Crystal’s educational and career goals were shaped by the challenges and support she had received throughout her life. “Mercy Housing played a pivotal role in my journey,” she recently shared. The recipient of a 2024 National Real Estate Practice of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants annual EPIC Educational Support Grant, Crystal credits Mercy Housing and 290 Resident Services Coordinator Jazmine Lee for encouraging her to pursue her lifelong dream of working in the healthcare industry.

“My community and Jazmine have heavily influenced my personal and professional development,” she explained. “Her consistent support and encouragement helped me overcome my shyness and hesitancy.” Jazmine has become one of Crystal’s closest confidants.

 

It was during a difficult time that Jazmine had a conversation with Crystal. “She confided in me that she was planning to go back to school and continue her education, which she put on hold because of numerous obligations placed on her.” As they continued to talk, Jazmine learned about the financial struggles Crystal was encountering in paying for her education. Her family was unable to provide financial support for buying textbooks and transportation.

“When I learned that Crystal was taking junior college courses without signing up for financial aid, I made her sit down in my office until we figured out a path forward together,” Jazmine shared.  That path forward included applying for the EPIC Scholarship.

Crystal Pursues a Lifelong Dream

Inspired by the encouragement of those who believed in her future, Crystal was inspired to apply for the EPIC Scholarship. “Having their support means so much to me,” she shared. “It reassures me that my hard work and determination are being recognized.”

“The idea that I’m proving to others and most importantly to myself, that I can achieve my goals motivates me to continue pushing forward and striving for success.” – Crystal.

Crystal graduated from high school during the pandemic, which made thinking about the future challenging.  She decided to take some time to reflect on what motivated her the most. She explains, “Initially, I wasn’t sure about my career path; however, as I looked back on my childhood, I realized that my interest in the medical field was there all along.”

Crystal vividly remembers being fascinated by the medical equipment every time she visited her pediatrician as a child. She also took note of how the staff helped people. “The early curiosity sparked a desire to pursue a career where I could use those tools to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said. Revisiting those memories helped her to understand that helping others through medicine was her true passion.

The Covid Pandemic Blurs Future Plans

Many students, including Crystal, were deeply impacted by the pandemic. Overnight, students of all ages went from seeing friends, participating in afterschool activities, and more to feeling increasingly isolated due to the shutdown. “I struggled with the sudden change to remote learning and the challenges of staying engaged,” she shared. As time passed, Crystal began losing confidence in her future, including attending college. She decided to take a gap year following her high school graduation. “The constant support and encouragement from my family – especially my mom and uncle – helped me to realize that my dreams weren’t out of reach,” she said. Crystal resumed her education at a community college, where she began to rebuild her academic confidence.

“That experience taught me resilience and perseverance,” she said. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m proving to myself that I can achieve my goals.”

Balancing School and Household Responsibilities Through Open Communications

As her education got back on path, Crystal was learning new lessons at home. “Balancing school and home responsibilities has been a challenge, but it’s something I’ve learned to navigate with open communication,” she explained, noting that maintaining an honest line of communication with her parents and professors has been the key. Crystal keeps them up to date about the highs and lows she has been experiencing along the way. Another crucial area of focus for her is time management. “It’s important for me to stay organized to manage my academic workload and household responsibilities,” she shares. This has helped her not to feel overwhelmed. Another secret to her success? Flexibility. She knows that remaining flexible helps her to find a balance that works.

Five Years From Now…

So where does Crystal see herself five years from now? “Gaining hands-on experience through volunteer work or an internship,” she shared. “I am excited about the possibilities. My goal is to be well on my way to a fulfilling career where I can positively impact the lives of others…just as I was inspired to do from a young age.”

Jazmine added, “Every ounce of my being believes that Crystal has what it takes to make her dreams a reality.”