Hometown: Macon, GA

Name of Undergraduate Institution: Duke University

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Cultural Anthropology Major; Photography and Visual Arts Double Minor

Name of Dental School: Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry

Favorite Quote: “You only get one life, live it.”- Tre’ Swint

Additional Links:

Instagram: @crysssxcross

Feel free to hit me up on there if you have any questions or need any advice!

Blog by my friend and classmate, Sarah Glenn: DentalBae

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Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?

Currently, I am a 2^nd year dental student. I knew that I wanted a career that would not only be rewarding financially, but one that would also make me happy. Dentistry is that for me. I love art and making people feel good about themselves. This is a career where I use my hands and love for art to provide healthcare to people.

If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell her?

I would tell her to keep it pushing, and that’s it. Everyone’s journey is different, and the best reward is reaching your goals by overcoming any obstacles or bumps in the road and enjoying the ride along the way.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a similar path as yours?

I would tell them the exact same thing that I would say to my naïve college freshman self. Keep it pushing and continue putting in the work, no matter how hard it may seem. Also, enjoy the ride and don’t stress the little things.

What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?

I’m the first in my immediate family to go to college, which is challenging in itself. There are a lot of things that I didn’t know in order to get to this point, but I made connections with people and dug deep for self-motivation. I also have a very supportive family, and without them, I cannot imagine where I’d be today.

What is your favorite thing about your dental school?

I have so much love for Meharry, but my favorite thing about my school is the feeling of belonging to a family. That was one of my main deciding factors.

Do you have any passions outside of school? If so, what are they?

I love photography and African-American history (and any combinations of the two).

What do you like to do for fun?

I’m a big kid! I enjoy spending time with my 5 nephews, theme parking, watching Disney movies, and hosting friends.

What do you do to get through the stressful nature of dental school?

I lucked up with an amazing group of friends in dental school. When things are stressful, we keep each other balanced by participating in group activities such as yoga classes, kickboxing, mini-weekend trips, picnics, or an outing to a local bar.

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in at your school?

I serve as the technology chair for my class’s E-board, and I am the social chair for my sorority’s social group on campus.

What were some of your involvements in college? Have those involvements helped you in any way in dental school?

In college, I had 2 work-study jobs, was heavily involved in my sorority, and I was on the executive board for our Black Student Alliance. Those involvements have definitely contributed to my ability to balance a heavy workload and manage my time. Being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has opened many doors of opportunity and allowed me to make many lifetime connections and friendships with women from all over.

Who are some of your favorite musicians? Favorite books? Shows? Movies?

I used to be a huge Wayne fan, but I’m a music lover. So, my favorite musician depends on the time of day. I LOVE Beyoncé (she’s sis). My favorite playlists will have a mix of Lauryn Hill, Ms. Badu, AbSoul, Kendrick, Gucci Mane, Michael Franks, and Prince. I love a good mystery novel and/or any book that focuses on gender, race, and citizenship issues in America. I also love history books, specifically art and religious history. Right now, I am reading Sisters of the Yam: Black Women and Self-Recovery by Bell Hooks. How to Get Away with Murder, American Horror Story, Once Upon a Time, and Jane the Virgin are my shows! Any old Disney movie will satisfy me. Also, I love a Spike Lee production. 😊

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences as well as your useful advice with us Crystal! Your ability to balance such heavy workloads is remarkable! You are very much appreciated! And I used to be a huge Wayne fan myself, but then we all know what happened with him. 😂

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on January 13th, 2018