SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: “My parents favorite child”- Natalie Burhans

Natalie Catherine Burhans is the middle child of four siblings, but the “least favorite” stereotypes surrounding middle children couldn't be farther from her truth. 

“I have a very close relationship with my parents and my siblings”

Natalie and her siblings posing with their dogs Miley and Mia during a trip to Beaver Island

Natalie was born on May 7th, 2007 into a family of four, two older siblings and her parents Jen and John, who she says have always been her biggest supporters.

Her and her now three siblings have formed a very close bond over the years, despite their many fights and arguments when they were younger. Natalie states that the countless vacations and summers at their cottages on Beaver Island played a huge factor in bringing the four siblings together. 

“Another thing that brought us all closer was Emily and John moving away to college. That helped our relationship because we weren’t together all the time, so it made me enjoy their visits more.”

Natalie has always been busy, starting her favorite sport, soccer at just four years old, and this past November, finishing her last club soccer season. Natalie puts her knowledge of the game to good use, refereeing youth soccer games in the fall and spring. Nat also competes in horse shows every summer with her horse Bella, who she has been "showing" with since she was ten years old. 

Natalie is majoring in kinesiology at Michigan State University, and she plans to use her degree to become an athletic trainer or physical therapist later in life. 

“Kinesiology is something I think I’ll really enjoy studying because I’ve grown up in sports and I know I'll like working with athletes.”

Because her older sister Emily had attended Michigan State, Nat has grown up very comfortable with the school along with the idea of attending it one day. Seeing her sister enjoy the university helped to make her college decision much easier. 

When asked about who has influenced and supported her the most throughout her life she answered:

“My biggest influences in my life have been my Dad, because he taught me to persevere through tough times and don’t give up on myself if I believe in something. My friends are also a big part of my life because they are always there for me and are always there to make me happy."