Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Contreras.
Hi Crystal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey has led me to a transformative period of healing and self-discovery. Amidst the turmoil of 2024’s global challenges, I’m navigating a path of decolonization, embracing my inherent worth and the coexistence of various emotions—anger, sadness, and joy.
In this chaotic world, where everyday responsibilities persist despite overwhelming circumstances, I find solace and strength in my family—my husband, Carlos II, and my son, Carlos III. They have been instrumental in my healing, teaching me to embrace and express my emotions freely with their unwavering love and support. How I got there? Let’s go back a bit.
I lost my mother at the age of two, setting the stage for a difficult life shaped by my resilient family. Living with my paternal grandparents, aunts, and cousins, I discovered the power of unconditional love and support. My father’s unwavering devotion and my aunts’ maternal guidance instilled in me a deep connection to my heritage and a strong sense of self-worth.
Despite my grandfather’s health challenges, he brought joy into my life with his humor and affection. My grandmother, the pillar of our household, tirelessly cared for us all. Looking back, I wish I could have reassured her of our love without her having to bear the weight of everything by herself.
In essence, my story is a testament to the profound impact of family resilience that has shaped my journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Navigating my life has been far from smooth. As a brown, plus-size woman in a society that often deems me “too much,” I’ve encountered profound trauma that continues to shape my journey of healing.
The struggles have been numerous. I’ve battled a constant feeling of inadequacy, faced stereotypes about my intelligence and worth, and endured systemic oppressions that tell me to stay small and silent, perpetuating the crabs-in-a-bucket mentality of white supremacy and patriarchy.
From navigating financial aid and college applications alone to facing microaggressions and systemic biases throughout my education and career, the road has been steep. I’ve grappled with imposter syndrome, racism, and witnessed disparities firsthand in educational systems that prioritize test scores over genuine support for students.
Transitioning into teaching highlighted these disparities further, from inequitable disciplinary policies to witnessing layoffs of brown teachers despite seniority at a charter school. I’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, and personal loss, all while trying to maintain a facade of strength for my students.
Yet, despite these challenges, I’ve come to understand that being a good, compassionate person means embracing vulnerability and enduring deep pain. It’s also brought me profound joy—like savoring a cup of Belgian iced coffee from Jo’s, laughing too hard at my husband’s jokes, staring too long at my son, having all my love pour out as tears because in this insane world, we made him and he’s everything. These moments make every hardship worthwhile, and if a rough terrain is my penance for the immense amount of love I receive and give, then that’s okay.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been working as a Dyslexia intervention provider with the Austin School District for the past four years, and I offer private tutoring sessions after school and all through summer. Before that, I taught third grade, fourth grade, and high school, along with kindergarten. Teaching is more than just a career for me—it’s my calling, deeply ingrained in who I am.
There was a moment that solidified this path for me. I remember one challenging day when I arrived late to class, feeling defeated. A student asked where I’d been, and when I explained, he shared a song with me about the universe looking after me. That simple act of kindness and understanding reaffirmed my purpose in teaching. Since that day, I’ve never questioned my role. I believe I was born to be a teacher, to support and inspire children, to be a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to each child’s well-being beyond academic success. I prioritize their self-worth and happiness, ensuring they feel valued and loved for who they are, not for test scores or academic performance. Public education is where I belong, advocating against systemic barriers that can hinder these young lives. My mission is clear—to provide hope, joy, and unconditional support to every child I encounter.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m a natural problem solver at heart, which is why teaching has been such a fulfilling path for me. I’ve come to realize that many challenges persist because of limited thinking shaped by societal norms. Through my journey of decolonization, I’ve broken free from these confines and found immense joy in crafting creative solutions. Helping someone navigate through what seemed unsolvable is truly exhilarating—it’s my superhero moment.
Beyond teaching, I’m a devoted wife, mother, friend, and colleague. I take pride in my abilities and acknowledge my worth, a journey I’ve embarked upon despite societal pressures that suggest otherwise. I’ve shed the habit of hiding my brilliance and now embrace the fact that recognizing one’s strengths is not conceit but self-celebration.
I want others to know that I exist, I’m worthy, and I don’t have to constantly prove my worth through productivity. This realization has been liberating, empowering me to shine authentically without reservation. So, I was a hidden gem for so long. But now I’m allowing myself to shine brighter than ever before. I will be hidden no more.
Pricing:
- 50$ dollars an hour for private one on tutoring for kids ages 7- 11 in Reading, Writing, Math.
- $60 an hour for Spanish Language acquisition tutoring for ages 5-12.
- I will be hosting Reading and fluency workshops for students 7 to 11 years old. 400 a month for English and 500 for Spanish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://calendly.com/contreras_tutoring/tutoring-with-ms-contreras
- Instagram: Ms_contreras_
