Chrystal Young Student Spotlight

If eyes are windows to the soul, then Chrystal Young is a soul-whisperer. An Iridologist, Young can “analyze a person’s iris (color part of the eye) and inform them of potential condition(s) of their body organs or systems without having any prior knowledge of an issue.”

Also an Herbal Specialist and Practitioner of Natural Health with over twenty years of experience in the field, Young felt like a college degree was “the missing piece” to her accomplishments. She decided to pursue her AA in Liberal Arts online with Florida Tech so she could “be in control of her own schedule.”

Earning a college degree brought Young a great deal of personal achievement: “To provide input on the fulfillment of holding a college degree, one must achieve that goal for themselves, because you can’t describe the joy of completion.”

Check out our Facebook Live with Chrystal at Grad Bash 2017.

Young talked to us more about what she learned from taking an online program, her inspiration for success and more.

What were the most important factors in your decision to choose Florida Tech?

I chose Florida Tech because of its high innovative rating in comparison to other online universities. Florida Tech offers a host of disciplines with a variety of classes, but most importantly, students are assigned a student representative to motivate, monitor, encourage, listen, assist concerns, provide insight on classes, suggest study techniques, suggest upcoming classes, order textbooks and remind you why you are pursuing a degree. All mentioned is credited to Mike Patrick and Brandi Black. They kept me grounded, and I owe it to both Mike and Brandi for me staying on track and now graduating this coming May.

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class was "What is Psychology?" This class opened so many doors for me within my career as I learned about different personality traits, and psychologists like Sigmund Freud, B. F. Skinner and Albert Bandura. It became the beginning for me to view personalities, as opposed to the individual, which was the main reason I continued taking psychology classes.

What surprised you most about taking an online program?

What surprised me most about taking an online course is the amount of work, time and effort it takes to stay on track to excel and maintain an above average GPA. Hard work and perseverance truly pays off in the end.

What was your most valuable takeaway from the program?

My most valuable takeaway from the program is the interaction and support from my student reps and professors. Both made me feel like an asset to the university and the classroom, as opposed to merely doing their job. I truly felt as if I was valuable as a student and a person.

What was your biggest challenge while going through the program?

My biggest challenge while going through the program was dealing with family emergencies and personal conflicts, as well as having a very close family member murdered. Mike Patrick [my student services representative] was an amazing asset to me during those rough, emotional times of my life. Never once did he rush me off the phone, even when the conversation was on a personal level and not school-related. From that moment on, I would always look forward to receiving his weekly calls to the point I would plan my schedule accordingly. The same applies to Brandi Black, as she was just as attentive and sensitive to my school and personal situations.

How will your Florida Tech degree make a difference in your career?

My Florida Tech degree will make a difference in my career by the knowledge I have gained with learning about different personalities. As an Iridologist, Herbal Specialist and Practitioner, I see a host of clients where this knowledge will enhance their visits. My student reps have made a huge impact on what I have gained by enhancing my listening skills, exercising patience and hearing one’s concerns, versus following the routine consultation protocol.

What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in the program?

My advice to other students who are considering enrolling in the program is to put in what you expect to get out. Always utilize the student reps, as they are the forefront of one’s success due to their contact with so many students and feedback received from students. Never hesitate to state a problem at its earliest inception to the professor and/or student rep. Always log into your class just in case the professor has made changes to the assignment(s). Do not procrastinate. Remember, communication is key, as you cannot be a silent learner. Finally, your student rep is genuinely there to help you with your success.

Who or what inspires you to succeed?

My parents inspired me to succeed. Both passed away before I could complete this degree, which is dedicated in their memory. Mike Patrick would remind me of my “why” when I wanted to give up and my motivation was depleted. I cannot thank Mike enough for the role he played with keeping me focused when I lost my way on my path. People really can make a difference in your life when all they are doing is being themselves.

What is one fun fact about you?

One fun fact about me is being able to analyze a person’s iris (color part of the eye) and inform them of potential condition(s) of their body organs or systems without having any prior knowledge of an issue. This is a science: no need to avoid eye contact with me.