From Corporate Cubicles to College Communities: My Journey to Higher Education

My name is Cristalle Choi, and I currently serve as the Assistant Director of SMU-in-Taos: SMU’s satellite campus in New Mexico where students can experience adventurous learning on top of the beautiful mountains. I’m from Orlando, Florida and graduated from Rollins College. Currently, I’m currently a 2nd year Masters student in the Higher Education program at SMU. 

Initially, my college plan was to get in and out of there as quickly as possible to land a stable, decent-paying job. 

Have you felt this similar societal pressure to rush through and reach those so called milestones in your life?  

I was the student with multiple spreadsheets, ultra-prepared going into advising meetings with my degree plan all drawn out: a business management major with a minor in computer science and multiple student leadership roles. Instead of spending my free time like typical college times, I would scroll through LinkedIn and apply to as many internships to throw my hat in every ring. I saw each connection as a possibility that it could get me one step closer to that seemingly dream internship. I wouldn’t even even pay attention to what industry or role the internship was since quantity mattered more than quality to me. Throughout freshman to junior year, I interned everywhere from a small technology startup working on product development to a global healthcare conglomerate working on streamlining customer relationship systems. And, each time, I got the job done efficiently and thoroughly. 

On the night before my 21st birthday, I felt like the rest of my future was written out for me: working on the clock in a cubicle, stuck typing on a computer in a company where I couldn’t see the fruitfulness of my hard work.

 I so craved to unleash my creativity into my 9 to 5, to interact with my colleagues collaboratively, and to most importantly, seek out a career where I could create a significantly positive impact on others. 

I was fortunate to attend a small liberal arts college focused on mentorship, lively dialogue, and being recognized as more than just a number. Reflecting back on my college journey, I realized that I felt most inspired when I forged meaningful relationships with others and was a part of an intimate community where we genuinely care for each other. One night, when talking to my mom, she suggested that I look into a career in higher education, similar to Micki Meyer, who was one of the biggest role models and supporters in college. 

Therefore, in reflecting about my college experience, I realize it was truly transformational mostly because of the people who believed in me and cared for me along the way. 

Higher education is a tool for social change that can shake up the status quo by changing lives and creating a brighter future for the community. 

It took a lot of courage to learn that I could take the driver seat in my life and begin to intentionally live it driven by my own passion. 

Do you know that you can do the same? 

Although I had a good job offer according to society standards waiting for me after I graduated, I took the risk to pivot into a completely different career.

 The field of higher education fits my skills of relationship building combined with my love for education and individual development in an uplifting environment with room to innovate.

I decided to move to Texas from Florida for an opportunity to explore outside of my comfort zone and meet new exciting people that I otherwise would not have had the privilege to meet. I accepted the opportunity to serve as the Graduate Assistant for SMU’s Rotunda Scholars program, the most amazing community of students who advocate, mentor, and love each other. At first, I faced major imposter syndrome because I felt like I wouldn’t be able to live up to the expectations of this role and more importantly, what if the students didn’t accept me? I was a fresh college graduate coming from another state still doubtful if this was the right career for me. While I had the skills necessary to support these wonderful Rotunda Scholars, I was still insecure in my new abilities. 

Never could I have imagined that this group of students would change my life for the better. I tried to get to know as many of the students on a personal level and that all started when on the first day; I learned as many names as possible because the first step is to acknowledge people’s individualities. I cherished how wonderfully diverse the scholars group was with each student having their own beautiful strengths, personalities, and goals. It was a gift to get to connect with so many people all at once. Rotunda Scholars’ motto is to be the most radically caring group on campus, and they have definitely got that secret sauce to loudly live up to that motto. The possibilities were endless as my office became a safe space for students to express themselves authentically: I brought in bananagrams to play with the students, allowed students to take that power nap in between classes, and allowed them to just rant about what was on their mind. I poured love and appreciation for the Rotunda student staff as much as I could, from hanging up their names on my office board as Disney characters, writing each of them a Valentine’s Day card, and giving them a certificate of superlatives at the last staff meeting. At the annual Rotunda Gala to celebrate the achievements of the first-years, I found myself shedding tears at the dinner: tears of nostalgia for the beautiful memories and tears of how proud I was for how much these students have grown and continue to amaze me. 

This is a heartfelt thank you message to all of the inspirational Rotunda students who welcomed me with open arms: thank you all for being uniquely you.

 I learned that to serve as a Graduate Assistant to Rotunda meant not only wanting to support them as much as I can, but also humbly learning from them. Thank you to the jolly students who visited me in the mornings after your Chick-Fil-A runs to tell me about your day ahead. Thank you to the brilliant students who led amazing on-campus initiatives and allowed me to be a guiding hand in any way that I could. Thank you to the students who shared your vulnerabilities with me and allowed me to listen through both of the highs and lows. Thank you to the spunky students who embraced me into the Rotunda family by sending me a Despicable Me birthday message. Thank you for the warm hugs, funny pranks, and bright smiles that I will cherish dearly. 

The students in Rotunda and the spirit of the eccentric program allowed me to fuel that inner fire within me to be that positive change for college students.

I also want to thank my former self for taking that first step to not be so afraid to change the route of your future. That choice allowed me to feel more energized by doing what I love, being around inspirational people, and finding purpose.

 It’s never too late to pivot into something that will fill you up with more joy. I invite you to take more time to reflect on what fuels your light and to take a step in that right direction. It definitely takes courage to take that first step into that unknown but you’ll never know until you just try. Share gratitude to your mentors and supporters along your journey because it takes a village to succeed. And, radiate positivity because you have the power to brighten up one person’s life one at a time using your special gifts.

The Rotunda Scholars staff of 2022-2023

The Rotunda Scholars Annual Gala Spring 2022 celebrated the achievements of the first-year students

My office door that I decorated with the Rotunda staff as Disney characters and with inspirational Disney quotes to create an inviting space

The Rotunda Scholars and First-Generation Initiative Tabling before the football game giving out breakfast

The Rotunda Scholars at Group Dynamics for a community-bonding activity during orientation.

The Rotunda Scholars playing volleyball as a community-bonding activity during orientation

With the scholars during Stampede