I found my way to ECU’s MSSTH program after falling in love with hospitality and tourism while working as a graduate assistant in Dr. Deale’s Dimensions of Tourism class. That experience opened my eyes to an industry I had not previously considered and sparked an interest that eventually led me to pursue the MSSTH program. I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a MBA and a MA in Sociology, and my background in business, sociology, local government and higher education has given me a unique perspective on tourism and hospitality. I now work as the Recruitment Coordinator for ECU’s School of Hospitality Leadership, where I often tell students that I’m not just the recruiter, I’m a satisfied customer too! Outside of school and work, I’m a wife and mom of three, so being an adult learner has been a busy but rewarding journey.

Crystal Sanders is panel expert of the Student Voices panel.