GO WIN NATALIE BERGSTRASSER

What is your name?

Natalie Bergstrasser

Where are you from?

Small town Stroud, Oklahoma

What was one of your favorite things growing up?

Playing in the woods and climbing on hay bales.

Where do you work? What's your title? What do you do?

I'm the Independent Living Coordinator at Lilyfield Christian Adoption and Foster Care. I work with women who age out of foster care and are pursuing higher education. I connect them with mentors in the community, collaborate with them in identifying their goals, and provide educational support. I facilitate life skill classes for foster youth and foster alumni, inviting members of the community to share their expertise. I'm also a graduate student, obtaining a master of social work (MSW) at OU.

Who was your best friend growing up?

Breona Fay Morris. She was a feisty, adventurous, beauty who charmed every person she met. She was an overcomer of many adversities and walked a difficult road. She loved Jesus deeply and lived life large. She passed away young and her loss has been one of the greatest markers of my life. I continue to learn from her legacy every day.

Money was of no concern what would you be doing?

Exactly what I'm doing right now, but traveling the world on school breaks.

Can you share something that embarrasses you?

The first time I met a couple who mentored my husband, I made the unfortunate decision to play fetch with their blue heeler. My aim is terrible. My first overhanded toss to the dog struck the wife in the forehead. Thankfully, it was only a tennis ball and she erupted in laughter. It was easily one of the more embarrassing moments of my life. My husband reminds me anytime he gets the chance.

Do you have a favorite app on your phone right now?

Air BnB. I love seeing glimpses of the world.

Tell me the 3 best things about you.

1. I am passionate about what I do. I am a member of the foster care community.
2. I am a loyal friend and mentee/mentor.
3. I have a desire to always continue learning, exploring, and becoming better.

What does good communication mean to you?

Good communication means truly seeking to know and be known. It shows sincere appreciation for diverse perspectives, but doesn't shy from speaking truth in love.

Who is a great communicator in your life and why?

Chris Lynch, a #noplaceleft church planter in Houston, TX. He has a remarkable gift of equipping Christians to reach people who are far from Jesus.

What is your favorite way to learn?

I love to explore. Sometimes that is traveling a city by foot, observing a culture first hand. Sometimes, that is consIdering how to ask good questions to better understand a person's point of view.

Tell us something you have learned lately?

I've learned that conflict presents an opportunity as much as it presents a risk.

Your favorite person in the world and why?

Michael Bergstrasser Jr. hands down. He is the greatest teammate I could ever have in this life.

Who is someone that adds value to your life and how?

My clients. I'm constantly inspired and challenged by their tenacity and resilience. They make me better.

How do you go about planning your day?

I have color coded calendars on my phone and in a planner. My life holds a delicate balance of family, work, school, and church. I start with coffee in my hand, a kiss from my husband, and take my day one task at a time.

Are you a goal setter?

Yes, absolutely.

What's a big goal you have at the moment that you can share?

My goal in obtaining a Master of Social Work degree is to one day supervise and equip other social workers to do the work I do.

Is there anything that you're measuring in your life right now and how?

Certainly not the hours of sleep I'm getting. ;)

Which of your friends tell the best stories about you?

Two of my dearest friends - Chaurley, my best friend from college or Amanda, who travelled and worked with me in London, England

Do you have a favorite story to tell about one of your friends?

Countless stories of the women who have invested in who I am today and continue to inspire me. My mentor of 10 years, Cory Lynne. My pioneer sister, Stephanie. My best friends from college - Chaurley, Gloria, Emily, and Danielle. The beautiful girls I mentored at Choctaw Road Baptist Church. My supervisor, Holly Towers. A whole host of women in Greenville, Texas. And the two sweet little girls who call me "mommy."

What's the one question you ask someone you want to get to know better?

Where is your favorite place that you have travelled?

If you had a million dollars, how would you use it?

I would support missionaries, travel, and provide transitional housing and support to foster alumni.

What's one simple way to show kindness tomorrow?

Make eye contact with a child.

6 things you should be consistent in to live out a GO WIN LIFESTYLE?

1. Spiritual discipline.
2. Seeking mentors.
3. Being faithful in the small things.
4. Go out of your comfort zone.
5. Practice self-care.
6. Laugh out loud.