“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning” (Benjamin Franklin).
Natalie Cartulla knows what growth really looks like and has experienced success over the years after constantly striving to grow more and more. She is a Clarke County native and loves her family and the legacy they have, and she has been striving to impact others in a positive way just like her family has done for years.
“I was born and raised in Quitman in the heart of Clarke County. My family has been here for many generations as well,” informed Natalie. “My father has owned a business here for all of my life, and my mother has always been active in the community. My late grandparents, Vondee Williams and Junior and Karlotta Lewis, were staples in the community for the jobs they held and the services they provided. I am blessed to be a part of their legacy and the impact they left on so many in the community.”
Now, she is teaching and encouraging her children to be active in the community. She wants to see them grow and succeed in everything they put their minds to, and she is thankful for everyone who has a part in helping them be successful.
“I have two children who are in first grade and second grade at Quitman Lower Elementary. School is a large part of their lives, and Quitman has provided them with many opportunities for educational growth and personal development. To those teachers, administrators, and staff, we will be forever grateful,” proclaimed Natalie. “We also stay busy being a part of the CCYSA where my children enjoy learning and developing their athletic skills and about being a part of a team.”
While she is proud of her family, Natalie has made some extraordinary achievements since graduating from Quitman High School in 2008. She has continued her education over the years and has plans for the future to assist others with the experience she has gained from it.
“I currently hold a Bachelor’s in Business Administration as well as a teaching certification in special education,” expressed Natalie. “I have plans and dreams to utilize my education experiences as well as business knowledge to develop something special for our local children, but that is down the road and part of my 10-year plan.”
She is already using her teaching certification to make a positive impact on the children in the community.
“Currently, I am working in education and recently began a teaching job within the Quitman School District. The job I am currently holding has been many years in the making and has been a huge blessing to me and my family,” declared Natalie. “After many years of being a stay-at-home mom and working odd jobs, I finally feel like I’m doing what I have been called to do, which is giving back to the community by working with our future generation.”
As much as she loves her family and job, there are other things that Natalie enjoys when she is able to have a little free time. She enjoys being outside and has a hobby that is therapeutic and beneficial for her and her family.
“I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family,” explained Natalie. “Gardening gives me an escape from the everyday stresses of life and is a great learning tool for my children. We enjoy growing some of our own foods, and every year we learn more and more! It is truly a passion of mine because it’s a neat experience to plant a tiny seed and watch our food grow! Cucumbers are our favorite, and we grow lots of them every summer!”
Over the years, she has grown in her beliefs and developed a deep respect and love for the community she grew up in.
“My favorite quote at this time in my life is ‘The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your thoughts,” declared Natalie. “It took me a very long time to understand that I could truly determine the outcome of my days, moments, and my life simply by choosing to think positively rather than the opposite. Although every part of my life hasn’t worked out like I thought it would, I am no doubt right in the middle of God’s plan for my life, and I truly believe He has great things for me! Growing up, I always wanted to leave Clarke County because it was so easy to see all the negatives, but as I’ve gotten older I learned to love this little place I call home because there truly are some great people who are doing some great things! I feel blessed to have grown up here and continue to learn more about the individuals who continue to do their best to make a home a wonderful place to be!”
With each day that passes, Natalie continues to push herself to grow and learn more. She strives to make a difference in the lives of the students she works with each day, her family, and everyone she meets in the community. There is no doubt that she will continue to achieve great things and be successful as the years go by.
If you would like to nominate someone for Person of the Week, contact Brittney Mangum at 601-776-3726.
