They say you should go into college with a bucket list, and I totally agree. There are definitely some things every list should have, like hiking Bishop Peak for the sunrise or getting the acai bowl at Sally Loo’s, but I have a new one for you: meeting Natalie Ellis. This blonde babe is full of surprises, from being able to speak Mandarin to having some pretty hilarious nicknames. If you see her around campus, you better stop and introduce yourself, because with a friend like Nat, you’ll never look back.
Year: Freshman
Relationship status: Single
Major: Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy
Guilty pleasure: Game of Thrones
Tell us about yourself! Where are you from?
My home is in two places: Toronto, Canada, which is where I was born and where I go to visit my family, and New Boston, New Hampshire, where I was raised, where my house and dog are, and where my oldest friends live.
Are those the only places you’ve lived besides SLO?
I went to school in Shanghai, China.
No way! Can you speak any other languages then?
I’m conversational in Mandarin in reading and writing!
That’s awesome. What’s in the future for your travel plans?
North Korea. I’m so interested in learning about how a country can be so cut off from the rest of the world; I want to find out if the people there actually believe everything they’re hearing.
We’re sure that’ll be quite the adventure! In the meantime, what are you doing to stay busy at Cal Poly?
I joined Kappa Alpha Theta last fall, and I’m also a part of PolyFit, a group on campus that provides tests for students and community members so that they can measure their personal health and strength. I also have two jobs: one at Metro, and one as an occupational therapy aide.
Do you think occupational therapy is going to be a big part of your future?
My dream job is working as a physical therapist for amputees!
That’s awesome. Do you have any nicknames?
Nat the Gnat… my best friend thinks it’s funny to compare me to a gross, annoying little insect.
Well, you have to admit it’s pretty catchy… Your friend sounds fun! Have you been on any crazy adventures lately?
Last year my friends and I wanted to go to a hookah bar and we found one by chance called the Cat Café. The whole place was filled with cat decorations and there were real cats just roaming around that you could pet.
That’s actually insane. One more question – could you describe yourself in three words?
Not your BWB (Basic White B*tch)