Crystal Hudson has been named Ashford University’s Outstanding Alum of the Month for July 2017. The Ashford University Outstanding Alum of the Month recognition was created to spotlight Ashford success stories and graduates who have used their Ashford education as a springboard to personal and professional achievement.
After being diagnosed with a serious health condition and no longer having the ability to serve as an active duty soldier, Hudson enrolled in Ashford’s bachelor of art in health care administration program and graduated from Ashford in 2017. In 2010, while on deployment with the Air Force in the Middle East, Hudson began to experience severe headaches. As Hudson transitioned to a new base, her symptoms became worse. She was eventually diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation, a condition where structural defects occur in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance.
Despite undergoing a successful surgery, Hudson’s condition ultimately put an end to her active duty career and she started looking into other careers where she could help people lead healthy lives. While searching for schools, Hudson was impressed by the numerous health care degree options at Ashford and decided to pursue a degree in health care administration.
With her Ashford education, it has allowed Hudson to help people manage their health. Since graduating from Ashford, Hudson has already helped three other people discover that they, too, suffer from Arnold Chiari Malformation.
“I’m a survivor, and I feel called to educate as many people as possible,” said Hudson. “I’m an advocate for Chiari Malformation because I understand how important it is to be diagnosed correctly so no one else has to endure the pain and uncertainty that I went through.”
To read more on Crystal Hudson’s Ashford student success story, visit https://www.ashford.edu/online-learning-experience/student-success-stories/crystal-hudson.
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