Arts or an education? Or is it possible to have both?

Natalie Portman, a famous actress since her pre-teens, believes that her actions should never get in the way of her academics, and they didn’t. While studying at Harvard University for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, she stated ‘I don’t care if college ruins my career, I’d rather be smart than a movie star.’

With two Golden Globe awards, Natalie’s career has certainly been a success. Her impressive career began at the release of her first movie Leon, or The Professional where Natalie, at the age of 13, starred as the young protegee of a professional assassin. She then went on to win several awards, including Best Newcomer at the Faro Island Film Festival. By 16, she was recruited into the Star Wars franchise, playing Padme Amidala, father of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa in Episode I; The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II; Attack of the Clones, and Episode III; Revenge of the Sith. Since then, Natalie has featured in at least 50 other movies, including 3 of the 4 Thor movies portraying the character Jane Foster, as well as the most recent Avengers Movie; Avengers: Endgame. It is without a doubt that her career will continue to grow, as her most recent movie Thor: Love and Thunder have received glowing reviews from critics stating that ‘Natalie Portman steals the show’.

After finishing her years at Syosset High School, Natalie began studying at Harvard University for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree, all while playing the role of Padme Amidala in Star Wars; Episode II; Attack of the Clones. She then chose to pursue Graduate Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, walking away with a brighter mind and a brighter future. From the ages of 3 -12, Natalie Portman took lessons in ballet before stopping to focus on her acting career, however, this training came into use for her role of Nina Sayers in the psychological thriller, Black Swan. And as if her extensive education wasn’t enough, Natalie has taken to helping provide education for the next generation.

Natalie Portman is an intelligent actress who values her education over fame and an activist. She became the very first Ambassador of Hope for FINCA, advocating for equal rights for all women and those less fortunate than herself. This organisation helped her create the ‘Power of a Girl Project’, where she was able to help support and fund the opening of an All-Girls school in Kenya, named Kisaruni All-Girls Secondary School. If Natalie Portman isn’t the perfect example of what can be achieved regardless of barriers holding someone back, then what is? All one can hope is that Natalie will be the inspiration to others as she is for the young girls in the Kisaruni Secondary School and that her outstanding contributions will continue to inspire women all around the world, maybe even you.

Written by Lily Anderson.