School of Education graduate student Crystal Jean is committed to helping children of all ages. How did she develop such a caring attitude? Her answer is simple—she had foster brothers and sisters.

“My parents brought four children into our home and adopted two of them,” says Crystal, who was 11 years old at the time. “It was a very positive experience. I loved being a big sister and helping them adjust to their peers at school, for instance. Family is everything to me. Even now, I’d rather spend weekends at home.”

Crystal, who is pursuing a Master of Education degree in child development, plans to apply her foster experience to her career. Her goal is to land a position in the social service arena caring for children like those her parents cared for over the years. Within five to 10 years, she hopes to be a foster or adoptive parent herself.

She already is helping children in schools through the university’s Center for Service and Citizenship. She coordinates the Book Buddies program at the Fred C. Underhill School, in which SNHU students are paired with kindergartners and first- and second-graders to work on literacy skills.  The program has been so successful that Crystal is starting Math Buddies at another elementary school.

What is the best way to develop a child’s potential? “Give them understanding,” Crystal says. “Every child is different and every child needs you to be there for them.”

She also helps low-income and first-generation high school students prepare for college as part of the university’s Partnership Program.

Crystal is confident that she will be successful in life, thanks to her experiences at SNHU.

“When I came here as an undergraduate, I was the shyest person you’d ever meet,” she said. “The professors and staff made me step out of my shell. They opened so many doors and opportunities for me. This university is a great place to see your potential.”