Dragons Who Serve: Crystal Teetz

When accounting student Crystal Teetz makes a decision, she doesn't look back. At 17, she signed the papers to join the U.S. Marine Corps, carrying forward a family legacy of military service that stretched from World War II to Vietnam. "My grandfather was proud, my dad was hesitant," she says. "But I was sure."

BS in Accounting

That certainty carried her across the world. Being stationed in Japan, Crystal immersed herself in cultures far different from her North Dakota roots. She studied Confucianism and Buddhism, embraced new foods, and witnessed a society where trust and community thrived. "The people were so open," she recalls. "My landlord checked on me daily when my husband was deployed. I learned to be more accepting, to try new things, to see the world differently." Those experiences shaped her in ways that still influence her today.

After her years of service and raising a family, Crystal was ready for a new challenge: college. Choosing Minnesota State Moorhead over larger schools in the area wasn't just about convenience, it was about belonging. "I didn't want to be one of 30,000 students," she explains. "Here, I can make connections and be part of so much more." 

She dove in, joining the Dragon Student Veterans Club, Econ Society, DECA, and the Investment Club. The drive to get involved comes from her military background. "Where others might step back, I jump in," she says. "The Marines gave me the grit to try and to keep going, even when it's tough."

Like many students, Crystal faced obstacles finding internships. Big firms didn't call back, and frustration set in. But the university's Service to Success Internships, designed for military-connected students, opened a new door.

Through the guidance of mentor Aaron Krenz, Yellow Ribbon Advance director, she found an internship at a local accounting firm, Franke Tax, where she works hands-on with others being taught valuable skills in payroll, quarterly taxes, and QuickBooks. "It's real-world experience that goes beyond the classroom," Crystal says. "It opened my eyes to careers I hadn't even considered."

Programs like the Service to Success Internships are vital because they recognize the unique strengths of military-connected students. "We think differently," Crystal says. "We problem-solve outside the box. Having people who understand that makes a huge difference."

Crystal is quick to encourage other veterans to get involved early. "Even as a freshman, look for internships, join clubs, go to events. Opportunities come from connections, not just the classroom."

Her own involvement has taken her across the country: meeting CEOs, competing at DECA nationals, even shaking hands with leaders in Washington, D.C. "None of it would have happened if I hadn't stepped out of my comfort zone."

Crystal Teetz's story is one of service, resilience, and the power of finding community at Moorhead. From the Marines to accounting, she continues to live with courage, grit, and a maverick spirit.