CLC News The news and events from Central Lakes College
Natalie Petersen, Graduated 2016
Please tell us what you are doing now
After graduating CLC, I attended the College of St. Scholastica and earned my Bachelors Degree in Social Work. I completed internships at Essentia Health and Crow Wing County. While interning at Crow Wing County I found my passion to work with fellow veterans helping them navigate the system to obtain their benefits. Currently I am a Veteran Service officer for Crow Wing County. I assist veterans and their families file benefit claims and applications. We also assist in emergency cases pertaining to unemployment and homelessness. We are a liaison between veterans and all of the federal, state, and community veteran organizations that can sometimes be a struggle to navigate.
My current focus is on women veterans and legislation to ensure that we receive the same quality care for our unique needs as our male counterparts. I was recently awarded a scholarship to attend the Disabled American Veterans National Conference in Washington DC this February to be part of the legislative sessions with our law makers and meet with some of them to encourage positive change in the policies governing veterans benefits. I am an active part of the Crow Wing County DAV, American Legion and VFW. I hold quarterly groups for women veterans to get together and learn about their benefits. I am part of the St. Cloud VA focus groups that lead the way for change in our local policies for women veterans.
Outside of work, I have two children. My daughter Astrayia is attending the University of Cecil to become a teacher and my son Argenis will be a student at CLC this Spring as part of the welding program. I enjoy art, reading and anything outdoors. I have recently started writing and hope next year to publish my first fiction novel.
What was your favorite memory of your time at CLC?
When I attended Central Lakes collage, I did so as a non-traditional student and a single mom. I was very nervous on how to navigate the system and how to make the program work for me. My concerns were eased with the assistance of META 5 and TRIO. I had an amazing group of mentors to help me find the resources I needed and plan my future. I was welcomed with open arms and feel even at 32 years old I was able to come out of my shell. I joined the Lions Club, Psych Club, and Student Council. After the military I struggled to find a path forward and I was very grateful to all of the staff and the Veteran Service Center for the guidance. My favorite memory was not feeling out of place and welcomed, even encouraged.
