From Confinement to Commencement - Meet Crystale Vega
Wells, ME (08/08/2024) — Alcohol Drug Counselor certificate student, Crystale, did not take a traditional path to YCCC. Her path began with a 25-year career as a hairdresser before life took unexpected turns involving substance use, homelessness, and a brief period of incarceration.
Crystale was released from jail in 2020 and not quite sure what she would do next. Sophia's House, an organization designed to support and empower women survivors of addiction, trafficking, and incarceration through holistic healing in a shared community, she found the help she needed to change her life. Crystale was the first graduate of their program in 2022 and worked for the organization for a year and a half assisting others that came for help.
Towards the end of her time at Sophia's House, Crystale started to think about the next steps and found YCCC's online programs. As a Behavioral Health Studies student her faculty advisor, Cathy Ferrick, emailed advisees about the new one-year Alcohol and Drug Counselor certificate and Crystale instantly knew her new career. Crystale quickly changed her major and is on track to graduate in spring 2025.
Currently, Crystale works in her desired field with positions at the Church of Safe Injection and the Travas House, both located in Lewiston. These organizations allow Crystale to passionately advocate for harm reduction programming for those struggling with a substance use disorder and also assist those in recovery. Once Crystale graduates and passes the State of Maine certification exam, has a promotion waiting for her at Travas House where she will be able to put her passion and education to use.
When asked about her experience at YCCC, Crystale mentioned how much she liked the online 7-week accelerated coursework because it allows her to work at a faster pace on the days that work for her life. Crystale stated that Cathy Ferrick, who teaches many of her classes, is "absolutely amazing" and that her success coach has been a "great support".
Crystale wants prospective students to know that if they are thinking about coming back to school to "just do it". Crystale said, "Sometimes being stagnant is safer but once you take a chance your life can be more amazing than you ever imagined."
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York County Community College
Stacy Chilicki yschilicki@yccc.eduShare this Story
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