Crystal Santos realized her life was not headed in the direction she wanted while behind bars.
Santos now will graduate this month with an associate in science degree in carpentry technology from Kauaʻi Community College. She then plans to continue her education at the community college, where she will pursue another associate degree in entrepreneurial business.
She took her first step toward creating a better future for herself and her family while still incarcerated in 2024 by enrolling in a Kauaʻi Community College carpentry micro-credential course.
“When I got out, I knew I needed to do something for myself,” said Santos in a release from the community college.
She was nervous and intimidated, a 45-year-old afraid because of not having been in school for nearly 30 years and the “younger generation” in her class.
“But once I got to Kauaʻi [Community College], so many doors and opportunities opened for me,” Santos said. “Kauaʻi [Community College] helped me through every doubt I had.”
Her connection to the college began through her daughter, who served as a Waiʻaleʻale Project peer mentor. Santos applied to the first-year support program that provides mentorship and guidance to students transitioning into college life.
Waiʻaleʻale is a unique scholarship program that gives eligible Kaua‘i and Niʻihau residents financial and academic support to take a few classes or receive a certificate or complete an associate degree.
Santos found encouragement to apply for scholarships, helping her cover most of her educational expenses while building confidence in herself as a student.
“At first, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to learn anything,” she said. “But I pushed myself, and honestly, I learned so much. I gained knowledge, confidence and motivation. I’m ready to get back out there and start over.”
Construction and masonry have long been part of Santos’ family history, and working with her hands and building things for others feels natural to her.
“I like helping people,” Santos said. “I enjoy going out into the field and building things up.”
Santos was often the only woman on the job site when she entered the construction field in her early 20s. Today, she sees greater opportunities and representation for women in traditionally male-dominated careers.
“The female population in these fields is growing,” she said. “It’s opening new chapters and new doors for women to say, ‘I can do this too — and it’s fun.’”
Kauaʻi Community College carpentry technology student Crystal Santos and classmate Lucus Baliaris-Rivera install a door on a building made during class. (Courtesy Photo: Kauaʻi Community College)- Kauaʻi Community College carpentry technology student Crystal Santos plans to get a second associate’s degree in business before opening her own. (Courtesy Photo: Kauaʻi Community College)
Her long-term goal is to earn a commercial driver’s license through Leeward Community College on Oʻahu, and eventually open her own heavy hauling firm.
Santos said the civil engineering technology components of the carpentry program had the greatest impact on her professional development and inspired her to continue earning additional certifications in the future.
“I have so much gratitude,” she said. “I can’t believe this chapter is coming to an end.”
