Her Career Specialist, Suree, has had the privilege of working with Crystal for nearly three years through both VRS and the Minnesota Youth Program. Suree shared, “Crystal has taken every opportunity to learn and grow, from career explorations, an informational interview with a corporate lawyer, to early work experience at Jimmy John’s, and most recently, a summer placement with District Attorney Judge Halley. Crystal’s drive, dedication, and hands-on experiences are helping pave the way toward her dream of a legal career.”
Alongside those opportunities, Crystal also gained work experience at First State Bank, where she learned valuable workplace and professional skills. But it was her internship at the Prairie Justice Center with Judge Haley that left the deepest impression.
Reflecting on her time there, Crystal said, “During my internship, I had the incredible opportunity to be in the courtroom, observing and listening to lawyers as they worked. I was able to see firsthand how they think, prepare, and advocate for their clients. I also had the rare experience of learning from Judge Haley, seeing how a judge makes decisions and approaches each case. Working at the Prairie Justice Center gave me a deeper understanding of the legal system, not just in terms of procedure, but in the way lawyers and judges can truly impact people’s lives. This experience has only strengthened my determination to reach my goal of becoming a lawyer, and maybe one day, even a judge.”
Through her hard work, curiosity, and commitment, Crystal has turned each opportunity into a steppingstone toward her future. Her journey is a reminder of the power of persistence and the importance of real-world experiences in shaping a career path. With her passion and dedication, Crystal is well on her way to making her dream a reality.