A Worthwhile Life — Natalie Sanchez
"The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile." —Fred Rogers
Natty Sanchez has been a mentor with Great Life Mentoring for four years, and she loves it. Though she says, “it doesn’t always feel like I ‘mentor.”
Natty became a mentor because she felt like she grew up alone. Her siblings were much older than she was, and it felt like “no one understood” her. She wanted to be there for someone in a similar situation. Natty is there for whatever her friend is dealing with in her life, and she brings her “knack for cheering people up.” She is a compassionate and empathetic person.
As it turns out, Natty says she is constantly amazed with how caring and thoughtful her friend can be. The relationship has turned out to be reciprocal and helps them both understand difficult situations from other points of view.
Natty works as a Digital Producer/Project Manager and is passionate about establishing steady and functional workflows. She has built a successful career despite hardships. Natty endured challenges, but she put herself through college. Sometimes she had to choose work over class to maintain financial security and succeeded in her goals—but she did it. She now has the satisfaction of working all day and coming home to several pets who love her. Natty cares about equal rights for people, but she also cares about fair and humane treatment of animals.
On the lighter side, Natty is a fun and silly person. She loves visiting historical landmarks. Some of her favorites have been Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sweden, Pyramid of the Sun in Mexico, Olvera Street in Los Angeles, The Dome in Florence, Italy and The Parthenon in Athens. She has a long list of adventures ahead as well.
We love watching the one-minute unscripted video of Natty and her friend. It’s priceless when they spontaneously declare their interest in being “friends forever.”
Natty says her friend is “truly someone special,” and she wants to be there for her, hoping that her best is enough.
It’s evident to us that Natty, who is passionate about helping others, an animal lover, a hard worker and one who doesn’t give up, is truly someone special as well.
Natty's friend says, “I think that Great life mentoring kind of gives you like a lifeline.” If you'd like to be a lifeline for a child facing adversity, volunteer in Vancouver, WA or volunteer in Portland, OR and follow Natty's example to a worthwhile life.