About Me!

Hi! My name is Natalie Emerson. I am a Senior at Mountain View High School and a second year student at Freestyle Academy! I love art of all kinds, and have been painting and drawing all my life. I joined Freestyle for opportunity to be taught the groundworks of film, both stylistically and technically. I was eager to express my love for the arts in an environment that encourages all types of creativity. Throughout my time at Freestyle I have gained so many valuable experiences, from spending hours editing, filming or writing, to getting to see my work on the big screen in front of an audience, my time so far at Freestyle has tremendously shaped me and my outlook on life and my future. I have gained so many new friendships with amazing people and learned unique and valuable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Outside of Freestyle, I enjoy learning about history, art, sketching, watching movies, and enjoying long talks and bags of popcorn with my friends. I also enjoy reading. Joan Didion is one of my favorite authors and someone who has inspired me, both in her style of writing and outlook on life. These hobbies have worked to shape my identity, values, and goals since I was little, and I like to take time for them when I can. My core values in life include working to maintain a strong sense of self, as I believe that is one of the most important parts of life. I strongly believe that success is measured by your ability to reach the goals that you set. It’s important to mold your life around your passions and strengths, not getting caught up in the expectations of those around you. That is a big reason as to why I chose Freestyle. I did not feel fulfilled by the way I was approaching my creativity, and wanted to both challenge myself as well as allow myself to indulge in something that I truly loved by joining a program that allowed me to do both. I truly believe that life is what you make of it, and Freestyle has given me the skills and work ethic to reach for the stars.

“You have to pick the places you don’t walk away from.”

– Joan Didion