During the 2022-23 academic year, we are highlighting one Colorado State University student or alum from each of Colorado’s 64 counties. The Centennial State’s land grant university has a connection to the diverse lands and people from the counties of Moffat to Baca, Montezuma to Sedgwick and everywhere in between.

Natalie Leyva

Major: Landscape Architecture

Why I chose CSU: The vibrant energy of the campus. The programs I was looking into met all the needs that I knew could help me regarding my academics and career goals.

Favorite thing about CSU: My favorite thing about CSU is the resources it offers to help students with any issues.

Clubs/organizations in college: Ag Ambassadors, SCASLA, Ag Council, AAC and El Centro.

Scholarships/awards in college: Amy Rose Brobst Memorial Scholarship issued by the Department of Landscape Architecture, Ag Ambassador Leadership Award issued by the College of Agricultural Sciences, Backcountry Casita Design Competition “Trolling Trees” Design issues by Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, and John Russel Roberston Scholarship issued by the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Favorite achievement: Backcountry Casita Design Competition, “Trolling Trees” Design issues, by Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, May 2022.

Quirky fact: I have been playing the piano since I was 7 years old.

Career goals: My career goals have changed over the years, with the given education I have received I have redirected my career goals to striving to become an urban designer/planner. I hope to one day work with cities to regenerate their stormwater infrastructure, green infrastructure, streetscapes, and much more. It is a wide range field where I can enter many avenues of landscape architecture. Regardless of what I concentrate on, I hope to benefit and help communities and the environment.

Favorite instructor(s): Kelly Curl, associate professor of landscape architecture. Favorite class was urban design instructed by Scott Carman. Kelly Curl has helped inspired me to be involved with SCASLA, Landscape Architecture, and art. She has shown that her intentions as a professor are not only to educate, but also to also bond with her students to help them meet their goals.

I’d like to thank: Brad Goetz, Kelly Curl, Jane Choi, Lori Catalano, and Scott Carman, professors of landscape architecture.

Favorite NOCO food and hangouts: Tecate Grill; and favorite hangout spaces is City Park, Old Town, Horsetooth, and Road 34.

Favorite CSU tradition: CSU football games and tailgates.

What do you tell people from Summit County about CSU: I tell them about my endless hours at the computer lab or studio but as well as the beautiful trees that tower over our campus.

Something people should know about Summit County: They should know about, “Summit Summers.” Where every day one can kayak, canoe, hike, climb, go cycling or biking, swim, jog, hangout by Lake Dillon, and most importantly how dog friendly every establishment is in Summit County!

Biggest adversity you’ve overcome at CSU: Believing that I would not do well in my STEM courses. In high school STEM was never my strong suit and when I came to college the resources, professors, and TA’s helped me find that STEM is my strength, it all is up to you to invest in working for your grades. Anyone can do great in an area of weakness, but only if you are willing to try.