Natalya Reister ’25 Finds Spark, Confidence, and Community at Valpo
When Natalya Reister ’25 visited Valparaiso University for the first time, it wasn’t the college visit she was expecting. It was the summer of 2020, during the height of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, requiring masks and limited access to campus buildings. But despite these limitations, something special still shone through.
“The minute I set foot on campus, I was in love,” says Natalya, who ventured to Valpo from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to pursue a degree in sociology with theology minor. “Even though I visited during the summer of 2020 and couldn’t go into any of the buildings and had to wear a mask, just seeing the campus, I knew it was going to be home. The way that everything was so interconnected, and everything was close by. And just the way my tour guide talked about the community here and faith life. Everything just checked all those boxes.”
That intuition proved correct as Natalya immersed herself in Valpo’s community over the next four years, developing her academic interests while growing in confidence through campus involvement, being a Christ College – The Honors College Scholar, and leadership opportunities.
Selected as one of this year’s Baccalaureate speakers, Natalya says she was both surprised and grateful for the honor. “It kind of came out of the blue in my inbox one day,” she admits. “I’m definitely a bit nervous because I’m not the best public speaker, but I’ve been given a lot of opportunities to do stuff like this in the last year or two, so I’m trying to lean more into that.”
As she prepares her address, Natalya is reflecting on Valpo’s emphasis on service. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the ways in which I have served and in turn been served,” she reflects. “I think so much of service at Valpo comes from also being willing to accept help.”
Natalya’s life on campus has been a beautiful blend of her commitment to faith and community. As producer of VUDU Comedy (Valparaiso University’s improv troupe), head sacristan in the Chapel of the Resurrection, peer minister, and student aide at the Lutheran Diaconal Association, she has formed deep connections.
The Chapel, in particular, has been central to her Valpo experience. “I don’t think I’d be who I am today if I didn’t have that constant accountability, that constant community, that constant care that comes through being involved in the Chapel,” Natalya shares. “If I had been at a school that didn’t have that, or just had a lukewarm approach to faith, that would not have been for me.”
Natalya’s academic journey began as a theology major – that is, until she discovered sociology through her general education courses. “I took a social course just for my [general education requirements] and I was just in love,” she explains. This exploration led to her current career aspirations in chaplaincy, working specifically with aging adults.
“I grew up around my grandparents a lot, which gave me a natural inclination towards elderly folks,” Natalya says. Her experience working in a nursing home solidified this direction. “Chaplains get to sit and be still and show up for people, and that’s really what I love to do.”
Natalya credits Valpo’s faculty and community with her tremendous personal growth over the years. “I think the biggest thing I’ve noticed is my own confidence,” she reflects. “Coming into Valpo, I think a lot of freshmen feel shy and hesitate to be themselves. But by getting involved with things like Christ College or the Chapel, I found communities that challenged me and encouraged me.”
For prospective students considering Valparaiso University, Natalya offers heartfelt advice: “At Valpo, you find a community that wants you, that embraces you, and that helps cultivate who you are and what your passions and pursuits are.”
And to incoming freshmen? “Have so much grace on yourself,” she urges. “You are going to be overwhelmed. That’s just a part of changing and growing and coming to college.” But she also encourages them to stay engaged: “Still be willing to keep your door open if you’re in a dorm. Go to the student involvement fair. Get to know the campus… and just lean into that discovery that comes in that first fall semester.”
Natalya’s Valpo experience serves as a beacon of possibility for future students. We welcome you to explore Valparaiso University’s many sociology and theology offerings, visit our campus, or connect with our admission team. Like Natalya, a campus tour might spark you to decide on Valpo!