We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Crystal Aryitey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Crystal, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
Developing my ability to communicate effectively has been a journey shaped by personal challenges and unwavering determination. I didn’t speak until around two or three. My parents told me that as a toddler, they were worried about my development but the doctors couldn’t identify the origin of the problem. When I began speaking I had an impediment, but ironically I loved to talk. The journey from silence to finding my voice ignited a deep-seated commitment to helping others discover and articulate their thoughts. As an educator, I discovered the power of communication as a tool for empowerment. I recognized the transformative potential in fostering not just eloquence but also critical thinking, resilience, and self-advocacy. I always tell my students that communication is about authenticity. I use oratory and debate to develop these skills in students.
The journey has not been without its moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. When I’m nervous about speaking, I let my students see me overcome my fears. I’ve learned to confront these feelings head-on, adopting a mindset akin to a bulldog – holding onto my passions tenaciously. Staying consistent and resolute, I’ve managed to overcome moments of doubt, recognizing that my experiences uniquely qualify me to advocate for the transformative power of effective communication. In essence, my struggles with speech to the development of Destiny Driven Inc. has been a testament to the idea that our personal struggles can be harnessed as powerful tools for change. Through consistent effort and a relentless grip on my passions, I’ve not only overcome personal challenges but have translated these experiences into a mission to empower youth through effective communication and advocacy.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started teaching middle school in 2011. I taught 7th grade English and I learned a large percentage of my students struggled with written and verbal communication. I introduced debate into my classroom activities and curriculum and it really transformed my students. We would host weekly debates and students would enthusiastically study and prepare to participate. It was then that I knew that there was something special about debate. In 2018, I started teaching in the juvenile detention center. On my first day there, I was greeted by a few of my former 7th grade students, and this experience changed my life forever. As an educator, we often hear the phrase, ‘school to prison pipeline,’ but to actually see it is devastating. My students behind bars are poets, gardeners, musicians, comedians, and artists- they have the talents and gifts to be whatever they want; however, they often do not have the resources. Currently, the Alabama Department of Youth Services does not offer aftercare, meaning students who have spent years being told what to eat, where to sit, when to shower, etc, emerge into society with little to no support. which is reflected in the rising recidivism rates across the nation. Our children are getting lost in the system. In 2019 I founded Destiny Driven Inc. a nonprofit dedicated to teaching speech and debate to inspire advocacy in youth. I’ve crafted a meaningful career path that integrates my life experiences with my passion as an educator. I’ve been privileged to witness the transformative impact of effective communication on students. Guiding them through the intricacies of debate not only sharpens their rhetorical skills but also cultivates critical thinking, resilience, and self-advocacy – qualities that extend far beyond the confines of a debating platform. As a staunch advocate for juvenile reentry, my passion for making a positive impact in the lives of justice-involved youth has driven my commitment to Destiny Driven’s newest initiative, Homecoming Mentors. This reentry program was conceived during my tenure at the Department of Youth Services, where I recognized the critical need for aftercare services. To deepen my understanding, I enrolled in Alabama’s State Doctoral program, dedicating my Ph.D. dissertation to a narrative study titled “Iron Sharpens Iron: A Narrative Study of Former Justice-Involved Individuals Implementing Community-Based Peer Mentoring Policies.” This study aims to utilize lived experiences to develop evidence-based peer mentoring policies for Homecoming Mentors. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to witness the metamorphosis of youth, as they find their voices, overcome adversity, and become advocates for change.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful are authenticity, consistency, and knowledge. Here’s how each played a crucial role and some advice for those in the early stages of their journey:
- Authenticity: Being real at all times allowed me to channel my unique experiences into my work. It infused genuineness into my interactions with the community and the youth we serve. Be true to yourself. Your individuality is your greatest asset. Authenticity not only fosters genuine connections but also provides a solid foundation for your endeavors. Embrace your unique perspective, and let it guide your journey.
- Consistency: Consistency has been the backbone of my journey, particularly during moments of self-doubt or challenges. It’s the unwavering commitment to my passion that has seen Destiny Driven grow and my advocacy work gain momentum.
If you can envision your goals, believe that they are already within your reach. Consistency is key. Daily efforts compound over time, and staying true to your vision, even when faced with obstacles, will bring success. Trust the process and persevere. - Knowledge: Being knowledgeable has empowered me to navigate diverse aspects of my journey. Whether in the classroom, as a reentry advocate, or in developing programs like Homecoming Mentors, continuous self-learning has been pivotal. Learn as much as possible! The ability to learn independently opens doors when there aren’t readily available resources. Dive deep into your chosen field, understand it comprehensively, and use that knowledge to create solutions. Confidence stems from understanding, and expertise builds over time.
These qualities are not just tools for success; they are the pillars upon which you can build a meaningful and impactful journey.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The primary obstacle I currently face revolves around the challenge of securing adequate funding for reentry support for justice-involved youth. These individuals often fall into the shadows of society, and there exists a prevailing attitude of indifference or even negative perceptions towards justice-involved students. This lack of sympathy and understanding poses a significant barrier to obtaining the resources necessary to create effective reentry programs.
To address this challenge, I am utilizing my platform to uplift the stories of my youth. Through Destiny Driven and initiatives like Homecoming Mentors, I am working to shift the narrative surrounding this demographic. By showcasing the genius and creativity that exists within these individuals, I aim to break down stereotypes and preconceived notions.
One approach involves actively sharing success stories and achievements of justice-involved individuals who have navigated reentry successfully. These narratives serve to highlight the untapped potential within this community, challenging the notion that justice involvement defines one’s future. I am engaging in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of reentry support. I strive to create a dialogue that emphasizes the need for investment in programs that facilitate successful reintegration. By articulating the positive impact of reentry support programs on both individuals and the community, I aim to garner support and secure funding for these critical initiatives.
The key strategy is to humanize justice-involved youth, shifting the narrative from a community problem to an opportunity for growth and positive transformation. Through persistent advocacy, storytelling, and strategic partnerships, I am committed to overcoming the challenge of funding and ensuring that justice-involved youth receive the support they need for successful reentry and integration into society.
