An alumna of the Urban-Suburban program, Krystal Postell was recently named the assistant principal of Roth Junior High School in the Rush-Henrietta School District. She joins another alumna, Qianna Reaves-Campbell who also serves as an assistant principal. 

Over the break, she took time to share about her experience and provide advice for current and future students. 

You might say Krystal Postell was looking for a challenge when she joined the Urban-Suburban program. The assistant principal at Roth Jr. High School excelled at school from an early age. In 1996, she decided to enter the Urban-Suburban program as a freshman at Penfield High School – and for the first time, it wasn’t easy.  
She was entering high school with a group of students that already knew each other. That first year was a transition, a culture shock and there was a learning curve, but Krystal stuck with it. 

“Being in a suburban district it really pushed me to be my best self in all areas – my academics, inside and outside school, doing things I was uncomfortable doing like asking for help because I didn’t have to ask for help as much being in a city school. Being in a suburban district, I was like ooh this is tricky! I really had to talk to my teachers, meet my counselors, make a plan.” 

Her counselors also played an important role in getting Krystal ready for college. There were college and career-readiness exercises; she also had the opportunity to shadow other people in her field of interest. Krystal went to Buffalo State College, then Nazareth College, Roberts Wesleyan, and the University of Rochester. She earned not one, not two, but three degrees! 

“I think being in the Urban-Suburban program really shaped me for the world outside of school, like being integrated with other students from all backgrounds, cultures, and family dynamics. I grew up in poverty, so going to school with children who didn't all grow up like myself really helped me to see there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I can get out of this, I can be successful, I can overcome things.” 

That’s the message she wants Urban-Suburban students and prospective U-S students to take from her story. 

She adds, “stay true to who we are as a person, you are going to be with different students who have other backgrounds, but know that you have a huge support system. The teachers and the administrators really want you to be successful. Speak up early if you're struggling, whether it's emotionally or academically, just make sure your voice is heard and be active and stay positive.”