Affordable Ambrose: Natalie's Grad Story

They say ‘home is where the heart is’, and for SAU graduate Natalie Cremer this couldn’t be more true.

Growing up in the Quad Cities, Natalie never imagined she’d find her college home right here in her own backyard. She began her undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa, quickly realizing that it wasn’t the right fit for her.

“I felt like one in a million at Iowa,” she recalls about her decision to transfer to SAU. “The power of a smaller school like St. Ambrose is that it makes it easier to step out of your comfort zone and develop deeper connections, equipping students with so much more than just a quality education.”

Inspired by her parents’ careers in healthcare, Natalie knew at a young age that she wanted to follow in their footsteps. Her curiosity for understanding others and desire to make a difference led her to explore a degree in Psychology. Yet, she knew she wanted to do even more with her education.

One of the biggest reasons why Natalie was confident in her transition to SAU was the opportunity to opt into the 3+3 program, a dual-enrollment track that allows admitted undergrad students to simultaneously be admitted to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and complete both degrees in just six years. This accelerated pathway saves students pursing advanced degrees both valuable time and money, allowing them to enter the workforce and begin making an impact faster than their peers.

While Natalie prepares to graduate with her bachelor’s this December, she has already begun taking credits towards her doctorate. “Thanks to my knowledgeable advisors and all of the ways the faculty help us get engaged right from the start, it has been a seamless transition,” she shares. “I could never have pictured myself being where I am today at another university.” 

The College of Health and Human Services offers students state-of-the-art facilities and early hands-on experience that Natalie says make SAU stand out against other schools. The Home Lab and Jim’s Place, an assistive technology house, give members of the community with different abilities the chance to test out adaptive resources before investing in them for their own homes. Partnerships with organization like Hand in Hand enable students like Natalie the chance to put their learning into action.

“These opportunities have helped me understand that we all learn and grow and navigate the world in different ways,” she adds. “It feels good to be able to offer affordable, sometimes free services to my own community and to know I’m already making a difference for underserved populations in my hometown.”

Guided by a self-awareness beyond her years, Natalie discovered that home was actually not so far away from home after all. As she looks back on her journey and dreams of what’s to come, Natalie encourages other students to always keep an open mind and embrace the idea that the best things often come from change.

“You don’t have to have it all figured out,” Natalie reminds us as she reflects on the importance of following your heart. “Just focus on what is best for you, what excites you and motivates you and you’ll find your way.”