When Natalie Nicole Peralta graduated from high school in 2023, she knew she wanted to continue her education, but she wasn't sure where her path would lead.
"I did not have a plan at all," Peralta said.
After moving to Corona and researching local colleges on her own, she enrolled at Norco College. Initially pursuing nursing, Peralta soon discovered that her true passion was elsewhere, and she reconnected with a lifelong love of art.
Drawing had always been a constant in her life. From childhood sketches to high school art exhibitions, creativity provided an outlet and source of purpose. Even during difficult moments in her life, art remained the one thing that made her feel alive.
"Once I started taking art classes, I knew this was something I could do for the rest of my life," Peralta said. "This is something I look forward to every single day."
Peralta became actively involved in Norco College's Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), where she found a strong support system and opportunities to explore transfer pathways. During an EOPS campus visit to the University of California, Irvine (UCI), she immediately felt a connection to the university.
"The moment I stepped foot at UCI, I felt something different," she said. "We had visited other universities, but nothing clicked. When I got there, I just knew this was where I was supposed to go."
Inspired by the visit, Peralta set her sights on transferring to UC Irvine and worked toward making that goal a reality. This fall, she will continue her education at the university on a full scholarship while pursuing a degree in Studio Art.
Her path to this milestone has not been easy. During her time at Norco College, Peralta faced significant challenges and credits the college community for helping her navigate difficult circumstances. She said learning to ask questions, seek support, and engage with others transformed her college experience.
(Natalie Nicole Peralta with her ceramic sculpture, "Leftovers: The Octucantopus")
"When I first came here, I kept to myself," she said. "But once I started opening up, making friends, and getting involved, everything became easier. Opportunities started coming to me."
Peralta became actively involved on campus through the Phoenix Scholars program, building connections that helped her grow both personally and professionally. During challenging periods in her college journey, Norco College's Basic Needs program provided critical support, helping her remain focused on her education and future goals, while faculty members within the Art Department supported her every step of the way.
"I look up to every single one of them," she said. "They've all had an impact on me."
As she prepares to transfer, Peralta is still exploring the many possibilities within the art world. While she hopes to exhibit and sell her work, she is also interested in mural projects, curatorial work, marketing, teaching, and ceramics—an artistic medium she recently discovered she loves.
Before beginning classes at UC Irvine this fall, Peralta will continue expanding her artistic experience through an internship with associate professor of art, Trang Lê, assisting with a mural project over the summer. The opportunity will allow her to further develop her skills while gaining hands-on experience in a professional creative environment.
"This opportunity means everything to me," she said. "I know this is something that can change my life and create a better life for my daughter. I'm excited for what's ahead."
For students just beginning their own college journeys, Peralta offers one piece of advice: don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
"Be yourself. Ask questions. Make friends with people who want good things for you," she said. "You don't have to have everything figured out. Just open yourself up to opportunities and let people see who you are."
This fall, Peralta will begin the next chapter of her artistic journey at UC Irvine, carrying with her the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that helped shape her time at Norco College.