Over the years, the Sinclair community has attracted many prestigious individuals that have left
their mark. Few however, have had the impact on their students and the arts that author and
Creative Writing Professor Crystal Echols has had.
She sat down with the Clarion to discuss her long journey at Sinclair and how her life has changed as a result.
Like many, Echols came to Sinclair to teach English in the Developmental Studies Department
as part of the Grow Our Own initiative in 1992. Her growth as an educator would mirror that of the campus, which has continued to expand over the decades.
“It was nerve-wracking because it was my first teaching job. So much has changed since then.
The campus was a lot smaller and the technology is a lot more advanced. The growth of the
College has been phenomenal,” said Echols.
The changes that she has witnessed go beyond Sinclair’s burgeoning infrastructure. A plethora
of degree programs and resources have been added in the intervening years.
“One of the things I’ve noticed about the student body is there are more students of
color, especially Black females. It really makes me happy to see more students of color
pursuing degrees, and makes me proud to be a small part in helping them achieve their
dreams,” Echols said.
Ismael Mujahaid
Staff writer