Natalie Jane Arciniega, who many of her friends call “Nat,” is a student who loves being creative and helping others. From designing costumes for theater to tutoring kids and even competing in the Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal pageant, Arciniega is always looking for ways to get involved.

Since Arciniega was little, she started volunteering at her mom’s nursing home when she was only ten,  helping make posters and spending time with the residents. She then later joined Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she tutored elementary students.

“I like how every student is so different,” she said. “You never know what kind of personality they’re going to have.”

She also helps with her theater department’s Trick or Treat So Tots Can Eat event, which collects canned food for charities nearby.

Theater is one of Arciniega’s biggest passions. She enjoys acting, but her favorite role is working behind the scenes as a costume designer. 

“You can tell so much about a character through their costumes,” she said.

Arciniega’s hard work has earned her many awards at the state level, including the title of Honor Thespian, which signifies that she has dedicated more than 600 hours to theater. She has also represented her school at major events, such as the district’s grand opening, and was even a finalist for state thespian officer.

“That means a lot to me, because I’ve put in a lot of work towards it, and it’s a title that I can hold forever.”

This year, Arciniega is also competing in the Mr. and Miss Cardinal pageant. The pageant provides students with a great opportunity to showcase their talents and personalities, as well as demonstrate school spirit. For Arciniega, it’s another way to represent her school.

”Even though I was shaking after I left the stage, I was so proud of myself for representing my entire school,” she said.

Outside of theater, Arciniega enjoys drawing, photography, and graphic design. She runs Instagram pages for both her theater team and another school club. 

“Even just doodling makes me feel less stressed,” she said.

She also loves taking photos, something she picked up from her dad. 

“He always encouraged me to capture something to look back on.”

After high school, Arciniega hopes to attend AMDA, a performing arts school in New York. She plans to study theater, but is also interested in psychology. In the future, she sees herself working as a costume designer, actor, or even a therapist.

Regardless of the path she chooses, Arciniega is motivated by her creativity and her passion for helping others. From tutoring and volunteering to theater and pageants, she demonstrates that hard work and passion can unlock a wide range of opportunities.