We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Conigland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
At my age, most think that it is time to retire accept your age, and settle for what you have. Truth is, age is just a number and I have a lot more to give. People ask why did I pursue a doctoral degree at this stage in my life? My long-time desire was to obtain my doctorate in education but there were factors that prohibited me from doing so. Being told that you are not qualified to hold the title of Doctor ignited the desire and ambition within me to pursue the degree regardless of my limitations. I am very grateful for Grand Canyon University for making the impossible possible and now I am a candidate for graduation. I continued working hard non stop even when I contracted COVID-19. My best work is when I am under pressure. Obstacles are made to move around especially when you have God on your side. I would not be where I am without my Faith and trust in Him.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
II am a twenty-year veteran in education and have served economically disadvantaged students throughout my career. My background in special education is extensive and my ability to connect with challenging students is rewarding. My areas of certification in education are very unique to include STEM Education. I am able to take the concepts of STEM and incorporate them into daily activities in the classroom. My ability to relate current-day concepts intertwined with Science Technology Engineering and Math has allowed me to raise scores in Special Education allowing All children to participate in higher academics regardless of their disabilities. There are no limits in my classroom and my students know this when they walk into my class. There are many challenges in education and to grow you must be willing to educate yourself  and be open to new ideas that help you grow and connect with students. The area that I am pursuing in my doctoral program in Organizational Change and Leadership. In order to become an expert in my area you have to be exposed to all levels of education. For many years I was in a middle school education. Trying to move to other levels of secondary education can be challenging. I am happy to say that this year I had the opportunity to serve in the capacity of teacher and serve in the capacity of Team Lead. My current school district has given me the opportunity to grow and has supported me throughout my doctoral program allowing me to share in administrative decisions that I have taken extreme pride in. I made the decision to leave a district that I served for five years but  I had to grow and I knew in order to grow I had to leave and it was a decision that I am thankful that I made. I still love my prior district and the wonderful people that I served and worked for.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were to visit Houston, the first place I would drive would be downtown Houston at night. The skyline is absolutely amazing. The museum district is a must, The exhibits are so expressive and alluring. Depending on the time of year, a major sports event would be on the agenda. Houston has several professional and college venues that are exciting and you truly get the pride of Houston from the sports fans. Diversity is exhibited in the food arena and anything you want you can have but the finale would be the brunch scene on Saturday and Sunday. The atmosphere, the music, and the food is impeccable. You can get anything from Jazz, R&B, Rock, Country, and Classical music, anything your heart desires is available and worth the wait in line. Houston embraces the diverse lifestyle and opens its arms to everyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is always someone who inspires you to be the best you can be. I am involved with a dynamic group of women who have supported me through some of the tough times in my life. Moving to a metropolitan city as huge as Houston is very hard to connect with like-minded people who truly want the best for you and who believe in a higher power that is bigger than all of us. I call this my “Tribe” the warriors who will go thru the fire and stand on the other side holding your tears in a cup to dispose of and say “let’s go girl” Love and support are generic words that are used every day but I use the word “infinity” that goes beyond and above. I am a doctoral candidate and these persons have pushed me to do my best with God on my side and the “tribe” that He has sent in my life is an intricate part of my journey and I could never thank them enough. I can truly say that a fist bump, saying you got this and we are praying for you, and showing up when you need them through the good and the bad is phenomenal. God has truly been good to me and my existence is because of Him and the “Specials” in my life!

Website: sheswinninink.com

Facebook: Doc Criss Loading@facebook

Other: blackdoctoratesmatter@wordpress.com

Image Credits
Black Women Developing Friendships (BWDF) Super Women Are Rare Diamonds (SWAD)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.