divisional, Introduction to Modern Popular Music. As someone who loves listening to music and grew up in a household that plays a wide variety of musical genres, this class was super fun. The course went through the history of what was considered “pop” or popular music in the U.S. The changes and developments in the genres and styles of music were often linked to different historical events, which tied into my interest in history and my love for drawing connections between various academic disciplines. My favorite part of the course was talking about the different songs and artists we learned in class with my family and initiating conversations about music, genres, and their meanings. I left the class not only to fulfill my divisional but with a deeper understanding and appreciation for different musical styles.
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
What surprised me about Wake Forest is how eager everyone is to get to know you, students and professors alike. The Wake Forest community is so tight-knit, and that comes from these personal connections and genuine interest in wanting to know each other. I have met friends and classmates from all across the country and even the world, who all have interesting and different backgrounds. My professors have also been an integral part of my experience inside and outside the classroom. They have all sought to get to know me outside of an academic context and have supported all my endeavors and passions. These relationships will all last well beyond my four years here and have made all the difference in my Wake Forest experience.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
Deb Marke, the Deacs Decide Staff Director, has impacted my Wake Forest experience the most. Since we met my sophomore year, she has been a constant, encouraging presence in my life. We worked together extensively for the 2024 Election and other efforts within the Office of Civic and Community Engagement. She has always been there for me whether I needed support, encouragement, or just a quick chat. Deb has helped me grow into the person I am today in terms of my confidence, leadership, and organizing abilities. My positive experience and the successes that I have had at Wake would not have occurred had I not met Deb!