3DE™ Student Spotlight: Natalie Krohse
Author: Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Published:
Saturday, 15 Feb 2025
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Image caption: Natalie Krohse, 9th grade student at Alburnett Community School District
At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, we love celebrating students who go above and beyond in their 3DE journey. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Natalie Krohse, a dedicated and driven student from Alburnett Community School District.
Getting to Know Natalie
Outside of school, Natalie stays active and enjoys a variety of hobbies, including wrestling, cross country, track, and spending time outdoors. She’s always up for a challenge, whether it’s on the mat, the track, or in the classroom!
Fun fact? Most people might not know just how much she thrives in competitive environments—both academically and athletically.
What Inspires Natalie?
When asked about her biggest inspirations, Natalie keeps it simple but powerful:
“Jesus and everyone that matters to me—I want to make them proud.”
Her dedication to personal growth and making a positive impact on those around her shines through in everything she does.
Excelling in 3DE™
Natalie has been an integral part of 3DE™ at Alburnett, bringing enthusiasm, leadership, and a strong work ethic to every case challenge.
Her favorite project? The 9.3 Van Meter case challenge.
“I loved seeing our progress from the 9.2 case. The way the question was framed gave our group more opportunities to develop creative solutions.”
Her efforts paid off—she and her team won the 9.3 Culminating Event with Van Meter! According to Tessa Reiter, 3DE™ School Coordinator, Natalie played a key role in their success:
"Natalie’s dedication and leadership often go unnoticed, but she was instrumental in her team’s success," says Tessa Reiter, 3DE™ School Coordinator. "She took the lead in researching key facts, pushed her team to think critically, and set a high standard that inspired everyone to rise to the challenge."
How 3DE™ is Preparing Natalie for the Future
With a career interest in chemistry, Natalie sees 3DE as a valuable stepping stone toward her professional future.
“3DE is helping me become more professional and work on my goals.”
She recognizes the importance of strong communication, critical thinking, and goal-setting—skills that will serve her well in any field she pursues.
Natalie’s Advice to Future 3DE™ Students
For students just starting their 3DE™ journey, Natalie has one piece of advice:
“Try your hardest to make everything look good because if you don’t, it’s embarrassing.”
Her words reflect her commitment to excellence and the pride she takes in her work.
Way to go, Natalie! Your leadership, hard work, and dedication to growth are truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
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