Name: Natalie Karmally
Age: 21
Hometown: Toronto
Program: BBA
Relationship Status: In a relationship
Horoscope: Virgo
1. Why did you choose to come to Laurier?
I liked the small campus – that you could walk around and recognize people. Laurier has a very family-like feel to it that I think a lot of the bigger schools lack. Ironically, another big draw was the coop program – which I then never applied to haha.
2. Where would we most likely find you hanging out or studying on campus?
I’m not great at studying with any background noise, so 6th floor library is definitely my go-to – 7th if I’m in a serious cram. In terms of hanging out, the business atrium and concourse are my favorite spots.
3. What are some of the things you have been involved with here at Laurier?
Throughout my time at Laurier I’ve been a House Council rep, member of the equestrian team, PowderPuff player and have had various exec roles on LIFA and the Link.
4. How did you become involved with the Laurier Equestrian team?
I was a member of the Laurier Equestrian team for second and part of third year. I joined as a way to continue riding while away at school, and keep in touch with friends from other universities. Midway through second year I was fortunate enough to move my horse, Rami, up to Waterloo full time. Needing to be at the farm 5 times a week to ride, I wasn’t able to continue making the time commitment necessary for the school team.
5. What is your favourite activity? Why?
Anything active. I hate sitting still for long periods. Whether it be a boot camp class, getting a quick lift in, or kicking a ball around – I like anything that gets me moving.
6. Who is your role model?
Definitely my dad. It seems like there’s nothing the guy can’t do. He emigrated from India as a teenager and built himself from the ground up. He’s shown me that limitations only exist if you allow them to, and the value of hard work and perseverance. Whenever I need advice of any kind, he’s the one I ask.
7. What has been your favourite memory at Laurier so far?
Not so much a memory but the biggest take away I’ll have after graduation is the wonderful people I’ve had the opportunity to meet here. I’ve made some of my very best friends since arriving at Laurier, and have developed numerous relationships I have no doubt will continue far beyond undergrad. Special shout-out to my roomies for putting up with me these past four years – we may not have mastered the whole adult-ing thing just yet, but we’ve sure had a lot of laughs along the way.
8. What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m super afraid of animals that can fly, especially pigeons. They just have this existential advantage that humans can’t compete with. If I ever have to cross one on the sidewalk I make sure to position someone in between us, in case it goes rogue and decides to attack.
9. What are your plans for after you graduate?
I’ll be graduating in April so I’ll be spending my summer horse showing and travelling. I’m planning to start in Thailand and make my way to as many countries as possible from there. At the end of September I’ll be starting work in Toronto as an Enterprise Risk Consultant, and eventually hope to return to school to do a Master of Finance.
10. If you had to give your first-year self a piece of advice what would it be?
Get involved earlier. I’ve always been pretty shy so I was hesitant putting myself out there when I first came to Laurier. Finding clubs and activities you enjoy is a great way to balance the stresses of school, as well as meet likeminded people. Your experience at Laurier is what you make of it, so capitalize on as many opportunities as possible.
Thanks, Natalie, for taking the time to talk to us, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours!