Finding Greatness: Natalie Esparza

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, March 26, 2018 12:00 AM
Categories: Finding Greatness | College of Arts and Sciences | Pressroom | Students

Macon, GA

Natalie Esparza, a highly engaged senior majoring in New Media and Communications, plans a career working for organizations that promote human rights.

Full Name: Natalie Marie Esparza.

Age: 21.

Hometown: Tucson, Ariz.

Residence: Macon.

High School: Johns Creek High School, where she sang in choir and was voted favorite student assistant for the front office where she assisted the advisement, attendance, and main offices with administrative duties.

Employment: "I am currently a legal and campus affairs intern at Middle Georgia State through the president's office."

Degree Objective: Bachelor of Arts in New Media and Communications and a certificate in Film Production.

Class Rank: Senior.

Primary Campus: Macon.

Activities:

● MGA Student Government, Executive Secretary (Jan. 2018 – present)

● MGA Career Center, Peer Career Advisor (Jan. 2018 – present)

● Gay-Straight Alliance, Member (Jan. 2018 – present)

● Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference, Speaker (Oct. 2017)

● President’s Torch Society, Communication Committee Chair (Fall 2017)

● The Fall Line Review, Layout Editor (Aug. 2017 – present)

● All About Animals Rescue, Volunteer (Feb. 2017 – present)

● MGA Residence Life, Resident Assistant (Jan. 2017 – Dec. 2017)

● The Statement, Photographer ( Dec. 2016 - present)

● Odyssey Online, Writer (Sept. 2016 - Sept. 2017)

● KnighTVision, Campus News Producer (Sept. 2016 – Feb. 2017)

● LongLeaf Church, Production Volunteer (Aug. 2016 – present)

● The Fund for American Studies, Alumni Member (Summer 2016)

Career Goals: "I want to use my media skills to become more civically engaged. I plan to apply to American Civil Liberties Union, Her Term, Georgia Equality, and other influential organizations in the Greater Atlanta Area that deal with human rights and make positive inclusive changes in Georgia. I am passionate about helping those without a voice feel heard which include immigrants, LGBTQ+, and women."

She chose Middle Georgia State University because … "For the degree I'm pursuing, because to my knowledge no other school in Georgia had a New Media and Communications B.A. I did not want a journalism degree or a degree in only film or graphic design, I needed something that encompassed all the key skills I wanted to develop. I think I chose wisely.

"I also had the audacious goal of graduating debt-free and MGA is very affordable. After working three jobs at times, becoming a resident assistant for a year, getting several scholarships and help from my parents and grandparents, I will be meeting that goal and graduating debt free on May 8."

The greatest thing she discovered about Middle Georgia State was … "All the opportunities students are given for leadership roles. If you are passionate about something and actively seek wise counsel there is always someone or something on campus that will connect you with the right people. And if there is not already a role, people on campus will work with you to create one. It has been really encouraging to see how students really do have a voice if they want to facilitate change."

Her greatest academic experience as a Middle Georgia State student has been … "Presenting my research paper, 'The Need for Medically Accurate, LGBT-Inclusive Sex Education,' at the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference and learning how to become more civically engaged in Macon with the Gay-Straight Alliance."

To her, “greatness” means … "Remembering and utilizing your independence every day. Speak up even when it is terrifying and you aren’t sure what the outcome will be, because you will never know how many people are depending on you. Ask a lot of questions of experts who know more than you. This can be done in so many ways, whether that is in person, getting on the phone, emailing, asking someone to introduce you, or listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos of the influencers you most admire. Engage where you can locally to begin making a difference globally. Realize that you aren’t perfect and neither is anyone else. You will have to ask for forgiveness sometimes and other people may not meet your expectations. Community is often messy, but always worth the effort. The world needs your authenticity, not your conformity. Greatness means realizing your actions solidify your reputation, and every little decision you make today will have a vital influence on shaping your future."

In five years … "Professionally, I would like to find a group of passionate, intelligent individuals that I can grow from and work with to be a catalyst for change in Georgia. I am not sure what that looks like specifically yet, but I look forward to the adventure of finding the best fit.

"Personally, I wouldn’t mind starting a family but I am also not in any rush. I will probably stay in Georgia but by the end of five years hopefully be looking to move out of state. I want to go on lots of adventures, become a mentor and inspiration to those younger than me, and build a beautiful life with my family and friends."