Upon meeting Natalie Rothenberger, you assume she’s an average college junior: loves to hang out with friends, sociable, and super cool (as she DOES go to PITT!). However, after talking with Natalie for a while longer, I realize, she’s so much more. Yes, Natalie is charming, intelligent and an awesome person, but she’s so much more. She’s driven, well-spoken, is full of wisdom, and has the gutsy nature to take on a campaign for the presidency of the Student Government Board, in a mainly male dominated field. So don’t let her seemingly shy exterior and charming smile fool you. Natalie is in it to win it, for all the right reasons.
So tell me a little about yourself:
My name is Natalie Rothenberger. I’m a junior studying political science and philosophy, and am on the pre-med track. I’m a board member on the Student Government Board, a Pitt Pathfinder, and I helped found our Student Technology Focus Group on campus. Some other things about me include that my favorite color is lime green and my favorite quote is “be the change you wish to see in the world” by Gandhi.
What accomplishments are you proud of most?
At Pitt, so far it’s been becoming a Pitt pathfinder. I love this university so much and being able to have the opportunity to just talk to prospective students and help them go through that really difficult process of choosing a university is just really rewarding. Also, being elected to the SGB board last year because I’ve been able to work with so many different people from students to administration and just having those relationships and being able to really affect change on this campus is absolutely wonderful. It’s been great helping to affect change so far but I still think there are a lot of things that need to be changed and need to happen. I’ve been a member of the women’s choral ensemble since freshman year. Singing is definitely one of my getaways. If you ever hear someone singing around campus, its probably me haha!
What made you run for SGB President?
I’ve always been inspired to help people. We are students for four years, but I also realize, those are four years that you can do a lot with. I was fortunate enough to get involved with SGB around my second week at Pitt and I was really inspired. I met Molly Stieber who was running for president at that time. Once she was elected, I was able to get more involved and it really showed me that the organization really gets you in touch with students across the board. One of the things I worked on was the student events calendar and alternative advertising for groups on My Pitt, and working on having free advertising for groups because it gets really expensive. Seeing that work come through on My Pitt was really cool because it felt like I had really done something!
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I’m not one to really bash others. Personally, I believe that I have a leadership style that better suits Pitt. I look at my leadership style as one to motivate, and work on an internal structure as an organization. Year in and year out, you have presidential candidates run on projects and ideas, and things like that, but no one really runs on the idea of fixing the organization from within. I can think of tons of student groups across campus that have executive boards that are working on the internal structure of the organization to better it, and we (SGB) aren’t exempt to that. As an organization, we need to sit down and have more collaboration and communication.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I came in pre-law but I’ve decided on the medical school track (hopefully haha). So for those freshmen out there in Bio 1, I may be in your class! One of the things I’ve been very adamant about is that I don’t care about money, but each day I want to help someone, not to sound cheesy, but it’s true.
What’s your favorite Pitt memory?
I have so many! I come from a very small town and I was kind of shy when I came to Pitt. Freshman year, one of the first Zoo games that I’ve gone to, I got separated from my friend. I was standing by a group of strangers and we were all just jumping up and down and screaming and that honestly was a point when I realized that I was at the right school for me! I got to get to know the people next to me, and it was such a great bonding experience. It also just showed how much pride we have in this university!
What’s one thing that many people may not know about you?
I can’t wink!
Fun fact:
I’m a huge coffeholic!