Posted:

March 28, 2022

Krystal Kohler is a life-long learner, and knows that continually working on skills-building means career advancement.  She was working in Fundraising in the medical nonprofit sector, and decided to attend Century College to get a Marketing Certificate.

Krystal already had an undergrad degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, but wanted to learn more.  “That piece of paper—your degree—matters, because it’s another credential, and legitimizes what you’ve been learning,” She notes.

Education is important to Krystal, and she has a strong drive and work ethic.  Originally from Mexico, she moved to the US when she was 11, and is fluent in both English and Spanish.  

Century College Classes Supplement Workforce Experience

At Century College, Krystal is earning her Marketing Certificate and, with her drive and knowledge, and the help of her supervisor, she was able to create her own job within the company where she’s currently employed.  While studying at Century College, Krystal got promoted at her workplace, and manages her own department within Healthy Contributions, an affiliated company of Self-Esteem Brands LLC, the parent company of Anytime Fitness, Waxing the City, Basecamp, and other brands.  She works on the wellness side of things, where her company helps insurance providers and companies give their members/employees credit and incentives for exercise. 

Krystal is looking forward to a bright future.  “I owe it all to Century College,” Krystal says.” I just love Century, and Marketing faculty Lynn Smaagaard has been a wonderful professor and mentor!”

A Part of The Century College Family

Like many Century College students, Krystal is also part of a “Century family”. Her husband was also a student at the College.  “He went to Century College in his late 30s, early 40s, and got his AA in psychology. He’s now working on completing Masters (at Capella U),” Krystal says. “I was so proud of him.  It was wonderful to see him walk the stage to get his degree at graduation.

Century College Playhouse Theatre Experience

Krystal is active in community theatre, and, prior to applying for her degree, she knew about the College from her participation in Century College Theatre productions such as “Dead Man’s Cell Phone”, and “A Streetcar Named Desire”.

“I love the shows that they do.  They are not run of the mill. They are edgy, and they take chances,” Krystal notes, “It’s ‘juicy’ for a Community actor, and Century College’s Theatre provides a good training ground for actors. The experience gives students a professional feel.  And, I like to be involved in the plays, and (informally) serving as a mentor to the young student actors—someone did that for me when I was an undergrad, and I want to give back.”

The Value of Community Colleges

”Century College is affordable, close to home, and I love the flexible class schedules, which are convenient when you’re working,” Krystal says. “If I had known that community college was such a good option when I was an undergrad, I would have gone then.”

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