Crystal Frank is a Gwich'in from Arctic Village and Venetie.  Her clan name is Naantsaii.  Her parents are Kenneth Frank and Caroline (Tritt) Frank.  Her grandparents are Hammel Frank and Mary (Johnson) Frank and Isaac Tritt and Naomi (Peter) Tritt.  Her great grandparents are Johnny Frank and Sarah (John Vandeegwiizhii) Frank and Titus Peter and Maggie (William Khaatryaa) Gilbert.   

Crystal earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Rural Development from UAF.  During her undergrad studies, Crystal always had help from RSS for advising and tutors for Math and English when she needed it.  She also went to RSS to visit with friends and "eat some good Native food."  During her graduate degree she looked to RSS for encouragement.  "The staff is very friendly and was like an extended family to me. They will welcome you and help you through school whenever you need it.  The best thing about RSS is that they believe in education.  Because of RSS I never felt lost when I first started college.  Even now, after completing my graduate degree I stop by to visit, drink tea and eat crackers.  I also work in the same building, so I'm always around.  We can smell Debbie's famous moose soup from the fourth floor."

Crystal participated in Native American Business Leaders and AISES as a student.  She suggests that if a student has time, he or she should be involved with these student clubs for opportunities of experience, volunteerism and even travel.  "It's a good opportunity to develop a network of peers and be involved with the University community.  Another interesting new student club is called Natives for Positive Change.  You can join them on Facebook."

Crystal continues to share, "I went through much of my life on a roller coaster.  I was at first peer pressured and I also thought I wasn't smart enough.  I once withdrew a whole semester and wasted a lot of money.  I hung out with a bad crowd.  However challenging, I found my path that I wanted.  I just never gave up on school."  There were times when she had to have a lot of patience.  She use to storm into Kay Thomas (my undergrad RSS advisor) office and say, "I want to quit, I don't want to go to school anymore!"  But being as kind-hearted as she is, she would tell me that I can finish.  She would encourage me and comfort me.  The next day I would forget about my little meltdown.  School for people like me was not easy, but I just never gave up.  I always showed up, took out my pen and paper and started taking notes, even when a couple of times I had no idea what was going on.  I just kept taking notes.  So when I finished my BA I thought, "Good grief I'm never doing that again."  And guess what, not even a year passed and I got bored of not going to school.  So like a maniac, I applied to graduate school."  RSS is so proud of you Crystal!

Crystal recalls, "I think my role models gave me the inspiration.  I always felt that I didn't want to be left in their dust.  I'm inspired to live a fulfilling life.  I lost so many loved ones and people I grew up with from alcohol over the years that I'm completely and utterly afraid of it.  School was my lifeline."

Crystal suggests applying to scholarships as early as you can, and even submit one daily like a chore.  Make sure that every credit counts towards your degree.  Use your school money wisely and pay off debt as much as you can before you graduate. "I've obtained a job that I enjoy and I work with an awesome team.  I've been asked to give presentations and take leadership roles and I also semi-mastered the concept of being self-sufficient. "

Crystal hopes to one day obtain a faculty or adjunct position with the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  "I'd also like to work my way up to an executive assistant and/or be a part of teaching language and indigenous leadership development to the youth in my region."

Crystal shares words of encouragement, "Believe in you.  Have goals and reach them.  No one can do it for you.  You have to work for it because you are a role model.  The staff and faculty will never give up on you.  They are always there to help and encourage you.  They are the best.   My parents with their unconditional love and support helped guide me.  My life partner Darryl Deacon stood by me. I couldn't have done it without them.  I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would ever have a Master's degree and yet, because I never gave up, I finished.  I constantly thought about my ancestors in this process and I really believe they helped me and guided me though my journey. "

Mahsi' choo (thank you)

RSS continues to be proud of Crystal Frank and her accomplishments.