Faces of NLU: Natalie Aguilar

For Natalie Aguilar, the decision to pursue a Bachelor's in Early Childhood and Elementary Education wasn't just a career choice—it was inspired by watching her mother teach for 18 years. "She has always inspired me with a passion for education," Natalie shares. That early inspiration has blossomed into her own deep commitment to teaching, strengthened through hands-on experience as a Special Education Teacher's Assistant and Lunch/Recess Supervisor, along with numerous field experience hours. "These opportunities have helped me build confidence and understand what it takes to become a successful and skilled teacher."

When asked what convinced her that NLU was the right fit, Natalie doesn't hesitate: the unwavering support from her professors. After struggling with the ILTS 305 content exam, she found herself surrounded by a team of dedicated educators ready to help her succeed. Cara Ruzilla, peer mentor Jillyen, Dr. Karen Austin, Dr. Oana Manta, and her advisor Sarah Smith all stepped in to provide resources and guidance as she prepared for the ILTS 206 exam.

Dr. Austin went above and beyond, creating a personalized study plan and helping Natalie stay motivated throughout her testing journey. "NLU has given me a great deal of confidence, and I have grown as a future teacher," Natalie reflects.

Learn More About NLU's B.A. in Early Childhood Education

The road wasn't always easy. Natalie describes her struggle with the ILTS 305 exam as the biggest obstacle in her educational journey. After taking it multiple times, frustration began to set in—but she refused to give up. In July, during a Zoom meeting to discuss general questions, she opened up to Cara and Jillyen about her challenges. That moment of vulnerability became a turning point.

"I didn't lose hope or give up," Natalie says. Cara connected her with Dr. Karen Austin, who created that personalized study plan and helped rebuild her confidence for the ILTS 206 exam. The support also led to meaningful conversations about switching to Early Childhood Education and eventually double majoring in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education. "This was the right path for me, as everything finally fell into place," she explains. "With this persistence of not giving up, it reminded me that determination can turn a challenge into something that makes you grow stronger than ever."

The relationship Natalie built with Dr. Karen Austin exemplifies NLU's approach to education. After hearing about Natalie's struggles through Cara Ruzilla, Dr. Austin reached out personally. She didn't just offer generic advice—she sat down with Natalie and walked her through the ILTS 206 objectives, helping her understand the specific concepts she found difficult. Throughout the entire process, Dr. Austin provided encouragement and showed genuine investment in Natalie's success.

"Dr. Karen Austin's dedication has shown me that NLU professors do care about their students' success and want to help them thrive," Natalie says.

Looking ahead, Natalie aspires to become a first-grade teacher. Her experiences working directly with students at the elementary level—as a Special Education Teacher's Assistant, Lunch/Recess Supervisor, and through field hours in various settings—have shown her the impact a teacher can have. "I saw students grow academically throughout my experiences," she notes.

Her vision for her future classroom is clear: "I want to create a classroom environment that's encouraging for all students, where they will feel inspired to learn and thrive, and can take risks." It's a goal shaped by her own journey at NLU, where she learned firsthand the power of supportive educators who believe in their students.

Learn More About NLU's National College of Education

When asked to describe National Louis University in just one word, Natalie chooses "supportive." The team that rallied around her during her testing challenges—Cara Ruzilla, Jillyen, Dr. Karen Austin, Dr. Oana Manta, and Sarah Smith—demonstrated what it means to truly care about student success. "The encouragement they gave me really showed me how much NLU truly cares about students' academic success."

To students considering NLU, Natalie offers this wisdom: "Trust the process and don't be afraid to ask for help, as the faculty is there to support you every step of the way. Be determined, believe in yourself, and take advantage of The Discover Course that NLU offers to help you pass your content exam to become a teacher!"

Natalie's journey reminds us that obstacles aren't roadblocks—they're opportunities for growth, especially when you're surrounded by a community that believes in you.