Being better than she was last year is the motivation of the rising multi-media journalist Chrysta Nichols, a sophomore at A&T. Chrysta is pursuing this growth by maintaining as a full-time student leader and consistently creating content for her YouTube channel “TheRealChrysta”.

Chrysta wears many hats of leadership at A&T a she is a social media intern at PRSSA, a P.R. intern in the N.A.P.S. club, and an undergraduate research assistant in Bluford Library.

“I’m taking action every day by being involved on campus as a content creator and just elevating my skills each & every day”, said Chrysta.

Outside of campus, Chrysta most recently earned an internship with Widen + Kennedy’s AdMagic Program, in which she will work in Portland, Oregon, and New York city throughout the semester.

Chrysta heartfully expressed her hopes for a better normal in our black culture with her concerns of substance abuse. 

“I feel like we cover a lot of drinking up with fun but it’s really just a problem for a lot of people”, Chrysta adds. “Not just alcohol but with Marijuana as well. We suppress a lot of issues that we’re dealing with in society with those substances.”

She is saddened by the stereotypes that have been formulated by people outside of our communities, especially by white people.

Substance abuse is an issue that affects all people, however, black people are judged differently for it. The effects of substance abuse in black communities connect with the disproportionate criminalization of black people Nationwide. The war on drugs beginning in the 70s is where we can study the detrimental effects of these stereotypes.

“I don’t put those stereotypes with me, I feel like I’m my own individual”, Chrysta emphasizes. “A lot of times those stereotypes don’t phase me because I know who I am.”

Chrysta’s approach to this systemic issue is one to learn from because the change starts with the individual. Her commitment to elevation, being Flier, is what will combat the unhealthy societal norm of substance abuse.  

If Chrysta’s story interested you, you can find her on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok @therealchrysta