Crystal Lam

Student Academic Success Specialist

Bio: Crystal is a passionate and versatile professional with over five years of experience at the intersection of education and marketing. She is a proud first-generation and transfer college graduate, embarking her initial college journey at De Anza College and later transferring to University of California, Davis. She obtained her AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies & Humanities and her Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Davis.

Drawing from her experience working with undergraduate ESL students and graduate-level international students, Crystal has developed a deep understanding of diverse student needs and the academic challenges they face. With a background in both marketing and education, Crystal has blended her instructional expertise with her skills in marketing outreach, helping students holistically to achieve their full potential.

Her career is fueled by her passion for coaching, instructional support, and empowering students to succeed academically and to grow as a person! As a mental health advocate, she firmly believes that having a sense of community shapes an individual’s holistic growth–especially here at SJSU.

When she’s not helping students thrive, Crystal loves staying active with outdoor activities, most especially rock-climbing and white-water rafting. Oh, and she has a major weakness for black cats.

Q & A

1. What was your favorite class in undergrad?

I had too many favorite classes, but I’d say they were primarily within History and Communication. I’ve always enjoyed learning about history since I was young, so my initial major was actually History–3 years of it. Ranging from Japanese, Chinese, African-American, African, Holocaust, California History to a mix of film and history. Modern South Asia Cinema has to be my top favorite. I had the opportunity to watch older Bollywood films and to my surprise, I learned that there were so many overlapping themes similar to older Chinese films.

As for Communication, I thoroughly enjoyed Intercultural, Gender, and Organizational Communication courses during my time at De Anza. While the content was incredibly fascinating, I found it even more exciting when these concepts mirrored the everyday interactions that I experienced altogether in my social, personal, and professional spheres.

2. What are some of the places you have traveled to?

I have traveled to Vietnam with my family a couple of times when I was in elementary and middle school. Later in college, I got the chance to travel to Oregon and visit Crater Lake National Park. It was a sight to see. Although I haven’t traveled much domestically or internationally, I have a sense that this coming year will be my travel debut. But if you count this as traveling, I have gone to LA at least 1-2 times each month in 2017 and had a blast adventuring everywhere.

3. What is your piece of advice for incoming students?

This is my advice for any students of any level and background: it is okay and you are absolutely not alone. Acknowledging that the process can be daunting and overwhelming is the first step of growth. Try to join a space that resonates with your values, strengths, and goals whether that is through any type of organization or resources on-campus even if it’s tutoring! I found my “second home” at the tutoring center I worked at De Anza and have made long-lasting friendships from there to this day. So I advise students to find that sense of community that provides you a solid support system knowing that despite the inevitable challenges that arise, you do not have to weather through it alone. My other advice is to navigate your learning and time management styles. It’s a whole process until you’ve discovered what works for you. Take the time to hone your strengths while also reserving space for your vulnerabilities, as the two are vital components to understanding who you are as a student and especially–as a person.