Natalie Gonzalez

Author

Julie M. Luker, Concordia University, St. PaulFollow

Files

Interviewee

Natalie Gonzalez

Interviewer

Cole Steinberg

Transcriber

Thanh Huynh

Generation

Generation Z/iGen (1997-2010)

Neighborhood

South Saint Paul

Document Type

Oral History

Date of Interview

5-30-2023

Keywords

South Saint Paul, Saint Paul, 2003

Disciplines

Oral History | Psychology

Abstract

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Natalie Gonzalez is a Hispanic female born on September 8th, 2003. She lived with her father, mother, and older brother in South Saint Paul growing up. Her father worked multiple jobs and her mother was a stay-at-home mom. Gonzalez identifies as Catholic. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Gonzalez provides a vivid account of their upbringing and family life in two different neighborhoods. Gonzalez fondly recalls their loving family, with a stay-at-home mom and a hardworking dad who made time for them despite a demanding job. Their older brother played a significant role in their childhood, despite the six-year age gap, creating a close and loving immediate family. Gonzalez shares the importance of pets to her upbringing and talks about her beloved dog, Sasha. Gonzalez shares her religious upbringing. She doesn’t attend church but talks about her continued faith. Gonzalez also shares some of her favorite shows and bands growing up. Gonzalez talks about her experience with schooling, memories of her first school and the acceptance she felt there, and having to adapt after transferring schools. She talks about her high school experience which was marked by forming a close friend group and the impact of the pandemic disrupting social connections. Gonzalez highlights the values of acceptance and community prevalent in both their family and neighborhoods, shaping their outlook on treating others with kindness and empathy. Lastly, Gonzalez touches on some local concerns she has around school shoots and substance abuse issues.

Copyright

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced without the written permission of Concordia University Library or Julie Luker, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, St. Paul.

Recommended Citation

Luker, Julie M., "Natalie Gonzalez" (2023). Saint Paul and Surrounding Area. 58.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/tc-ohp_interviews_stp/58