From Doubt to Determination: Krystal Jackson Ray’s Journey to Graduation and Beyond
Just before graduating with honors from Urban College of Boston in May 2025, Krystal Jackson Ray found herself reflecting on her journey while traveling on a family vacation.
“I was down south, traveling down a long winding road, passing by old growth trees and green fields. And I started to think about Harriet Tubman, and the difficult treks she made repeatedly to bring people to freedom. It might be an odd connection, but it made me think about my journey at school. If she could do that, I could finish my degree.
She embodied strength and resilience, and it’s inspiring. There are heroes, women of color, that broke down barriers and paved the way before me, made it possible for me to be here today.”
Krystal’s educational journey wasn’t always an easy one, a winding path that led her to exactly where she needed to be at Urban College. “Urban College created the pathway for me to go towards the future I want for myself.”
Her first try at college ended in frustration. She was balancing single motherhood and the grief of losing her own mother—all while trying to navigate college as a first-generation student. She withdrew and questioned whether higher education was meant for her, feeling that college was too inflexible to manage while maneuvering the complications of life.
But while working in Applied Behavioral Analysis with children, a parent saw her promise as a teacher and encouraged her to explore that career path.
Their comment sparked a new dream: she wanted to become a special education teacher but was hesitant to re-enter a college environment. She already had her teacher certification and debated whether a degree was even necessary.
To start, Krystal took a professional development course at Urban College through Neighborhood Villages. She enjoyed the class, and applied to enroll, despite her fears surrounding academia. She saw online that alumni spoke highly of the supportive learning environment and felt it could be a good fit.
“I remember getting the email that I was accepted into the program while heading to a Janet Jackson concert. I couldn’t believe it! I was so excited that I submitted my paperwork from my phone right then and there. I was going to college! As a first-generation college student, this moment is seared into my memory.”
The start at Urban College was a little rocky. She had a lot going on in her life, including an adult diagnosis of ADHD. She struggled in her first two classes and strongly considered withdrawing again. But rather than giving up, she turned to the Student Success staff at Urban College.
She connected with Anna Berry, VP of Student Success, a fellow first-generation college student. “It meant so much to me that she shared her own story. It really fueled me to know I wasn’t alone. The fact that someone with such a successful career went through similar struggles – it was motivating.” Utilizing services like the Learning Resource Center, she received the support needed to not only remain in college, but thrive. This May, she graduated with her Early Childhood Education Associate Degree with honors!
“Urban College is special because so many of the faculty and staff have life stories that mirror the students. It's diverse, with many being first-generation college graduates themselves. It makes the environment uniquely supportive and empathetic.”
The flexible online structure of her program also empowered her to persevere. “My life is crazy busy! I work full-time, am an involved mom of two awesome kids, a wife – I have family obligations. I do ministry at my church and advocacy in my community. I love that even with my packed schedule, I could pursue my education.” She was able to progress at her own pace, with a school schedule that worked within her life.
The professors at Urban College made the online classes engaging and fun to attend.
“My speech communications class was one of my favorites. The professor was full of life and personality – even though the class was on Saturdays, I didn’t want it to end! It brought out a new level of confidence in me, made me want to speak up in public more.”
Now, after graduating, she is pursuing additional certificates before attending Lesley University in September. Attending Lesley will be full-circle for Krystal. She grew up near the campus and often pictured herself walking across the quad amongst the stone buildings. Her childhood daydreams turned out to be a powerful manifestation!
Over the summer, she’s taking a Harvard course called The Karen Mapp Framework, a session focused on family and community engagement, and participating in Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Summer School.
“Educating myself is self-care,” Krystal says, a true testament to how she’s grown since first starting her higher education journey.
With her future Early Childhood Education bachelor's degree with a concentration in family services from Lesley University (with only a few classes to complete thanks to transferred credits), she plans to open a community center dedicated to serving families and children with exceptional needs. This goal echoes the legacy her mother left behind: she provided childcare for low-income families and women experiencing domestic violence. Krystal never planned to follow in her mother’s footsteps, but is honored to carry on the tradition of providing support to those who need it most.
There’s a care gap that Krystal has identified: most services for children with learning differences aren’t in place until kindergarten. Early intervention is crucial for these children, and it needs to be built into their education from the beginning.
“My biggest dream is to support those who are usually counted out. I never want to turn a child or their family away because of their needs. It’s personal to me, too, because I have two neurodivergent children, one with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Plus, I’m confident that with my experience working with both children and adults with exceptional needs, I’m able to provide a learning environment that supports their development and growth. I can create individualized plans that support them in my center and at home.”
Her goal to support those often overlooked mirrors her own story: a woman who was once unsure if college was for her, who faced academic setbacks and personal challenges, but who found her voice, her purpose, and her power through perseverance and support.
Krystal’s journey is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight path, but with resilience, the right resources, and a community that believes in you, anything is possible.
Her story is not just one of personal triumph; it's a call to invest in the potential of people like her: passionate, dedicated, driven, and ready to make a difference.