News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SVCC Alumna Finds Her Path From Governor’s School to Coral Conservation
Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) is proud to spotlight the inspiring journey of Natalie Aldridge, a Buckingham County High School and Governor’s School of Southside Virginia (GSSV) graduate whose educational path has led her from dual enrollment at SVCC to marine biology research, scientific diving, and coral restoration in Key Largo, Florida.
Natalie began her college career through Buckingham’s dual enrollment program through a partnership with SVCC. “I was blessed with the opportunity to attend SVCC through the Governor’s School of Southside Virginia (GSSV) program,” she said. “That opportunity shaped everything that came next.” Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 shutdown, she found SVCC to be a transformative and motivating environment.
“My first year was online, but that didn’t limit my experience at all,” she said. “I was always encouraged to chase my field of study. I took every opportunity that came my way and socially I loved connecting with students from different schools.”
At SVCC, Natalie built the confidence and communication skills that continue to guide her today. “SVCC gave me the confidence to connect with my professors and collaborate with others,” she said. “That adaptability helps me every day, whether creatively or scientifically.” She credits faculty members, especially Mrs. Clatterbuck and Ms. Fenwick, for encouraging her academically and nurturing her passion for marine biology. The amount of influence they still have on me is indescribable,” she said. “They helped me realize I was smarter than I thought and encouraged me to celebrate every success.”
SVCC’s strong transfer partnership with Old Dominion University (ODU) allowed all 81 of her credits to transfer, enabling her to enter ODU as an 18-year-old junior. “SVCC prepared me in more ways than I first realized,” she said. “It encouraged me to take risks and showed me the value of networking.” Those connections led her to research opportunities in coral science and eventually to scientific diving.
While at ODU, Natalie worked in both student and faculty research labs, completed a minor in marketing, and earned her scientific diver certification, along with 13 additional diving credentials. She even volunteered to create and manage the ODU Science Diving social media page, a role she continues today.
Today, Natalie is living in Key Largo, Florida, working as an intern with Reef Renewal USA, where she assists with coral conservation and restoration while supporting their social media outreach. She also continues her work with ODU Science Diving.
Natalie credits SVCC as a core part of her foundation—academically, personally, and spiritually. “My foundation was rooted in my connection with God, with people, and with my goals,” she shared. “Without the guidance and the community of people who believed in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said. “SVCC was part of my support group, always ready to encourage me.”
Her long-term goal is to create a business that connects people with marine biology through marketing and education, inspiring others to care for the oceans.
Her advice to students is simple: “Do not limit yourself. When you dedicate your time to something you’re passionate about, you will be successful wherever you go.”
Natalie extends heartfelt thanks to her GSSV teachers and to SVCC for shaping her journey. Her story represents the power of opportunity, encouragement, and community support, values that SVCC is proud to champion.
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