An Elizabethtown College education is for people who feel the pull to contribute to the world. With a network of 24,425 living alumni, our graduates leave Etown to become the influential advocates and changemakers the world needs more of.
Meet Natalie Carter ’08, a Social Studies Education alumna who currently serves as a social studies teacher at Unionville High School in Chester County, Pa., and recently received the prestigious Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program award.
“Etown’s small-town environment, friendships, wonderful professors, and amazing staff helped the College feel like a home.”
What defined your Etown experience?
Elizabethtown College was a home away from home. I grew up a military brat. When it came time to go to college, my family was living and working in Northern England. My parents dropped me off at college and flew home. Etown’s small-town environment, friendships, wonderful professors, and amazing staff helped the College feel like a home. I never felt lonely or lost in a sea of people. I took part in everything – dining services, residence life, and study abroad. I loved my Etown experience!
How has Etown changed you as a person?
The College instilled a get-out-and-try-new-things mentality. Etown offered me a smaller learning environment where I had ample opportunities to try new things. I remember playing on intramural softball and water polo teams, which I loved. I have zero hand-eye coordination, but I loved the camaraderie and experience. A large college would not have allowed me to experience such activities.
How has your Etown degree benefitted you and your career success?
My education has helped me achieve my dream job and endless opportunities. I was able to get a teaching job right out of college – no easy task during the recession of 2008. Since graduating from Elizabethtown College, I have taught high school and won numerous educational grants, including the Fulbright Teachers For Global Classrooms grant in 2022.
What is your passion? Where do you place your energy besides your career?
I love running, baking, and crafts. I am a huge scrapbooker! I consider scrapbooking my zen time. My other passion is my family, who I am really close with. We love just getting together for a family game night.
View more Etown Changemakers at etown.edu/125.