My name is Natalie Hughes and I am twenty-two years old.  I grew up in Tinley Park, Illinois, which is a southwest suburb of Chicago.  I have lived in Normal, Illinois for the past four years while attending Illinois State University.  After graduation, I plan on returning to Tinley Park.

 

Growing up in an athletic family, I played soccer for ten years and ran track for six.  My after school activities included soccer practices as well as track meets.  These sports continue to be a hobby of mine as well as reading, spending time outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. 

 

Family is an extremely important part of my life.  I am the youngest child with two older brothers, Courtney and Trevor.  I have a very large extended family that I am also extremely close with.  My mother comes from a family of ten children.  On her side of the family, I have eighteen aunts and uncles and nineteen cousins.  We spend a great deal of time together.  My mother was a stay at home mom until I was eighteen years old.  Without her love and support I would not be the confident and motivated individual that I am today.  My father comes from a family of five children.  He is the vice president of Rogers and Hollands Enterprises.  He has taught me that with the right drive and determination, you can do anything that you put your mind to.  My close friends and family are the reason why I am the outgoing, independent, organized, and optimistic person that I am today. 

 

I recently graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.  I am currently seeking a teaching position in elementary or middle school that will expand on my current teaching experience.