Posted
CRYSTAL ZOOK ‘06 is pursuing a law degree with a focus in civil rights and immigration law at Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law. She reflects on what has brought her to this point saying, “getting my law degree was never part of my life plan.” But her life experiences of living overseas in Haiti, Bangladesh, Laos and Guatemala, as well as living and working as a caseworker and Substance Prevention Coordinator among immigrant and refugee communities here in Lancaster played a huge role in her goal of practicing law.
“It’s always been important to me to be present and provide support for people going through personal struggles, crises, or major transitions. Law school has provided me with practical opportunities to help others through my internships and projects, and I look forward to doing more of that when I’m done with school and in my clerkship.”
Crystal’s varied cross-cultural experiences connect her to immigrants and asylum seekers who are living in new and unfamiliar experiences, and leads her to compassion. She desires to use her training to address the harm caused by our systems and to work at reducing that as much as possible.
In her time at LM, Crystal valued opportunities to try new things and develop a variety of skills and talents – something that often led her to connect with people outside of her normal circle. This included participating in choir and as a photographer for the Millstream student newspaper. She also really appreciated her High School history and sociology classes with teachers Mr. Tim Yoder and Mrs. Sheri Wenger.
Crystal connects with the circumstances and struggles of those around her and offers her talents in service of her neighbor. She reflects that by living compassionately, “you can make an impact in any community you are living in.”
