Resume
Credentials:
Scholarship Jack and Verna Miller Award Recipient, Thompson Rivers University, 2025
Lieutenant- Governor’s Medal: Thompson Rivers University, 2019
CEA Certificate Thompson Rivers University, 2019
Deans List Honoree: Thompson Rivers University 2018, 2019, 2025
Associate of Arts Degree, Simon Fraser University, 2005
Reflection:
Reflecting upon my credentials, education and the honor of receiving some impactful recognition awards I truly believe that learning is a life-long process. Coming back to school in 2018 as a mature student was the most profound experience for me because I was able to show myself and my children that we can start over and pursue the career of our dreams no matter our age. With many life-lessons and experiences under my belt, priceless learning moments and times of heartache and growth I feel I have capability to make a large impact in the most positive way to my future students.
Learning, for myself will never end. I will continue workshops and training in various ares of education and continue to challenge myself to be the best educator I can be. Receiving the Lieutenant- Governor’s Medal in 2019 was a great honor.
Scholarship Letter
To the Jack and Verna Miller Award selection committee,
My name is Crystal Becker, and I feel so fortunate to be here, a part of TRU in the Bachelor of Education Program. As a single mother of three amazing children, age 16, 14 and 12, I am embarking on a life-long dream career as an elementary school teacher. I have recently decided to go back to school, at a time in my life where things seemed to have changed so much. I am here to show my children that learning is a life-long process and that we are never too old to accomplish what we have always wanted. Being a teacher has always been a dream of mine and now that I am on my own, I know the time has come for me to take the leap. I have almost completed my first semester in the teaching program, and it has truly been amazing. I am loving the content and working with students when at my practicum so much.
For ten years I was a stay-at-home mom, and I loved this time so much. I never missed a beat with my kids, and I am so thankful for that time. I spent my days making sure my children’s needs were being met and memories were being made. As my children got older, I went back to school here at TRU and completed the Education Assistant and Community Support program, where I received the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for academic excellence and contributing to my community. I have spent time working for a non-profit organization called Playground Builders, who help build playgrounds in war-torn areas as well as coaching my children’s basketball and volleyball teams.
In 2019, I graduated from TRU and started my career with School District 73 as a Certified Education Assistant. I love this work so much and continue to work for SD73 while completing this program. I truly have enjoyed going to work every day to connect with a diverse group of students. I have connected with many students and teachers, and having a child with a learning disability has only strengthened my desire to help other children. Since becoming a single mom, I know I need to have a career that would allow me to keep working with students but also become a better provider for my children. I have always wanted to be a teacher but I thought it might be too late. I decided the time was now, and enrolled at TRU to work toward completing my Bachelor of Education. Although it has been a great deal of work to stay on top of meeting the needs of my children, and my courses, I have been able to excel in the program and love what I am doing at the same time.
Receiving this scholarship would mean a lot to me as having three busy children and going to school full time has become a financial hardship. As a mature student, I have needed to apply for student loans to help pay for my schooling since I can only work minimal hours because of my school and family schedule. I know that this is where I am supposed to be. Receiving any aid I can would be extremely helpful.
I appreciate your consideration for this scholarship as I know it will help me to achieve my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher.
Sincerely,
Crystal Becker
Volunteer and Extra- Curricular Activities
Volleyball Coach, Mcgowan Park Elementary, 2019, 2022, 2023.
Playground Builders charity, advocate for free play, helped fundraise to build playgrounds in war-torn areas
Run Club Participant
Reflections
Volleyball Coach
Volunteering to coach both my daughter’s volleyball teams in elementary school was a great honor. Early morning practices, after school games and weekend tournaments were a great time had by all. I saw the girls persevere through some challenges and continue to improve as the days passed. Coaching volleyball for three years was very fulfilling for me and is something I would like to continue as I enter into my teaching career.
Run Club Participant
RUNclub has always been about running and walking but is really so much more. With a goal to inspire and guide everyone they can into adopting a healthy lifestyle they truly are a run group like no other. Words to describe this running group are, community, love, kindness, integrity, commitment, fun, emotional fitness, mental wellness and spiritual connection. I truly could not imagine my life without RUNclub.
Playground Builders volunteer
In 2015, I connected with a Canadian charity called Playground Builders. I volunteered my time and set up many playdates in Kamloops, BC with the help of our local businesses and created ‘Pop-up playdates’ at various locations, and with many fun activities and surprise guests for the little ones. Parents and kids came out and we raised money to build a playground in Iraq. In the war-torn areas of Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine there are often no safe places for children to play. Playground Builders are dedicated to building hope and peace through the gift of play. www.playgroundbuilders.org
Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal, TRU, 2019
Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal: Crystal Becker. Crystal Becker brought an enthusiasm to the Education Assistant/Community Support Certificate program that came from her deep personal mission to promote acceptance and belonging. A mature student and mother of three, Becker knew returning to school would have its challenges. But, she also knew creating strong connections with classmates and instructors would be a powerful way to cope. Her passion for building people up extends to involvement in her children’s school and sports teams. An advocate for the concept of free play, she is connected with an international charity called Playground Builders, which creates play spaces in war-torn areas.