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Alumni Focus - Crystal Carmichael ('14)

Crystal-Carmichael-teach
Crystal-Carmichael-kayak
Crystal Carmichael ('14)

Crystal Carmichael (‘14) and her family have been familiar faces around St. Croix for years. Crystal and her three sisters all attended SCLA and lived in the dorm. While studying at Martin Luther College, Crystal received an emergency call to SCLA for a year, returned to finish her teaching degree, and upon graduation was called back to SCLA to teach and be a dorm supervisor. Crystal shares her experience in the SCLA ministry from different contexts and how God prepared her for her current role in Florida.

What does St. Croix mean to you?

St. Croix holds a special place in my heart. It is a place that I grew so much as an individual throughout a huge portion of my life. I got to see my older sisters thrive there and then got to make it my own when I became a high schooler by being involved with the dorms, student council, the international program, sports, and music. Because of St. Croix, I got to play three different sports, found joy in making music, took a mission trip to China, and gained so many friendships with people from all over the world. It wasn't all rainbows and butterflies; there were growing pains through it. However, I was always reminded of my true purpose here on earth and the perseverance towards heavenly goal God has set out for us while at SCLA. 

Fast forward years later to when I got to come back as a dorm supervisor and instructor -- this opened up my eyes to a whole new side of St. Croix. I grew as an educator with all the students I was blessed to teach. All the experiences that I had at St. Croix shaped who I am as a person today. I am so thankful for the opportunities St. Croix has given me! 

Did any specific SCLA teachers or staff make a positive impact on you?

During my time as a student and a teacher at St. Croix, I had so many positive interactions with the teachers and staff that it's hard to narrow it down to just a few! I loved the variety of teachers that I had because they all taught me lessons that went beyond the classroom. 

Rachel Grev was the one that inspired me to go in the direction of a health and PE teacher, and I was lucky enough to learn from her both as a student and a teacher. 

Carrie Pfiefer was such an applicable English teacher that made writing fun; she created a very comfortable environment as a student, which made me want to always focus on doing my best. 

Pastor Huebner always knew the right thing to say at the right time; I loved having him for senior religion. 

During my time in the dorms, I had some of the best dorm supervisors that cared about the kids and did their best to make the dorms an unforgettable time. I wanted to become a dorm supervisor when I was older because of the amazing dorm supervisors that I had while I was a student. God made that dream come true later in life! 

I had thoughtful, dedicated, and mission minded coaches that created an environment that was fun, hard working, and family oriented. They made me want to become a coach to create that family atmosphere with my future team. Specifically, I have very special memories with all my basketball and golf coaches that coached me over the years. 

There are just so many talented people at St. Croix! While I was a teacher there, I got to create even more relationships with my fellow teachers and staff members. I consider myself to be incredibly blessed to be able to see both sides of the school where I grew up and create deeper relationships with those teachers and staff members. Shout out to you all - you're all so amazing! 

What is your new role in Florida and how is it going?

I am the 4th grade homeroom and 4-8th grade science and PE teacher at Good Shepherd Academy in Deltona, Florida! I get to teach Word of God and Math to 4th grade in the morning, then rotate through all the science classes and PE in the afternoon. I enjoy the variety of ages and students that I have during the day; each group of students brings their challenges, yet joys in and out of the classroom. Science has been a blast to teach; the students do a lot of hands-on activities through the lessons that make connections to the real world. I am learning so much while teaching it! Science presents itself with many ways to show just how magnificent our God is. 

There have been so many changes that I've gone through this year with so many things to learn. It is exhausting at times, but always so rewarding. The students always make it worth it. As time goes on, I look forward to being involved with more of the school activities and sports that they offer after school. I have also enjoyed being active in the church down here, women's Bible study, choir, and am excited to see the growth of the school and church as the years progress! 

What are your plans this summer? Anything else you want to share?

This summer, I am going to Puerto Rico to help with a church that my church and school is supporting down there. I'll be there for a week, painting and doing maintenance around the church, doing some outreach, worshiping, and exploring the island. I've never been there, so I am excited! 

I'll be flying to the midwest a few times, too! One of my good friends from college is getting married, so I will be in a wedding in June. 

In July, my family will gather together at my uncle's cabin in Michigan, so we will enjoy some midwest lake life for a few days there. 

I am looking forward to exploring more of my home state! I've made it my New Year's resolution to go to the beach once a month, and so far I've done it! I hope to continue to kayak in different areas to explore the wildlife, natural springs and adventurous ocean of Florida. The bucket list of things to do this summer is starting to get written up. 

Otherwise, you know that even in the summer, teachers are still planning and prepping!