Crystal Grant
What makes you YOU?
My spirit, my big heart, my love for myself and family, being a good dog mom. My determination, my curiosity as to why things are the way they are, running a successful small business and being a self-published author, all make me who I am.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the growth that I’ve accomplished over the past four years. After my divorce in 2017, I’ve lost 70 pounds and kept most of it off. I’ve become healthier and grounded within with my inner being. I’ve fallen in love with myself and actually really have taken the time to know and remember who I actually was before society got its hands on me. Now daily meditation practices, working out and eating healthy are priorities in my life. As a healthcare provider by day, I know that I cannot pour from an empty cup, so I really make sure to practice daily self-care.
What keeps you going when times are tough?
Stopping to remember that if I’ve been fortunate enough to wake up this morning then there is still work that my inner being needs to accomplish is what gets me up in the morning. (Also, my pups Ryder and Teddy because they don’t understand the concept of sleeping in.) Being grateful for what I currently have but eager for more also keeps me motivated in this life journey.
What keeps you up at night?
Nothing really keeps me up at night. I’m at peace in my life so I sleep peacefully, unless of course, Ryder or Teddy kick me or start barking. I know that everything always works out in my favor and despite my many losses and past tragedies, I now know that I’m never walking this journey alone. Meditation and not eating two hours before bedtime really help me accomplish getting a good solid eight to nine hours of sleep.
Charlene Hunt
What makes you YOU?
The more I think on this the more complex it becomes for me to truly answer. There are so many things that make me, me; like my DNA and other things that are constantly evolving. Events of my past laid the foundation and molded me into who I am today – an American Indian Woman, Mother, Daughter, Sister and Luna (Grandmother). My heritage of being American Indian, Lumbee to be exact, has always been deeply rooted within so many areas of my life. I grew up in a small town where, sadly, many people had never heard of the Lumbee Tribe, so I also was an educator and advocate at an early age. My career path has also brought me to be able to work through education, research, and advocacy with all the NC American Indian tribal communities. I am blessed to work for the NC American Indian Health Board.
What are you most proud of?
Being the first in my family to get a degree. One of my favorite quotes about being educated comes from Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It changes people, families, communities, entire nations, and the future of humanity.
What keeps you going when things are tough?
My birth children, Hunter and Kenna, along with the many students that I have taught throughout the years. I am constantly reminded that I have people who look up to me as a role model so that helps push me through.
What keeps you up at night?
The continued destruction and disregard of Mother Earth. We all have been gifted an amazing planet and should be caretakers and stewards of this land.
