Contact: Misty P. Salaz 277-5851

January 17, 2003 WOOD'S TIES TO ALAMOGORDO STAY STRONG University of New Mexico education student, Krystal Wood, said she wants to help change the world. "Ghandi once said that you have to be the change you want to see in the world and education is one of the greatest things I am passionate about - therefore, I feel teaching is the best way to help impact the world in a positive way," Wood said. After attending Alamogordo High School, Wood decided to enroll at New Mexico State University's Alamogordo Branch. Wood said she was motivated to attend UNM in Albuquerque because it seemed like an excellent school with many great opportunities. "The University of New Mexico is a diverse campus with a virtual cornucopia of opportunity," she said. "I am able to meet amazing students and professors, take mentally and pedagogically stimulating classes and become involved in the university community." Wood is a junior majoring in elementary education with an endorsement in language arts and a minor in psychology. Although she adjusted quickly to UNM's environment, Wood definitely knows where her stomping ground is. "I really appreciate the love and support I've had from my family, friends and the community of Alamogordo," she said. "I have been a fortunate girl because I have been surrounded by many supportive, inspiring individuals my entire life." Wood said most of her inspiration and motivation has come from her parents, Robert and Helen. "Both my mother and father have constantly pushed me and supported me in whatever endeavor I choose to embark on - they are definitely the light in my darkness and are always offering words of wisdom and assurance," she said. After she graduates from UNM, Wood plans to attend Berkley University Graduate School and obtaining a Ph.D. in developmental and educational psychology. She said she wants to teach for a few years and screen developmentally delayed students to provide them with necessary help. Wood recently became a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. The organization has a membership of more than 63,000 from the United States, England, Canada and Australia. "My father is actually a member of this organization and I wanted to join in order to associate with other individuals that share the same passions as me," she said. Although Wood dedicates most of her time to school, she does manage to slip in some enjoyable activities. "Whenever I am not studying or working, I am generally writing various children's books I am hoping to publish or playing the flute," she said. "Writing and music are most definitely my sanctuaries from the storm." ###

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
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Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981