Crystal Reed, a full-time faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College, started out as a student in Health Information Technology, the program for which she now teaches.

In 2000, as a high school student living on her own, Crystal had to drop out to support herself, working two jobs. She found the drive to get back into education by working on her GED, which she received in 2001.

Her determination did not end there.

She applied to Ivy Tech in 2002, had a few set-backs due to life challenges, but remained determined to complete a college degree and returned in the fall of 2010, completing general education courses.

In the summer of 2012 her husband lost his job and they struggled to support their family of four. Her classmates and faculty reached out to help support her family during this time, including buying her children gifts for Christmas. Through these financial struggles, Crystal persisted in her school work.

She applied to the Health Information Technology program in the fall of 2012 and was accepted with a 4.0 GPA in her prerequisite general education courses.

During her time as a student, Crystal volunteered for the Indiana Health Information Management Association, was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, served as president of the HIM Club and maintained a 4.0 GPA.

In 2013, she earned her Associate of Science degree in Health Information Technology from Ivy Tech and became the first in her immediate family to graduate from college.

She went on to earn her credential as a Registered Health Information Technician.

Upon graduation, Crystal accepted a coding position from Putnam County Hospital, where she had completed an externship during her time as a student.

Crystal now works as a full-time faculty member for Ivy Tech in the Health Information Technology program, where she gets to pass along the knowledge and skills to other students.

“I love giving back to the program that made me the professional that I am today,” she said.

“I also love helping Health Information Technology students achieve their educational and professional goals.”