Everyone has an educator that has made an impact on their life. While some may be more impactful than others, the impression they make on their students has the potential to change the course of their students’ lives. Natalie Blonien is a senior at Altus High School and she says that one of the first teachers she ever had played a major role in her life.

“Mrs. King was my kindergarten teacher at Altus Christian Academy, and even though it was so long ago I still remember everything,” Natalie recalled. “My parents had to make trips to South Texas for cancer treatments for my dad and Mrs. King took me in and let me stay with her like one of her kids. I was so blessed to be able to have someone care for me when my family was going through hard times. She was not only my teacher she treated me like her own, she took me in when my family was going through circumstances and I truly love her like my family.”

Blonien is a dual-sport athlete at Altus, competing in golf and swimming. She says that becoming the athlete that she is today has not come easy but her biggest motivation is to play for her dad.

“The drive to carry on my dad’s legacy to make him proud is what keeps me focused,” she said. “I also want to show myself that all my
blood, sweat, and tears that I have poured into my golf game will make me successful one day.
Golf takes time and I have put countless hours and time that I sacrificed not going to events so I can practice and be where I am today. The talent and passion I have to achieve success is unreal. I have the drive to make it big one day and play on the LPGA tour.”

Along with King, Blonien has a couple of people that are role models that she looks up to as examples for her life.

“My biggest role model close to me would be my sister, Megan Blonien,” she stated. “She has taught me the hard work and dedication it takes to not only be an athlete but a young woman. My other role model would be my mom, Patsy Villarreal. I want to be the mother to my future children like my mom has been to me and my siblings; countless of tournaments she drove me to, always up for whatever tournament or lesson or anything sport related I had to do, and always providing for me to be the best young lady I am today.”