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“College is a lot tougher than high school,” said Congdon, “I got a solid foundation at Granite, but I still feel as though I am not as prepared as students that came from other schools. All this means is I need to apply myself more than my peers here at college, and then I should be fine.”

College was a very big change for Congdon.

“College is both fun and difficult,” said Congdon, “the teacher does not check the progress of your studying and work. It is the student's responsibility to take initiative to learn the material at college, or you will fail the class.”

While at college, it is very important for people to manage their time to keep up with their studies.

“As far as the social scene goes, there is always something going on,” said Congdon “whether it is the weekend or the middle of the week. It is important to learn time management before coming to college so you can deal with the distractions and work load.”

College may seem like an ordinary school, but it is packed with numerous people you may never actually meet.

“There are a lot of students,” said Congdon “so walking around campus, you don't know the majority of the people you pass.”

There are many reasons Congdon enjoys UC Irvine. Congdon says that the campus is beautiful and she only lives a few minutes from the beach.

“My campus is beautiful! But huge,” said Congdon, “It can be up to a mile walk from my room to a class! Another super nice thing about my campus is how closely located it is to the beach! The West border of my school is in Newport Beach, so it's only a 5 minute drive to the water.”

She also has a nice roommate and a great dorm room so they are always having a good time.

“My roommate is super sweet,” said Congdon, “it really makes for little sleep and tons of fun! My dorm is super nice compared to other dorm rooms I have been in! I think it is because my school is on the newer side.”

Congdon enjoyed the environment and people while at Granite.

“I absolutely loved Granite! The students were all down to earth and really friendly. I felt like the environment made me a well-rounded person,” said Congdon.

Certain things Congdon was involved in made high school not so boring.

“The variety of challenging AP courses allowed my mind to be tested. The spirit of the students, and the access ASB had to make successful and fun events allowed school not to get too boring! Also, my experience on the volleyball team was super fun and allowed for me to participate in community service.”

Homecoming was a big deal for Congdon and is something she will never forget.

“My greatest memory would have to be the homecoming rally that our ASB class put on my senior year,” said Congdon, “The month leading up to that day was crazy, and jammed-pack full of late nights and tedious tasks all in preparation for the rally. Watching it all come together in the rally was so rewarding!”

Congdon had many favorite teachers and staff at Granite.

“I have lots of favorites! To name a few, Ms. Chavez, Mrs. Shannon, Mrs. Ross, Mrs. Kisling, Mr. Coldiron, Mr. Lambie and Mr. Hackett,” said Congdon, “All of these teachers not only influenced me in the classroom, but helped me out outside of school. They helped me get to where I am today through their support, advice, and also by pushing me to do my best.”

Some teachers remember Congdon really well.

“Natalie was extremely bright and something about her really amazed me; she never stopped talking from the morning until she went to sleep,” said teacher at Granite Evan Hackett.

Being ASB president at Granite was Congdon’s favorite part of high school.

“ASB was my favorite class. I got the opportunity to be ASB President my senior year,” said Congdon, “and that opened my eyes to the work that must be put into events to make them pleasing to the audience and to make them run smoothly.”

The relationships she made in her ASB class will always be cherished.

“The relationships that I made in that class due to the bonding over the work are relationships I will cherish forever and the memories made during the events will never be forgotten,” said Congdon.

Many students in the current ASB class at Granite miss their former ASB president.

“She was a great ASB president because she always made sure that everything was done and done right,” said Sonia Stewart, senior at Granite.

Much of Congdon’s hard work was appreciated by many students in the ASB class at Granite.

“Natalie is a hard worker,” stated Alex Smith, senior ASB member at Granite. “It was fun having her as our president at ASB.”

Congdon advises students just about to leave for college to arrive with an open mind and a hard working attitude.

“These students should come to college with an open mind, a friendly persona and knowing that they will need to study like crazy in order to pass a class,” said Congdon, “Also, don't be afraid to use all of the utilities their school of choice has to offer! Things like tutoring, professors or TA office hours, etc.”

Some students at Granite still maintain a relationship with Congdon.

“Natalie has been enjoying life at UCI and she lives close to her father,” said senior at Granite Erik Bartlett.

Elissa Lombardi, teacher at Granite and also Congdon’s mom is taking her daughter’s absence rather well.

“I miss her but it feels good. I have to let her grow up,” stated Lombardi. “She is doing really well and she studies a lot.”

To learn more:

University of California, Urvine