Her Story
About Crystal
Crystal Grimes is a Financial Aid Coordinator at Northbridge University in Deland, Florida. In this role, she helps students launch their careers by pursuing education, finding the work highly rewarding. She transitioned into this position after serving as an office manager for a landscape company, where she handled finances, and drew upon her prior experience in social services and customer service. A woman in leadership, Sharon Rigaud, at the university took a chance on her, leading to her current opportunity. Crystal is completing her bachelor's degree at Northbridge University, with four months remaining, and intends to continue into a master's program to advance in her field. She has also taught a transitions program at a local prison, gaining experience with adult learners. Crystal belongs to the National Financial Aid Association and participates in her church group, balancing her professional commitments with her faith.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Crystal
01What do you attribute your success to?
When you are where God has ordained you to be, you grow! You are never successful without hard work and dedication. Having said this, in my current position, I would not have only been able to thrive but flourish without the team that I have, my Northbridge University Deland Leadership team: Executive Director-Dr. Octavio Mora, FA Regional Director- Juliany Agudelo, FA Associate Director -Carmen Almadovar, next to my family, have been my biggest support!
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do not let what someone else does within your workplace, change who you are, how you do things. Do not let them steal your peace, breathe !~Carmen Almadovar~
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to a young woman entering the field of higher education and financial aid is to never underestimate the value of your voice, your knowledge, or your ability to learn. This career can be fast-paced and challenging, but it can also be very rewarding because you have the opportunity to make a real difference in students’ lives. Be willing to ask questions, learn from your mistakes, and never be afraid to speak up when you know something can be done better. Build positive relationships with your coworkers, treat every student with patience and respect, and always continue growing professionally. Most importantly, remember that you do not have to know everything on day one. Give yourself room to learn, grow, and become the professional you want to be.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Learning everything about financial aid, which is ever changing! Navigating different personalities I had yet to encounter. And being so passionate about my job I have some difficulty separating personal emotions from job situations, my heart is big.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, compassion, respect, and treating others with kindness. My faith is the foundation for how I try to live and how I approach the people around me. I believe in treating others the way I would want to be treated and showing grace and understanding, even when situations are difficult. In my work, especially when helping students, I try to be patient, honest, and willing to help because I never know what someone may be going through. I also believe in working hard, keeping my word, and doing what is right even when no one is watching. My faith reminds me to lead with humility, serve others, and continue growing into the person God has called me to be.
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