Meet Crystal Conigland

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Crystal Conigland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Crystal, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Out of the many topics to choose from, this one is the elephant in the room. Imposter syndrome is the most controversial topic in society today, especially among African American women who have chosen to pursue careers or obtain educational degrees such as doctoral degrees and pursue careers in corporate America. Imposter syndrome can be mentally debilitating and has been known to be one of the leading suicidal rates among women in the United States and undeveloped countries.
I have experienced imposter syndrome in my career and as a doctoral candidate. Most recently, I have achieved many recognitions in education and my doctoral program. Still, some people are very discouraging or treat me in a way by asking, “How did you achieve that?” or What did you do to achieve or be recognized for that”? When you post on social media, you know who supports you and who doesn’t, including your friends or relatives. Still, I had to make a decision: either I was going to dim my light to make someone else feel better, or was I going to keep shining, hoping to inspire other women to continue to push forward toward their dreams even though they may face some of the worst circumstances and I chose to continue. It does bring great disappointment to my life, but my greater good is to help someone. My grandmother used to sing her favorite song when she was alive, “If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain.” I have let this be my path to continue despite “imposter syndrome.”

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I have many passions because I love what I choose to do. My most enormous love is teaching juniors and seniors in high school United States history in the classroom. I love connecting with my students by engaging them in meaningful conversations about history in all parts of the world and how each country is interconnected. Teaching cultural diversity to young students is a joy that ignites my desire to continue this marvelous journey in education as a leader, facilitator, and inspirationalist. I have had a tremendous impact on my students and have helped them reach their educational goals by passing their required courses to graduate. Seeing many of my students receive their high school diplomas is fantastic. I do not know what role I will have this upcoming year on my campus, but whatever role it is, it will be a fantastic ride!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The ability to succeed in an area dominated by others is an accomplishment in itself! Pursuing a doctorate is a struggle, determination, and persistence that is only achieved by a few. The world’s doctor population is 2%, but the population of African American women is less than 1 %. I had to rely on my faith and prayer and experience extreme loneliness to obtain this degree and understanding that only God can and will bring you through. These are the only skills needed to succeed that are measurable in one’s life.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My biggest area of growth in these past twelve months is overcoming what people feel and think about me and understanding all that I have been through, which was a process of growth. When you have overcome domestic violence and bullying, it takes prayer and determination not to sink to a level of resentment and fear. That is the goal of your oppressors, and once you overcome that obstacle, you win.. or, as my mom says, checkmate. Many things could have destroyed me, but my discernment and determination to allow God to be my pilot have allowed me to withstand the worst of times to make them the best. I hope that any female who is reading this understands that you do not have to stay in an unhealthy situation; I left after asking for counseling, and when it was denied, I was on a clear path of forgiving myself and realizing I did all I could do and I had to forgive for me. Once you forgive yourself, your path to success is and will be achieved!