A Bright Future Ahead

Crystal’s educational and career goals were shaped by both the challenges she faced and the support she received along the way. “Mercy Housing played a pivotal role in my journey,” she shared. After graduating high school during the pandemic, she took time to reflect on what truly motivated her. “At first, I wasn’t sure about my career path,” she said. “But looking back on my childhood, I realized I’d always been drawn to the medical field.”

As a child, Crystal was fascinated by the medical equipment at her pediatrician’s office and inspired by the care the staff provided. “That early curiosity sparked a desire to pursue a career where I could use those tools to make a difference,” she explained. Revisiting those memories helped her recognize that helping others through medicine was her true passion.

Still, the path forward wasn’t easy. After high school, Crystal lost confidence in her future — even in the idea of going to college. She took a gap year to regroup, and when she eventually enrolled at a community college, she began to rebuild that confidence. “That experience taught me resilience,” she said. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m proving to myself that I can reach my goals.”

Looking ahead, Crystal is filled with hope. “I’m excited about the possibilities,” she said. “My goal is to build a fulfilling career where I can make a real impact — just like I was inspired to do from a young age.”