Crystal Moore

Compton College student Crystal Moore is one of 10 student leaders selected for a 2023-2024 Dymally Institute Fellows program in partnership with California State University, Dominguez Hills. The Dymally Student Fellowship program, founded by Mervyn Dymally – former California lieutenant governor, congressman, and legislator – exposes students of color to careers in politics and social justice.  

The Dymally Fellows program provides training for current and future leaders and facilitates international travel for students of color to help expand their worldview and higher education ambitions. This year, the fellows’ academic curriculum will focus on leadership training, advocacy, social and political engagement, mental and behavioral health and wellness, and economic development. Moore and the other Fellows have or will travel to different locations in California, Howard University in Washington D.C., and South Africa for conferences and educational opportunities. “I applied for a Dymally Fellowship in search of identity and came out identifying as a leader,” Moore said.

Moore, a non-traditional student and mother of one, currently serves as Compton College’s Associated Student Government president (ASG) for the 2023-2024 academic year. She is pursuing a double major in nursing and psychology. In the future, she would like to work as a nurse practitioner specializing in forensics and mental health. She is on track to graduate from Compton College with associate degrees in June 2024 and would like to transfer to Hampton University in Virginia, which offers a doctorate program in nursing and is designated as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

“Caring for others is instinctual for me,” said Moore about her major and career choice. “My father was diagnosed with colon cancer when I was in my early 20s and I was his caregiver before he passed away. I have been taking care of people most of my life.”

She is also dedicated to expanding her knowledge and skill development as a student leader. Moore has held three student council offices during her time at Compton College: commissioner of clubs and activities, treasurer, and ASG president. Through weekly meetings open to all students, the elected ASG officers coordinate student activities, determine how ASG funds will be allocated, and represent student views on important Compton College issues. “I have chosen to serve on ASG throughout my time at Compton College because it an important organization for student advocacy on campus,” said Moore. “One of our goals this year is to increase community engagement with activities on campus.” 

Moore is also a student worker on campus with the Black and Males of Color Student Success program. She takes advantage of the many student resources on campus such as financial aid, the Transfer Center for networking with 4-year university representatives and various workshops, as well as tutoring for her more-challenging science classes offered through the Library-Student Success Center and STEM Center. A dancer at heart, she balances out her academics by taking dance classes as “a great way to relieve stress and explore self-expression.”

Moore says her attendance at Compton College has provided her with a wealth of opportunities and she hopes others will take advantage of all the college has to offer. “Compton College is extremely supportive,” said Moore. “I have attended other community colleges and never felt personally supported. Compton College’s faculty and staff acknowledge me personally. And, Compton College has a lot of non-traditional students; I really believe they are taking support for non-traditional students to the next level. It’s never too late to enroll in college.”