Hello, my name is Natalie Bender. I am a single mother of 3 beautiful daughters and live in Elk River. I moved out to this area 16 years ago and began my new life.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 3 daughters, Marlys is 24, Seleena is 21, who I placed for adoption at birth but we still have a close relationship, and Nyla is 17. My mother, Connie, is a big part of my life and lives with me now.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have been volunteering in Big Lake for about 15 years.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
Currently I work at Brock White, a construction supply company. I have worked there since August of 2022. Before that I worked in various different positions. I have been a school bus driver, limo/ party bus driver, care taker at a group home for adults with special needs, just to name a few of my last ones.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
A lot of people try to call me Nat, but I actually don’t like that nickname. So I don’t really have one.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
Favorite movies would have to be the Twilight Saga and the Fast and Furious movies. My favorite TV shows would be Friends, CSI, NCIS, and all the other crime shows. Right now I am re-watching Will and Grace!
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh man that’s a hard one….. meal would probably be steak and potatoes, or family loves or spuds. Drink would probably be water. I try not to drink a lot of soda.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I don’t have hobbies but I love to volunteer! Volunteering and helping with events, is like partying to me. I don’t go out to clubs anymore and I don’t drink really so that’s my way of having fun!
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
Sky diving! I am deathly afraid of heights but it’s always been something I really want to do!
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would buy a large plot of land somewhere warmer with a small house and run away!
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
Only challenge in my life is money really. I have always had a very strong work ethic but I just am so bad at saving money.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about myself I would be better at saving money honestly. That’s been the biggest cause of stress in my life, that has been passed down to my kids, and that hurts me to know I’ve caused them that struggle.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
I have two heroes in my life. My mom, for being a strong single mother and showing me how to be the best single mother I can be. My grandpa Phil, he was always so supportive of me and my life choices. I miss him everyday!
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I am pretty much an open book so I can’t think of anything that people don’t know about me.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Raising my two daughters, on my own, into beautiful young women.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
I love going to El Loro!
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
My favorite thing about Big Lake is the community. Everyone just tends to pull together when needed.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
I don’t really have any advice that I could give.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Samantha Smith, she works with us on the Spud Fest board
