Dear editor,
I am about to graduate against all odds from NMU.
My story is a success story. For all women out there that are being abused or were being abused, there is light at the end of the tunnel. You are not alone.
I had two PPOs against my abuser in 2007 but victims of abuse don’t leave right away. I have been free since 2013. I not only have survived, but I have thrived. It was an uphill battle at first, but with the help of my community, and not being willing to ever give up, I made it. I went to school at NMU for the past four years and I am currently duly enrolled at MSU and NMU.
As a survivor of domestic abuse, a single mother of three, a U.S. Naval veteran, honor roll student, elected delegate, elected state delegate, elected 1st Congressional senate district VC for the Republican party, elected Vice chairman of the Marquette Republican party in 2014-2016, serving on four committees such as: The finance committee, the sub-finance committee, the caucus rules committee, the bylaws committee, PR director of the Republican women’s federation of Michigan, and NMUCR vice-president in 2013-2014.
This has been the hardest and most rewarding achievement I have ever made: getting my bachelors degree while being a single mother of three, a veteran and volunteering full-time in my community.
As a political science major I was able to utilize my studies at NMU with being actively involved. With my minor in communications I have been able to introduce presidential candidates, Lt. Gov., AG, Senators, U.S. congressmen and House Reps as the 1st congressional senate district VC.
I attended presidential debates, state conventions, national conventions and was invited to the presidential ball. I have received reference letters from several Senators, Congressmen and Attorneys that I interned for while at NMU.
I did a directed study on a meth conspiracy case, I interned and helped on a murder case and helped in the prosecutor’s office. This all has led me to my next step. I have been accepted to law school, and am registered to start in the fall. I am hoping my story encourages all women of domestic abuse.
My children are also a success story. I got them involved in the community and remained an example to them.
My oldest son enjoyed the chess club in 2013, joined boy scouts in 2014, is currently in JROTC, wrestling and plans on going into the military after he graduates.
My daughter is on the honor roll, learning how to drive, was in competitive swimming, dance, and orchestra. She is currently going with her orchestra family to Washington D.C. to play at the Jefferson Memorial and somewhere near the capital this May. She plans on volunteering her time this summer with Attorney General Bill Schuette’s team as well as with others, in hopes to get a reference letter and be recognized for her work ethic so she can use this to get into medical school. She wants to help as many people as she can.
My youngest son was in competitive swim, skiing, enjoys the junior golf club and is my golf partner on Sundays. He has golfed with Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhoff, and met the Lt. Gov. at a golf outing. I will not be surprised if he ends up going into public service. My story is an all-around success story. I was an example to my children of not staying a victim but focusing on the future—they, too, are thriving.
My advice to all domestic abuse victims: get involved in your community. What helped me was the belief that I have the power to transform my life.
-Crystal Grantham, 1st
Congressional 38th Senate District vice chair, PR
Director – Republican Women’s Federation of Michigan
