Cool Cat: Natascha Evreinoff

Q&A by Meisner Dunlap

Natascha Evreinoff, a Paraguay-born student currently doing her master’s at CWU in Business Administration, originally struggled to get used to living in a small town upon her arrival in Ellensburg. But soon enough, Evreinoff grew to really enjoy the rural environment around CWU, according to a speech that she gave at International Programs’ annual Global Appreciation Reception (GAR) in April.

International Programs used the GAR as a way to celebrate their students, faculty, scholars, staff and alumni, including Evreinoff, in the Sue Lombard Dining Room on Thursday, April 16.

Q: I know that you mentioned in your speech at the Global Appreciation Reception that you’re from Paraguay and that you came to the U.S. Can you tell me about your background in Paraguay and your journey to America?

Yes, so I’m originally from Paraguay. I was born there and grew up there and I was also a swimmer there. So in 2021, I decided I wanted to come to the US to study and I found a university in Kentucky where I was a swimmer and student. In there, I finished my Bachelor’s in business and math in there in May 2025 and then I decided to pursue my Master’s degree and that’s when I came to Central in September 2025.

Q: What made you choose to get your Master’s at Central, specifically?

So I was looking for different MBA programs and I saw the one in Central and that they have different networking opportunities to grow in the business field. And they also have the business analytics specialization, which is something I was really interested about. And I also found a job in here, a graduate assistant position, which helps me cover all the costs of living here. So when I was talking to the people from the program and from my job, I realized that they were very kind and they were really willing to help me grow both personally and professionally, so that’s why I chose to come here.

Q: What made you interested in business analytics?

So I always liked numbers and data and analyzing it, so I did my undergrad in business and mathematics and in there, I had to really have an analytical mind and think not only numbers, but also think business as I was combining both majors and with how much the business world in terms of business analytics is growing and how many different things you can do by analyzing the data. It really catch my attention and it made me want to learn more about it. So that’s why I chose the business analytics.

Q: You mentioned a paid job that you have in your speech. Can you tell me more about that?

I have a graduate assistant position where I work with the Athletics Academic Center. So I have to overview the academic performance of around 300 athletes that we have at Central. And I have to work with compliance and make sure that they stay eligible academically for playing their specific sports, as well as I have to monitor them when they come to the study hall hours that they are required per week. And this job helps me cover my tuition and housing. So it allows me to be able to be here and pay for whatever I have left to pay.

Q: What made you interested in working in the Athletics Academic Center, specifically?

Since I was an athlete in college and I always liked sports, I wanted to work somewhat in a place that is somewhat related to athletics and this job allows me to help students to perform good academically and be able to still play their sports. So that’s what made me interested in this position because I like sports and I like helping people. So being able to still play their sports. So that’s what made me interested in this position because I like sports and I like helping people. So being able to be involved in both areas, it’s really interesting for me.

Q: What is your favorite sport?

I was a swimmer in college and I’ve been swimming my whole life. So I would say swimming, but I really like playing volleyball and tennis as well in my free time, just for fun.

Q: What do you like about swimming?

I would say probably having a space where I can be by myself or I can socialize. And I can also clear my mind when I’m swimming and I think it’s just fun to move my body a bit and meet people also who enjoy doing those things.

Q: You mentioned in your speech that you like music. Can you tell me about your musical background?

Yes, so I’ve always liked music and I’ve always liked listening to different instruments. So when I was little, I used to ask my parents to getting music classes and then they signed me up for piano lessons when I was six years old and I loved it. It’s a way you can express yourself through music and it allows you to relax when you’re listening to music. It can hype you up. It’s a way of expressing emotions. So I started playing piano when I was six years old and I had classes until I was 20 years old. So I always enjoyed music and playing the piano, specifically.

Q: Professor Yerin Kim spoke before you did and I remember you saying something along the lines of you really appreciate and feel inspired by her music. Can you tell me more about that?

Yes, so Central has, from what I see at least, it has a really good music program and they offer different concerts or events. So I’ve been to some piano concerts they had and I think it was really fun. They brought people from other states to come and play and give a presentation. It was really fun to go to. For everyone who enjoys listening to music or enjoys instruments, those events are really cool and a good opportunity to do something that you enjoy and listen to some music. And there’s also the practice rooms in the music building, which I think is a great resource or a great place for students who want to go there and practice some piano or if they have another instrument, they can take it there and have their own room to practice.

Q: What is your favorite thing about CWU?

I would say the variety of events they offer. They have different things to do for different interests that people have. And then I would say the people also, I think everyone is really nice in here. And if you go to the events, you can meet a lot of people there. So that’s what I like about this place and it’s not too big. So you can really get to meet the people and your professors.