Natalia House
Natalia House
Major: Communications
Minor: Marketing Communications
Hometown: Salisbury, NC
“There’s truly a place for everyone at Wake Forest; you just have to find it!”
Greatest change since your first year
I would have to say my content creator journey. Going into Wake Forest as a first-year student, I had hopes and dreams to work with some of the biggest brands and throughout my time at Wake Forest I’ve been able to work with Red Bull, Stanley, Amazon, LaCroix and much more!
Most meaningful non-academic experience
The faculty being like family. Going into Wake Forest, I was super worried about being a first-generation college student, but Wake Forest has made every step of the way a breeze. One time I lost my Stanley tumbler cup on campus and officers literally dispatched to my dorm and helped me retrace my steps. This may seem like a silly gesture, but it genuinely shows how dedicated this institution is to helping its students!
Songs that define your Wake Forest experience
Definitely the unmistakable alma mater! “Go Deacs” will always play in my head on queue, especially since I’m on the cheer team and had to rehearse it at least 200 times before game day!
Impact of Pro Humanitate
The school’s motto has taught me what true kindness looks like, and I’ve seen that inside and outside of the classroom. It has kept me grounded and always doing the right thing regardless of who’s watching. I found myself using it in a variety of spaces that don’t even pertain to Wake Forest and actually sharing it with others, who always ask where I got it from!
Favorite course outside your major
One of my favorite classes that I’ve taken at Wake Forest outside of my major and minor would have to be any journalism or popular culture class! These classes allow me to express my identity and be heard in a space where people are expected to listen. I’m able to share my culture and a respectable and judge freespace.
Favorite Wake Forest tradition
My favorite Wake Forest tradition is probably rolling the quad! This is such a unique, Wake Forest-specific thing. So whenever I post about it on social media or talk about it with other people, they don’t believe it until they actually see it!
Most surprising aspect of your experience
How easy it was to integrate on campus. Being first-generation and coming from a smaller high school, I was worried about how I would fit in and merge into the busy campus life! There’s truly a place for everyone at WakeForest; you just have to find it!
Most influential person(s) in your journey
Receiving the Magnolia Scholarship upon admission. I knew going into my senior year that finances would be a challenge, but Wake Forest ensured that they would walk through every step of the way with me and provide financial assistance. Compared to my friends at other schools, I never felt scared to reach out for help and assistance navigating school. Wake Forest has some of the best resources, staff and faculty in the world! Everyone has been so eager to help and will walk you through every step.
Most rewarding student experience
It has to be between being selected as student marshal by the provost or being selected Wake Forest Red Bull Marketeer. Both experiences show my dedication to the school and my trust from faculty, the provost, and staff to carry on the prestigious honor of representing Wake Forest!
Your idea of Wake Forest in 10 years
I hope that resources are still accessible for students as they are now! Something different: I hope Wake Forest’s diversity continues to grow, and we eventually get a student center built! At the various leadership camps I’ve had the opportunity to attend, they have talked about tearing down Tribble Hall and creating this space!
What you’d tell your first-year self
That everything will work itself out! I went into Wake thinking I wanted to be a biology student for the money, but after talking with OPCD staff and faculty, I soon realized that it’s not about the money; it’s about what makes YOU happy! Their guidance along with my own personal actions allowed me to realize that everything will work out in the end.
Evolution of your career plans
I wanted to be a nurse coming into Wake Forest and now I am interested in travel marketing. Wake Forest is such a creative space and it allows you to truly find yourself!