Chryste Lunyé Johnson traveled miles outside her gang-ridden Los Angeles neighborhood to attend high school honors classes in the San Fernando Valley. Nevertheless, she did not think she would attend college. Then, an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) representative from Humboldt State University called her on a Thursday, asked her to fill out the admission application, and told her to report to campus that Saturday for the Summer Bridge Program.

That intervention put her on the path to a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Chryste embraced university life, serving on the University Center board of directors and the Student Health Advisory Committee. She also volunteered with the Youth Educational Services’ Juvenile Hall Recreation program. As a result of her efforts, she was inducted into both the Omicron Delta Kappa and Psi Chi honor societies.

Following graduation, Chryste joined the EOP staff. She is now working on a master’s degree in social work and plans to pursue a career with Humboldt County Child Welfare Services.