Inspiration profile on Crystal Shadwell

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How Crystal Finds Inspiration

In accordance with the Laurier motto "Inspiring Lives of Leadership and Purpose," who is someone that you aspire (either someone current or in the future) to inspire? 

I aspire to inspire the students I work with at Laurier. These students are a unique cohort, who find themselves at a crossroads in their academic journey and in a place they did not expect to be when they started. By creating an opportunity for these students to come together in a community of their peers…I strive to inspire them to see that sometimes your path veers in unanticipated directions and if you’re open to the possibilities presented, you could end up in a better place than you began. Through these experiences I work to inspire a confidence in my students, encouraging them to build resilience through the challenges they have faced.

Working at Laurier, what inspires you?

Working at Laurier I am inspired by the incredibly strong female role models and mentors I have had the opportunity to work alongside. From faculty like Dr. Mercedes Rowinsky, to fellow staff members and leaders like Deanne Piticco, Ellen Menage, and of course the one and only Leanne Holland-Brown. They have seen potential in me, encouraged my growth, and provided me opportunities to expand my abilities. They have shown me how to balance personal and professional responsibilities with grace and honesty in the struggle. They have inspired me to be a role model for other women at Laurier, helping them to see their potential and inspire the future generation of female leaders on campus. .

How Crystal Inspires Others

In what ways do you see yourself as a leader within the Laurier community?

I am incredibly fortunate to be in a position where I have come full circle in my role as a leader within the Laurier community. For years, I have had incredible positions on campus doing front line work in recruitment, advising, and various student support positions. Now, a decade later, I have the tremendous opportunity to be the leader in these areas, providing strategy and support to the individuals now doing this work, ensuring that they have opportunities to learn and grow in the ways I did. What makes me a leader is my ability to give back to these areas, leaning into my experience while also listening to the wisdom of those currently doing the work. In doing this, I ensure that we are continuing to create opportunities exemplifying best practices for student support. I am so grateful to be able contribute to the development of our future leaders on-campus.

What is unique about your Laurier community?

My team has the remarkable opportunity to provide a second chance for a unique cohort of students on-campus. We help students learn from their failures and build resilience from the challenges they have faced. We see the potential in all our students where others might believe that they do not belong in classes and academic programs. We know that if they can use the tools that we help them develop, and if they can manage the challenges they have faced inside and outside the classroom, they too can thrive. Our team has the opportunity to change the trajectory of our students’ lives by providing them with a chance to succeed. The unique and special relationships we form with our students will last long beyond the years we spend together on-campus.

How Crystal's Career is Inspiring

How does your career at Laurier exemplify your commitment to inspiring lives of leadership and purpose?

Laurier has shown a commitment to me for nearly twenty years, inspiring me to find numerous ways to live a life of leadership and purpose. From my early days on-campus as an undergraduate student, I established a commitment to helping others as a Residence Life Don and student leader in Athletics and Recreation. This launched me into a career in Student Affairs where I found my purpose in supporting students at various points throughout their academic journey. For the past ten years, I have been humbled by the opportunities for learning and growth Laurier has provided for me personally and professionally, continuing to show me how I can make an impact on the life of our students. Returning to the classroom myself as a Master of Education Student further reminded me that Laurier students throughout all phases of life have the incredible opportunity to find their purpose and passion when engaged in learning opportunities that extend the four walls of the classroom. The summation of all these experiences have become my expression of living out Laurier’s motto; one I am proud to say connects me to all past and present staff, students, and faculty that are part of this amazing Laurier family.