There had always been some trouble in Natalie’s young life, but it really came to a boiling point when she was in the eleventh grade at Evans High School in Orlando. That’s when she got a “level 4” from the school administration; in other words, she was expelled.
The youngest of seven children, Natalie knew that a high school diploma would bring her what she wanted. Natalie's love for animals has spawned a passion for veterinary medicine with the ultimate goal of owning an animal rescue shelter.
“I don’t have thirty thousand dollars for college, and after all the stuff I’ve been through, I don’t want to be a low-life,” Natalie says. “I don’t want to be on the corner selling drugs. I don’t want to be arrested, because then you don’t have any more choices. I want to become a veterinarian.”
Natalie’s determination is bolstered by the friends and mentors she has forged at the League. She goes to school every weekday there from 9:00am to 4:00pm, and she says her parents are also encouraging her to make the right choices. Natalie is also modeling positive behavior for her friends. “I keep telling them, if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re going to wind up in trouble,” Natalie says.
In addition to keeping up with her schoolwork, Natalie is preparing herself for the rigors of Army training. “I’m working out, doing push-ups, and getting into shape,” says Natalie. “I’m excited about going.”