I love u even more Crystal. I flunked everything in school. Got a job in a production hse and became an asst editor at 18. Worked my ass off and became a film editor at 21. Worked all over the world editing TVC’s, music videos and animated films. Retired after 32yrs. So really, follow your heart. Yes I’m also dyslexic. 😎
“It all comes together one day”. I’m 63! I never got it together. Nothing but a bunch of regrets and unrealized dreams. I think that’s why I love watching people who accomplish so much. Crystal admitting she didn’t get her diploma just made me admire her even more. I love seeing people overcome and thrive. I think another message you all touched on spoke to my issue. I think it’s incredibly important that you believe in yourself. I don’t think I ever have. I don’t admit that as a poor pathetic me thing. I admit it as a cautionary tale. Don’t do what I did. Find your passions, and go for them. Believe in yourself and you’ll be unstoppable. Having others that believe in you is just the icing on the cake. If you don’t believe in yourself, there is no cake to ice.
I think you've accomplished a lot in a time when things weren't that 'easy'. Today you can google and youtube anything. Also, add a loving partner, like these wonderful women have, and the world's your oyster. Live your beautiful life without regrets! One incredible day at a time. Thank you. 💛💫
@@smellyolegoat150. I’m 63 also. Have been disabled the larger part of my adult life. Definitely love Jazz & Crystal. Watching them vicariously as they #Badass their way through life is cathartic for me & downright fun. Same with all the immensely passionate, hard-working UA-camrs I subscribe to. Anyway, really loved your comment & totally agree w/your cautionary tale. Take really good care! ~Marirose NH USA 💛✊🏼🌟
I’m 53 and just figuring this out. I’m finally trying work through some of my anxiety issues by taking baby steps. Some days I feel confused and scared but I just keep going focusing on the task at hand, trying to remind myself I’ve got this! If I can work through crippling anxiety I KNOW you’ve got this! Put the regrets behind you and go forward and make the choices to be happy. Damn everyone and everything else (at least for a day or two 🫣[hello old friend anxiety]). But I hope you get what I mean.
Speaking from the “over-degreed” world (and who has taught all levels from elementary to university) the most fundamental lesson of education is (or should be) to learn how to learn and that, dear Crystal, you have mastered! Your commitment to growth, to being uncomfortable, to choosing to benefit from mistakes, not to mention being intentional about your life - all of these mindsets are the mark of real learning & education. A Master’s degree is supposed to indicate mastery of a subject area. YOU have already earned that, enough for a Lifetime Achievement Award in Learning, Intentional Living …the list goes on. You and Jazzy model the art of learning as well as living in each video. And, we are so encouraged & invigorated by your lives. Thank you!
As a 72 year old hippie in Oz, who with family and friends built a mud brick house, milled timber, grew veggies, raised animals I've watched your van wives vlogs.. (Max and Occy got me there) and got so much joy and respect for y'all. Now I feel like I've sat down in your wonderful cabin for a chat... with coffee and memories. Jazz absolutely agree with the 'what do you do' .. I used to answer "Nothing" stopped the conversation dead. Don't ever stop doing what makes you happy. Look after your bodies with all your building. Loving it all ❤
Crystal has probably forgotten more than I ever knew about life, following your dreams and doing what makes you happy. I took the path most followed and am now 62 and have so many things I "wish" I had done or done differently. She has lived her life unapologetically and I admire her so much for that. I admire both of them for just going for their dreams!❤🐾🐾❤️
The strength & courage to do what you did is amazing. Never be ashamed to say you followed your dreams...after all, your dreams led you to right where you are today!❤
Pool hopping!!!! So many sneaking out of the house to pool hop w friends and raise hell memories came flooding back (I’m 60, love those days!) great hearing your stories🌸🌸 I was also an “early bloomer” but Isn’t it great how things seem to work themselves out💛
In the recovery program that I attended, I always told people to not be afraid to tell their story. (really tell it) That was because everyone feels fantastic after they do and it just makes people love you more. Crystal, you are a very clever girl. ❤❤
I have to say that listening to today’s podcast gave me some enlightenment towards my 23 yr old son. He graduated HS with a 3.69 grade average, did not miss one day grades 9-12 and was vehemently opposed to going to college. And, I have struggled with that until now…your podcast caused me to see that though he was an excellent scholar, his calling in life will take him in a different direction and that’s ok. Thank you both for sharing your stories but especially Crystal because it helped me to understand my son just a little bit better ❤️
I dont know why schools push college so much not knowing what the child is interested in doing later on in life. In my opinion, schools should introduce students to a variety of careers and help them meet their goal. The need for basics is ok but each child should have a custom schedule to guide him/her to whatever they plan on doing out of high school.
Oh my! I absolutely loved everything about this podcast. Great true stories. Love previously lead foot Jazz’s confessions (now grandma-like driver). And Crystal, I was one semester short of earning my Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree where I live in the States. Quickly realized, I’d been placed in the wrong field placement (they mixed me up w/another student who ended up having a great learning experience but not me). Also discovered there is more than one type of social work-mainly clinical vs community, & I wanted to do community social work but was training in clinical. I dropped out & have always felt “less than” bc of it. Until today. Thank you, Crystal. I’m 63, have done other passions like apprenticing as an herbalist & much more even while raising two daughters as a single mum (yes, they spell it that way bc they intuitively knew I’d like it & I do). Am severely debilitated now, have been for quite some time. Am so grateful for your channel & all the other hard-working, passionate UA-camrs I sub to & live vicariously through. All of you have overcome multiple obstacles & are so inspirational. You each are no exception. Love you both along w/Bella & Izzy. Thank you. #MadRespect #Gratitude💛
I really enjoy listening to you both. Laughing along with you and feeling the emotions you share as you relate your stories. I never finished high either. I think I had a credit left but I, too, walked away. I was painfully shy, had no clear direction and fly-by-night friends. High school felt like such a torturous waste of time to me. After, I bounced around from job to job, married, had a baby, divorced, remarried, etc. At age 39 I finally found my purpose and attended a school that gave me the knowledge necessary achieve my goals, life’s purpose. This is when I began to believe in myself. This is when I knew my own intelligence; that I could accomplish anything I was passionate about. Many of us simply cannot fit into the mold that traditional education requires us to. And that needs to be okay. Anyway, thanks for another great episode, Jazz and Crystal. And for being ever inspiring go-getters, no-quitters and dream seekers. Love to you both and keep up the great work 💚🧡
Ladies Ladies Ladies, how much you both have grown from your early days at building your life from a tent to van (sweet sets of wheels) and now a beautiful peace of property you can call whatever you want to "home is where the heart is". I love that over the years you both have grown so much and matured to lovely, sweet, knucklehead girls to ladies - keep being true to yourself and keep being true to each other - see you on Sunday and next Wednesday - when you come back to Ontario *ring me* - Love You Pack Mommies" 🤣 - Your Sky Your Limit - Be proud of you and who you are within :🙂
I'm from Brazil and Crystal, I would never imagine that you went there and have this awesome experience. It was really nice listening to your adventures in life. Growing up with a bunch of cousins in a small town we were always looking for wild things to do hahaha I could relate so much to a lot of points today. Right after college at 26 I decided to be an au pair in the US and I went for it, everyone said that I was crazy or I was getting into a scam, but I didn't listen to anyone and I had the experience of my life travel to almost all states, to Canada and meet so many nice people during this time.
Crystal. I am 0.5 credits shy of getting my University degree. I am now 42 years old. I feel you girl. I feel such shame, but at the same time I tried as hard as I can. I just couldn't pass the second Statistics course required. Tried 2 times and when I failed the second time I got kicked out of my program. A four year program down the drain, just like that. I now own my own small business and am happy and successful in the life I live. Looks like you did the same girl. Congrats on your success regardless of your 'credentials'
If you had gotten your degree, would whatever you were going to pursue been more fulfilling or less fulfilling than owning your own business? (If it’s not too personal a question). I think having your own business would be the best. 😊
Awesome. That’s the answer I was hoping to hear. I’m going to say congratulations on being .5 short. Let go of the shame. Replace it with pride for your accomplishments.
Took stats 3 times, ended up with a professor who took pity on me and let me take the tests home and FedEx them back to him…saved me my MBA degree. We need more educators who are compassionate.
Really enjoyed your open and honest dialogue. Really resonated with me. My wife and I met in our 30's. We never would have got together earlier. She was the wild child and i was the studious one. Both mellowed by our 30's but still retained our true selves so she brought me much fun and i provided the stability and love she wanted. She was my best friend and still is even after she has passed on. BTW I know where Belle Ewart is , close to home :) Have an awesome week.
Crystal, I have often wondered what you majored in in college because you’re a very intelligent woman. No one would ever assume you didn’t graduate high school. You should see some of the morons that deplorable Americans have put into the U.S. congress. You are head and shoulders above them in intelligence. The two of you are completely amazing!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
You are both shining examples to all ages of how to live a good life. Thank you for sharing and example ing how to live a life of learning and commitment.
Great episode! Very Relatable, I too didn't finish high school because quite honestly I was just focusing on surviving those years. I do regret it because I have a lot farther to go than you but I've still managed to do a lot of things without it. I've been a chef, pastry chef, dog/cat groomer, yoga teacher, cannabis grower and I even took real estate at UBC all without a highschool diploma or anything close to it. Love the Jaz wild child stories, I was somewhere in the middle of you guy. Stealing my parents mini van and driving down dirt roads with the music blaring but always within the speed limit lol, never break two laws at once.
Crystal, just goes to show you how high school can fail for many. I think it excels for everyone in the middle but fails for those at either end. I remember the pressure that was put on my kids (they’re about your ages) to graduate, go to university etc (not by is). Like you one of the most intelligent people I know (other than you two) didn’t graduate high school. I’m so glad you had the courage to do it your way. I sure hope that the people who looked down at you in those days appreciate how amazing and successful you two are!
What a special podcast, I also did not finish high school, nor enjoy it much, but today I am proud of the man I am and I am self sufficient. Many people in my life also probably do not know of my unfinished high school, but Crystal has helped me look at it a different way now. 😊 Thank you for the shared moments. ❤
honestly crystal, i’m so proud of you for not finishing high school. i also had such a hard time in school, especially starting in 11th grade, bc i’m neurodivergent but didn’t know it. i wanted to drop out of college literally the first night, but my parents wouldn’t let me. i don’t regret things kind of as a rule, but i think i could’ve healed my traumas a lot quicker if i had dropped out of school.
Crystal: Life is so diverse and your experience still makes you a well rounded person. Your perspective has helped touch a lot of people that don’t judge you for what would be considering “lacking”. People who respect you don’t take your education into consideration. You are living life and that is the true value. Intelligence in the real world isn’t based on some arbitrary number or your short comings to sit in a rigid environment! You have created a great community and your vision for your life is definitely owned by you!!! You are proof that success doesn’t come from an 8-5 and $$$ of student loan debt!! Thank you for confiding in your community ! I hope you can feel healed and more confident moving forward in your life. I also share some sensitive topics about my education as I don’t fit into the”correct” narrative.
What a wonderful message to follow your heart. You both are amazing and supportive. We all as children and teens I believe did things at the time we thought were wild or crazy or both. I am 68 years old and I discussed with my partner that I spent half of my life worrying about what people thought of me, people pleasing. Now I really do not care what people think of me. I am honest, caring, kind and loving. I believe in myself. In order to love others, we must love ourselves first. Thank you for sharing your lives with us.
I was also very shy/quite in high school. My friends at lunch would count how many words I would say. Also, my husband quit school his senior year with a credit or so short. It is great to hear you guys talk about this stuff.
Omg Crystal, i relate so much with your story as i also didn't finish school. I am from Greece so i don't know how the system in America works, but here you have a limit on how many days you can be absent from school and i would skip school ALL THE TIME, at least once each week. It was so difficult for me because i felt that we litterally didn't learn anything useful!😂 Also it is so true that the first years EVERYONE was telling me to go back because "i will definately regret it", but now no one talks about school. And P.S i also didn't regret it!🤫💜
We always hear about Jazmyns mom, but these stories make me wonder about both of your parents. The things we did when we were young! Yikes! Thank goodness there’s no one asking about me!😆 Y’all are awesome for sharing your past! I applaud y’all! 👏🏻
Crystal. You and i have a very similar story. I was a good student up until 10th grade, then I became stubborn and refused to do class. I got wild that year. Then I took an equivolancy test and left high school two years early. I moved out of my parents house when i was 16. Went to beauty college, became a manicurist and have dine nails for a living for 38 years! Schools just not for everyone!
I LOVE you guys so much! Love these chats. Learning about you ladies on a deeper level is so inspiring. Crystal I completely understand what you were saying. High school sucked eggs! The teachers didn't care if we passed the class or not and the immaturity from the teenagers was just overwhelming. I did graduate with all d's through every class. I think I had a 1.25 grade point average. I was told I would never amount to anything from parents and school officials. My self esteem was at rock bottom and they all keep hurling boulders on top of me, that I had to crawl up to above to get back to the light. I moved out the day I turned 18. My mother had my bags packed and waited for me at the front door. She had to let one last criticism let loose telling me what a disappointment I was. I walked away and never looked back. All in all I made a few learning mistakes that brought me maturity and am proud of who I am now. I got a job at a company (I loved) at the starting level and worked my way up in the company. My proudest part of looking back was when my employees told me what a wonderful boss I was when I retired. I had earned their respect through hard work and not pursuing the degrees that a few of my friends have hanging on their walls. Yes they have the education but didn't have the people skills (that made me successful, because I learned to listen to my people and respond kindly) My moral of the story is we all don't have to fit in the square mold that society tells us the "correct thing to do". I was the round peg that just didn't fit into the square mold. I say hee hee the real joke is on them......who has turned out to really be happy where they ended up. and who's not.
Crystal, you described me to a t when talking about high-school. It took everything I had to get through school. I had zero desire to be there. I think school is important of course, but I also feel getting through school isn't always the best for each individual. Traveling, exploring, and life's experiences are the best teachers imo ! You and Jaz are very intelligent and it's been fun watching as you inspire so many people to be who they are and live life to suite their needs and wants, rather than what's expected of them.
I liked my classes and was in sports in high school. I had friends, but I was very shy. I hated the social part of high school. It was really hard because I don't do BS very well. Speaking of awful people, I was walking down a very crowded hallway between classes, and I felt something on my arm. Someone had wiped their snot on my arm. It seems like nothing, but it made me feel small like I was trash. I feel your pain, Crystal.
Crystal good for you for admitting that. My daughter was bullied so we took her out of 9th grade and tried home schooling but that didn’t work so she took her GED. I don’t know if it’s called that in Canada but it’s the high school equivalent test that you take online to get your high school certificate. My daughter is starting her college journey this summer and got a GED scholarship plus her ACT scholarship. So you’re so brave talking about it. I applaud you & Speedy Jasmine 😂😂😂.
What you said about not wanting to talk about not finishing highschool or talking about college with people when literally everyone around you is getting the full highschool and college experience while you go against the grain, I can definitely relate. I got a diagnosis my 11th year which explained what I was suffering with for years, that was making it hard for me to do well in school because I was in so much pain and exhausted all the time. I was barely getting by, and then was missing school for doctors appointments, and falling behind, and even though we did our best to get the school district involved to help us access aid during school, things didnt work out for me being able to attend. They were so scared of me falling and hurting myself in the school they had me in a wheelchair while on campus my senior year, and the amount of bullying and shame and how difficult everything was getting to and from class and having the weight of senior year expectations on me....I only lasted two weeks and I ended up leaving midday after a presentation I gave where I was mocked by my classmates, and never went back. I was very grateful to the staff who had done so much to help me once we got the 504 set up, but I couldnt handle being there physically. Thankfully, the district was able to offer a homeschool option to get me the last bit of credits I needed, and I remember I was told all these things I needed to graduate and it was SO much that I hadnt done yet, and yet the homeschool teacher didnt do most of those and somehow I got my credits? I wonder often what really happened there, but I got that dumb peice of paper and it meant almost nothing because I all my plans of college and training for a career I thought I'd have just got thrown out the window, and none of my peers understood why or how. It was really messed up to have to miss all these experiences I was looking forward to, prom and graduation and senior events and college classes and all these things that symbolized my future and my transition into adulthood and having autonomy and then suddenly it was all taken away, partly because of my health and partly because of my peers creating an unsafe place for me. I have avoided conversing or catching up with anyone I knew from highschool because its always the same questions about college and jobs and what amazing thing are you doing with your life? When all I can answer is that I'm trying to survive, trying to take care of myself the best I can, trying to build a life out of the shattered expectations of what I thought and what society thought it "should" be and try and find what it means for me to live a life I'm proud of and has meaning for me. And it doesnt look the way anyone expects. My priorities were vastly different from anyone else my age all of a sudden, the things I had going on were so different there was no way to have a relatable conversation. And the shame of everything that happened in highschool I felt like everyone must have thought I dropped out cause I dropped off the face of the earth, and even the diploma I DID get I feel like i didnt earn it. And so many people have expected me to somehow make a side hustle out of my hobbies and somehow create this magical career I could have dispite my disability and then get off my benefits, as if thats the only goal I'm allowed to have, the only meaningful thing I could do with my life, as if my disability doesnt matter if its a hobby??? Anyway sorry for the long comments I just really relate to the feeling of not wanting to discuss something with people when you're living and experiencing something so different from the "expecations" of society, and how it gets easier when you're many many years past but its still hard being made to feel "other" when it should be normal that people have different paths to take in life and there should be no shame in that. And that its isolating to have all your peers having a collective experience that you're so apart from, and your experience is hard to explain to others theres no quick explaination that would satisfy or avoid judgement. I'm so happy you're at a place where you can feel so proud of your life and your accomplishments that it helps you feel better about talking about something that is uncomfortable, not because you did anything wrong, but because of other people's judgments. I hope I can get there someday. I'm really proud that I am alive, and have learned so much about my health and my body and my ability to take care of myself and others, but the amount of which I still struggle from both health and poverty is hard and the types of things I have to worry about are really overwhelming, and dont leave room for me to do much else.
This was most favourite episode from you guys. I loved hearing about your journey Crystal bc I was the same. Am the same! But I tried to hard to do what others wanted me to do that I got so burnt out. It’s ok to want what you want, and it’s ok if what you want is a different path to others. Also, I love how Jaz supports and appreciates you 🥹 it’s so precious. Sending lots of love ❤🇦🇺
Great conversation. I bet you’re inspiring many people to follow their hearts. I was such an obedient kid and I wish I had been more of an independent-minded rebel like you guys. The entire world of academia needs a complete overhaul.
I'm so thankful that you're doing a podcast! Imabout to listen to this one while at work and it just makes the day so much better (and go by faster). Huge fan! Lots of love from Southeast Alaska
Love the podcast. Can’t believe the school wouldn’t give you a diploma with .5 of a credit missing! That’s how messed up the education system is. Sounds like you really tried to get the credits, I would have walked about too.
Thank you for sharing. I have always felt that the point of school is to teach the love to learn. I am an HR for a lumber company and have found that the most important thing is the love of learning more than a piece of paper. The best employees are eager to learn regardless of their formal education. Crystal, you obviously have that love of learning from your content business and life experiences. Since you are only 0.5 credits away you should look into if a school will award you the missing half credit due to your life experience. They can award credits based on work experience and technically your adventures and content are your 'work'. Then you can just get the diploma without any extra course work. Your life is documented so really easy to show that you have more than earned it. Just an idea. Thank you again for sharing. - Jeff
Thank you for starting this podcasts 🙂I find it quite interesting & it’s really nice that you both are sharing your life with us in more depth. Crystal, UC Berkeley should give you an honorary degree-I can give you a 100 reasons why you deserve it! 💕
Thank you for sharing! Both of you! I also believe in follow your passion. There’s nothing worse (actually there is….but) than going to a job you do not like. I’m glad it worked and is working out for you too Crystal. BUT!!!!!!! Follow your dreams and do what makes you happy AFTER you get your degree. Head down feet forward and grind to you cross that academic finish line. For all those young ppl out there listening and reading. It’s something to keep tucked away and pull out when you need it if you ever find yourself at a crossroad. Crystals life is amazing seems and it’s working out and that makes me happy. But please don’t take that to make it your goal based on how Crystals life is and turning out. That’s my 2 cents and again thanks for sharing
I think as a parent that is probably our biggest challenge, to allow our kids to follow their own path without nagging them to do what you as a parent think is right for them.
Ladies, A couple of points I’d like to make. I’ve always told my kids nieces and nephews to live a Poppie life “I am what I am and that’s all that I am”. Second, all through high school and my 1st year of college I had a specific career path in mind, the summer/ fall after my second semester in college, I completely changed course and have had a career I have loved for over 40 years. In a nutshell, just be yourself 😊
The most important thing in life is to learn. Fortunately, there are *many* good options for *how* to learn. I failed Grade 9 (Ontario) and never returned to high school - though I was an A student in elementary school (circa 1965). I think once you have your readin', writin' and 'rithmetic, you should then pursue whatever form of learning suits you. The important thing is to learn - and to keep on learning. Any trade, skill or craft or profession you master makes you a more valuable citizen of our world. It is sad to me to see so many young people waste valuable years of their youth stuck in universities racking up debt and learning little or nothing of value or even of significant interest. Kudos to you Crystal for having the courage to follow your heart and change your stars.
Crystal you are so amazing! That took a lot of courage to admit that, but I’m so glad you did. No one would ever guess that you don’t have a diploma you are so smart. Loving the podcast! 💜💜💜💜
As a trans woman, I love this interaction. You ladies make me feel like I am surrounded by a massive safe space. I listen at work to you and you help me through my day!
As a 72 year old man, I can say that I fully understand what you’re saying about your younger years. I too hated school but completed my high school requirements, barely! I attended school when I thought I had to. I knew that I wanted to do in life and was bored with the education system! I feel that no one learns anything about life until they experience real life! Then your true education takes place. I worked 3 jobs through high school, none related to what I wanted to do or be. I wanted experience, not “education “. I never gave a book report in school but in real life I would speak anywhere. I have run for public offices, I have preached and I obtained my dream job as a police officer and Emergency Medical technician! I’m proud of who I am today! In my opinion, high school should be a vocational program and formal education should end at 8th grade! I do agree with your point that our educational system is broken, badly broken! Everyone is taught at the same level when children develop at different levels. Never feel badly about who you are and how you got there! You are self educated and that speaks volumes!
Feel very fortunate I had a dream of living in a cabin in the woods.I worked for what I want to do. I had a great time fixing things, medical equipment, and I retired at 55 a great time and now I have a view of beautiful mountain rainier. Life is a fun exciting time with many adventures 🎉❤
Wish I met you in Brazil Crystal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 💕 I'm from Rio de Janeiro, and like you, I had a hard time adapting to the high school curriculum. I also loved Geography and was successful with sports. Different from you, I didn't have the maturity to face peer pressure with a clear goal for my life. I ended up miraculously in America and currently live in California on a student visa but would do anything to have the maturity to choose what I wanted for my life instead of what others thought was best for me. Now, I need to knock out a huge student loan while trying to experience life as much as possible while somewhat young. Thank you so muchhh for sharing your experience Crystal. You inspired me! I hope to change the outcome of this chapter of my life for the better soon!
Thank you both for your shares. I haven't read this yet, and am not sure if it's been asked/answered, but what 'clicked' between the two of you initially that started your relationship. I'm always interested and curious about couples and their shared traits, beliefs and/or experiences that drew them together and kept them together. I've been married twice, divorced once and widowed the 2nd time, and my reasons for being with both partners were completely different. So was theirs, as it turned out. LOL. BTW, I'm also a Scorpio, so self-reflection and curiosity (about everything and everybody) is normal for me.
This is so funny. That’s what my husband and I talk about- we wouldn’t have liked each other lol. Also, by the way thank you for sharing these stories. I’m enjoying these podcasts.
Lol I’m 63 and we did pool hopping as kids. We did a lot of crazy stuff back in the day. 😂 You guys should be proud of yourselves you’ve accomplished a lot with each other.
Crystal, that was a bit of a wild child in my teenage years and ended up dropping out of high school in a similar situation. It wasn’t until my late 30s but I decided I wanted to earn an advanced degree. Of course, that meant earning my equivalency diploma and earning an undergraduate degree first. Long and short of it is don’t let anybody ever judge you because you have a high school diploma or not. You are an intelligent and incredibly articulate woman. Keep up the good work… Be you. ❤️😛
Morning ladies, been looking forward to this since Sunday Watching you guys acclimate to life around here and absolutely own it, is one of the highlights of my week. Crystal- Watch out for wildlife on the back roads here in NS, especially this time of year. Jaz driving like a "granny" may just save your lives around here. Listening to Jaz's younger days, she'd have fit in perfectly growing up around here in rural NS
Crystal, I can understand how you felt in high school some things come to you and if you have an interest in something it is much easier to learn and fit in, but other things just like putting up a wall, and you just want to walk away. Nothing against higher education, but my Dad always said there are a lot of educated fools. He never went past 8th grade, and he was able to do so many things well.He could do mechanics on cars tractors,farming, welding plumbing masonry and did it well and no extended education. So even what you have accomplished is a real tribute to yourself, and I thing you are doing well as you go along.😊
I love the podcast, what a mid-week pick-me-up! I understand about using both names! I do the same thing and my friends in high school used to tease me about it!
I love the podcast, ive been a subscriber since the early days with yall in your youtube. Im listening this in my own Van. I have never told anyone but I did not graduate as well, i was dealing with a parent who was dieing and taking care of the other with special needs. So when she died and i went back they couldnt accept me back to get my diploma. I dont talk about it at all with anyone as well.
I hated high school too! I only finished because I went to an alternate school. I went to my original high school’s twentieth reunion and one of the emcees said it was the best years of his life. I remember thinking, how very sad. I ended up going to university, I got an anthropology degree, useless for a job, but so interesting. Anyway, I also got another degree in teaching English as a second language because I wanted to travel and be able to work. Btw, I never ask people what they do! It’s who you are not what you do, that’s my mantra.
Thanks so much for responding to me,I feel kind of star struck. Again have you ever thought about what you’ll do with the place after you both pass away ? Ever think of turning it into a school or museum, ? I think you two should be remembered for ever your definitely going to make into the history books. Love you and the pack.
Yup! I'm only 68 and have had... 6 careers I think. But, like you, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. But then, as they say, getting older is compulsory, growing up is not.
It’s so true that there is a lot of stigma around for example not graduating high school or not going to university. It takes a lot of personal integrity to not let the pressure of social norms influence you into doing something that doesn’t feel right to you. I got very good grades in high school and felt like I had to „make use“ of it by doing a university study. Long story short, I did not enjoy it. I’m now learning a trade (furniture making) and absolutely love working with my hands (It’s often times more cognitively challenging than the uni study too!). Oh and my girlfriend also never graduated high school and she is one of the smartest people I know. Circumstances matter a lot, it’s just easier to look for the fault in the person. Anyways, love people who are brave enough to not fit the mould❤
I didn't go back to school until i was in my 30s. I excelled in music, drama and biology (weird I know - I'm Authentically odd for a reason) never been great at math, ran track, cross country and worked picking produce in the summer and in my parent's fish and chip shop for a couple of years. Hated school. I was such an oddball that there was a target on my back .I have always marched to my own drummer but It was important for me to graduate because my parents never got the opportunity to go to college - Dad was in the Merchant Marine at 13 years old. Love your podcast! Looking forward to the next one.
Passion. Opportunities for getting an education in order to make a career out of something we feel passionate about used to be few and far between. It’s getting better. There’s still much work to be done in this area. As a high school psychologist I saw too many young people suffer because they didn’t fit the mold. Be proud of yourself for having the courage of your convictions. Be proud of yourself for excelling in all that you’re doing, and in the commitment you and Jaz have made to live life with intention. The two of you have much to celebrate. You are role models for people who traveled further than the obstacles to have the life they want and need to live.
I had my own apartment at age 15 working two full time jobs, I never even went to high school. Started working in a plastics factory at age 13 from 4:30 till 11pm after school. By age 16 I had a customized van and a 69 mustang coupe all on the road, insured and no licence. I regret none of it. Times were different back then. Today I own a mechanical company. My mother had to sit in class with me through kindergarden every day as I would just leave and walk home. I always hated school and would leave. Age 62 now but times were different way back then. CHEERS!
We did this on our last episode. We did it in a two truths and a lie format. It’s good to get to know you better! Sounds like Jazz & I would have been good friends as teenagers. Hahaha! 💚💚 And, Chrystal, some of the greatest minds of our time never graduated high school. You & I went to the School of Life! Formal education is sometimes just not right for creative people.
Wow! What a great discussion! I didn't suspect either Krystal or Jazmyn of any of their adolescent behaviors! Krystal: what kept you from getting the half credit it would have taken to transform your outlook about high school?
Crystal; your level of education has very little, if anything at all, to what you accomplish in life. I have met people that have a list of letters after their name that are idiots in all types of life and people that barely got out of public school (or middle school for those not from Canada) that are absolutely brilliant. Don't ever sell yourself short because you don't have a piece of paper. I lolve how open both you ladies are being here; awesome work!
Enjoyed listening to your chat while driving on the 401. There’s 1000 moose on Nova Scotia’s mainland (endangered, found only in extremely remote area) and Cape Breton is supposed to have 5000 but they’re transplants from Alberta (1947)
Aw🥺 I completely understand the feeling of being insecure that you never got your degree. I’ve been soo hard on myself and so ashamed because I also never went to college. I could never test well and I would constantly feel stupid because of it so after high school I went straight to waitressing in restaurants and gave into the thought that is all my life will amount up to. I remember seeing my high school class recently all graduate college on social media and feeling like I’m so behind in life but just yesterday I was able to stop bartending because I got my dream job as a paralegal with no college degree just a lot of persistence and hard work! and hey on the plus side I’m not in extreme debt like all my friends 🤷🏼♀️ Just because you don’t get a degree doesn’t mean you’re not able to do what you want to do! I love that you’re opening up about it because this stigma that everybody has to do the exact same thing with their lives otherwise their wrong is ridiculous and needs to end. As corny as it sounds you get one life and you should do what you want with it!
Wow!! So I grew Up in Stroud. 25 yrs before you but… there must be something in the water!! Playing street hockey, tailgating on our boards in the summer, trouble around every corner. Follow your heart for sure!!! ❤❤❤
I love u even more Crystal. I flunked everything in school. Got a job in a production hse and became an asst editor at 18. Worked my ass off and became a film editor at 21. Worked all over the world editing TVC’s, music videos and animated films. Retired after 32yrs. So really, follow your heart. Yes I’m also dyslexic. 😎
“It all comes together one day”. I’m 63! I never got it together. Nothing but a bunch of regrets and unrealized dreams. I think that’s why I love watching people who accomplish so much. Crystal admitting she didn’t get her diploma just made me admire her even more. I love seeing people overcome and thrive. I think another message you all touched on spoke to my issue. I think it’s incredibly important that you believe in yourself. I don’t think I ever have. I don’t admit that as a poor pathetic me thing. I admit it as a cautionary tale. Don’t do what I did. Find your passions, and go for them. Believe in yourself and you’ll be unstoppable. Having others that believe in you is just the icing on the cake. If you don’t believe in yourself, there is no cake to ice.
Well said 👍
I think you've accomplished a lot in a time when things weren't that 'easy'. Today you can google and youtube anything. Also, add a loving partner, like these wonderful women have, and the world's your oyster.
Live your beautiful life without regrets! One incredible day at a time. Thank you. 💛💫
@@smellyolegoat150. I’m 63 also. Have been disabled the larger part of my adult life. Definitely love Jazz & Crystal. Watching them vicariously as they #Badass their way through life is cathartic for me & downright fun. Same with all the immensely passionate, hard-working UA-camrs I subscribe to. Anyway, really loved your comment & totally agree w/your cautionary tale.
Take really good care!
~Marirose NH USA
💛✊🏼🌟
Google people who started things at 60 ❤ it starts with the smallest step - you already started by being open to a new mindset 🌻
I’m 53 and just figuring this out. I’m finally trying work through some of my anxiety issues by taking baby steps. Some days I feel confused and scared but I just keep going focusing on the task at hand, trying to remind myself I’ve got this! If I can work through crippling anxiety I KNOW you’ve got this! Put the regrets behind you and go forward and make the choices to be happy. Damn everyone and everything else (at least for a day or two 🫣[hello old friend anxiety]). But I hope you get what I mean.
Speaking from the “over-degreed” world (and who has taught all levels from elementary to university) the most fundamental lesson of education is (or should be) to learn how to learn and that, dear Crystal, you have mastered!
Your commitment to growth, to being uncomfortable, to choosing to benefit from mistakes, not to mention being intentional about your life - all of these mindsets are the mark of real learning & education.
A Master’s degree is supposed to indicate mastery of a subject area. YOU have already earned that, enough for a Lifetime Achievement Award in Learning, Intentional Living …the list goes on.
You and Jazzy model the art of learning as well as living in each video.
And, we are so encouraged & invigorated by your lives.
Thank you!
😄❤️💯🙌🏼
Peggy, you just put a lump in my throat with your beautiful (and very true) message!!
@@liamclarke64 , Thanks!
Fantastic observations, Peggy.
@@kathyannk , Thanks!
As a 72 year old hippie in Oz, who with family and friends built a mud brick house, milled timber, grew veggies, raised animals I've watched your van wives vlogs.. (Max and Occy got me there) and got so much joy and respect for y'all. Now I feel like I've sat down in your wonderful cabin for a chat... with coffee and memories. Jazz absolutely agree with the 'what do you do' .. I used to answer "Nothing" stopped the conversation dead. Don't ever stop doing what makes you happy. Look after your bodies with all your building. Loving it all ❤
Crystal has probably forgotten more than I ever knew about life, following your dreams and doing what makes you happy. I took the path most followed and am now 62 and have so many things I "wish" I had done or done differently. She has lived her life unapologetically and I admire her so much for that. I admire both of them for just going for their dreams!❤🐾🐾❤️
The strength & courage to do what you did is amazing. Never be ashamed to say you followed your dreams...after all, your dreams led you to right where you are today!❤
Jaz, I'm SO with you in people asking what you do, rather than who you are.
Huge difference! ❤❤❤
Pool hopping!!!! So many sneaking out of the house to pool hop w friends and raise hell memories came flooding back (I’m 60, love those days!) great hearing your stories🌸🌸 I was also an “early bloomer” but Isn’t it great how things seem to work themselves out💛
Crystal, you are so smart! I am glad you understand that formal education has nothing to do with intellect I am so happy you reach that understanding❤
In the recovery program that I attended, I always told people to not be afraid to tell their story. (really tell it) That was because everyone feels fantastic after they do and it just makes people love you more. Crystal, you are a very clever girl. ❤❤
I have to say that listening to today’s podcast gave me some enlightenment towards my 23 yr old son. He graduated HS with a 3.69 grade average, did not miss one day grades 9-12 and was vehemently opposed to going to college. And, I have struggled with that until now…your podcast caused me to see that though he was an excellent scholar, his calling in life will take him in a different direction and that’s ok. Thank you both for sharing your stories but especially Crystal because it helped me to understand my son just a little bit better ❤️
I dont know why schools push college so much not knowing what the child is interested in doing later on in life. In my opinion, schools should introduce students to a variety of careers and help them meet their goal. The need for basics is ok but each child should have a custom schedule to guide him/her to whatever they plan on doing out of high school.
@@thecjlife7682 Money and brain washing
Oh my! I absolutely loved everything about this podcast. Great true stories.
Love previously lead foot Jazz’s confessions (now grandma-like driver).
And Crystal, I was one semester short of earning my Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree where I live in the States.
Quickly realized, I’d been placed in the wrong field placement (they mixed me up w/another student who ended up having a great learning experience but not me). Also discovered there is more than one type of social work-mainly clinical vs community, & I wanted to do community social work but was training in clinical.
I dropped out & have always felt “less than” bc of it. Until today. Thank you, Crystal. I’m 63, have done other passions like apprenticing as an herbalist & much more even while raising two daughters as a single mum (yes, they spell it that way bc they intuitively knew I’d like it & I do).
Am severely debilitated now, have been for quite some time. Am so grateful for your channel & all the other hard-working, passionate UA-camrs I sub to & live vicariously through. All of you have overcome multiple obstacles & are so inspirational. You each are no exception. Love you both along w/Bella & Izzy.
Thank you.
#MadRespect
#Gratitude💛
I really enjoy listening to you both. Laughing along with you and feeling the emotions you share as you relate your stories.
I never finished high either. I think I had a credit left but I, too, walked away. I was painfully shy, had no clear direction and fly-by-night friends. High school felt like such a torturous waste of time to me.
After, I bounced around from job to job, married, had a baby, divorced, remarried, etc. At age 39 I finally found my purpose and attended a school that gave me the knowledge necessary achieve my goals, life’s purpose. This is when I began to believe in myself. This is when I knew my own intelligence; that I could accomplish anything I was passionate about.
Many of us simply cannot fit into the mold that traditional education requires us to. And that needs to be okay.
Anyway, thanks for another great episode, Jazz and Crystal. And for being ever inspiring go-getters, no-quitters and dream seekers.
Love to you both and keep up the great work 💚🧡
Ladies Ladies Ladies, how much you both have grown from your early days at building your life from a tent to van (sweet sets of wheels) and now a beautiful peace of property you can call whatever you want to "home is where the heart is". I love that over the years you both have grown so much and matured to lovely, sweet, knucklehead girls to ladies - keep being true to yourself and keep being true to each other - see you on Sunday and next Wednesday - when you come back to Ontario *ring me* - Love You Pack Mommies" 🤣 - Your Sky Your Limit - Be proud of you and who you are within :🙂
Ahh Patty 💛 this made us smile so much & think about all we’ve all shared xx thank you!
I'm from Brazil and Crystal, I would never imagine that you went there and have this awesome experience. It was really nice listening to your adventures in life. Growing up with a bunch of cousins in a small town we were always looking for wild things to do hahaha I could relate so much to a lot of points today. Right after college at 26 I decided to be an au pair in the US and I went for it, everyone said that I was crazy or I was getting into a scam, but I didn't listen to anyone and I had the experience of my life travel to almost all states, to Canada and meet so many nice people during this time.
Crystal. I am 0.5 credits shy of getting my University degree. I am now 42 years old. I feel you girl. I feel such shame, but at the same time I tried as hard as I can. I just couldn't pass the second Statistics course required. Tried 2 times and when I failed the second time I got kicked out of my program. A four year program down the drain, just like that. I now own my own small business and am happy and successful in the life I live. Looks like you did the same girl. Congrats on your success regardless of your 'credentials'
If you had gotten your degree, would whatever you were going to pursue been more fulfilling or less fulfilling than owning your own business? (If it’s not too personal a question). I think having your own business would be the best. 😊
@@kathyannk Much happier in this path. 100% Being my own boss, making decent money, living the life I choose...its incredibly fulfilling!
Awesome. That’s the answer I was hoping to hear. I’m going to say congratulations on being .5 short. Let go of the shame. Replace it with pride for your accomplishments.
Took stats 3 times, ended up with a professor who took pity on me and let me take the tests home and FedEx them back to him…saved me my MBA degree. We need more educators who are compassionate.
@@kathyannk Thank you so much! 😊
Really enjoyed your open and honest dialogue. Really resonated with me. My wife and I met in our 30's. We never would have got together earlier. She was the wild child and i was the studious one. Both mellowed by our 30's but still retained our true selves so she brought me much fun and i provided the stability and love she wanted. She was my best friend and still is even after she has passed on. BTW I know where Belle Ewart is , close to home :) Have an awesome week.
Crystal, I have often wondered what you majored in in college because you’re a very intelligent woman. No one would ever assume you didn’t graduate high school. You should see some of the morons that deplorable Americans have put into the U.S. congress. You are head and shoulders above them in intelligence. The two of you are completely amazing!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
You are both shining examples to all ages of how to live a good life. Thank you for sharing and example ing how to live a life of learning and commitment.
I love the Bella bark intro DON'T ever change that!!
Great episode! Very Relatable, I too didn't finish high school because quite honestly I was just focusing on surviving those years. I do regret it because I have a lot farther to go than you but I've still managed to do a lot of things without it. I've been a chef, pastry chef, dog/cat groomer, yoga teacher, cannabis grower and I even took real estate at UBC all without a highschool diploma or anything close to it. Love the Jaz wild child stories, I was somewhere in the middle of you guy. Stealing my parents mini van and driving down dirt roads with the music blaring but always within the speed limit lol, never break two laws at once.
Crystal, just goes to show you how high school can fail for many. I think it excels for everyone in the middle but fails for those at either end. I remember the pressure that was put on my kids (they’re about your ages) to graduate, go to university etc (not by is). Like you one of the most intelligent people I know (other than you two) didn’t graduate high school. I’m so glad you had the courage to do it your way. I sure hope that the people who looked down at you in those days appreciate how amazing and successful you two are!
I’m with you Crystal. HATED high school!!
What a special podcast, I also did not finish high school, nor enjoy it much, but today I am proud of the man I am and I am self sufficient. Many people in my life also probably do not know of my unfinished high school, but Crystal has helped me look at it a different way now. 😊 Thank you for the shared moments. ❤
honestly crystal, i’m so proud of you for not finishing high school. i also had such a hard time in school, especially starting in 11th grade, bc i’m neurodivergent but didn’t know it. i wanted to drop out of college literally the first night, but my parents wouldn’t let me. i don’t regret things kind of as a rule, but i think i could’ve healed my traumas a lot quicker if i had dropped out of school.
☝️✍️Get in touch with me, I have something to share with you...
Crystal: Life is so diverse and your experience still makes you a well rounded person. Your perspective has helped touch a lot of people that don’t judge you for what would be considering “lacking”. People who respect you don’t take your education into consideration. You are living life and that is the true value. Intelligence in the real world isn’t based on some arbitrary number or your short comings to sit in a rigid environment!
You have created a great community and your vision for your life is definitely owned by you!!! You are proof that success doesn’t come from an 8-5 and $$$ of student loan debt!!
Thank you for confiding in your community ! I hope you can feel healed and more confident moving forward in your life. I also share some sensitive topics about my education as I don’t fit into the”correct” narrative.
What a wonderful message to follow your heart. You both are amazing and supportive. We all as children and teens I believe did things at the time we thought were wild or crazy or both. I am 68 years old and I discussed with my partner that I spent half of my life worrying about what people thought of me, people pleasing. Now I really do not care what people think of me. I am honest, caring, kind and loving. I believe in myself. In order to love others, we must love ourselves first. Thank you for sharing your lives with us.
I was also very shy/quite in high school. My friends at lunch would count how many words I would say. Also, my husband quit school his senior year with a credit or so short. It is great to hear you guys talk about this stuff.
Omg Crystal, i relate so much with your story as i also didn't finish school. I am from Greece so i don't know how the system in America works, but here you have a limit on how many days you can be absent from school and i would skip school ALL THE TIME, at least once each week. It was so difficult for me because i felt that we litterally didn't learn anything useful!😂 Also it is so true that the first years EVERYONE was telling me to go back because "i will definately regret it", but now no one talks about school. And P.S i also didn't regret it!🤫💜
We always hear about Jazmyns mom, but these stories make me wonder about both of your parents. The things we did when we were young! Yikes! Thank goodness there’s no one asking about me!😆 Y’all are awesome for sharing your past! I applaud y’all! 👏🏻
Crystal. You and i have a very similar story. I was a good student up until 10th grade, then I became stubborn and refused to do class. I got wild that year. Then I took an equivolancy test and left high school two years early. I moved out of my parents house when i was 16. Went to beauty college, became a manicurist and have dine nails for a living for 38 years! Schools just not for everyone!
I LOVE you guys so much! Love these chats. Learning about you ladies on a deeper level is so inspiring. Crystal I completely understand what you were saying. High school sucked eggs! The teachers didn't care if we passed the class or not and the immaturity from the teenagers was just overwhelming. I did graduate with all d's through every class. I think I had a 1.25 grade point average. I was told I would never amount to anything from parents and school officials. My self esteem was at rock bottom and they all keep hurling boulders on top of me, that I had to crawl up to above to get back to the light. I moved out the day I turned 18. My mother had my bags packed and waited for me at the front door. She had to let one last criticism let loose telling me what a disappointment I was. I walked away and never looked back. All in all I made a few learning mistakes that brought me maturity and am proud of who I am now. I got a job at a company (I loved) at the starting level and worked my way up in the company. My proudest part of looking back was when my employees told me what a wonderful boss I was when I retired. I had earned their respect through hard work and not pursuing the degrees that a few of my friends have hanging on their walls. Yes they have the education but didn't have the people skills (that made me successful, because I learned to listen to my people and respond kindly) My moral of the story is we all don't have to fit in the square mold that society tells us the "correct thing to do". I was the round peg that just didn't fit into the square mold. I say hee hee the real joke is on them......who has turned out to really be happy where they ended up. and who's not.
I love all the beautiful support you give each other.
I look forward to your videos every Sunday. Suddenly Wednesdays are now something to be excited for! Love these podcast/videos!
Crystal, you described me to a t when talking about high-school. It took everything I had to get through school. I had zero desire to be there. I think school is important of course, but I also feel getting through school isn't always the best for each individual. Traveling, exploring, and life's experiences are the best teachers imo ! You and Jaz are very intelligent and it's been fun watching as you inspire so many people to be who they are and live life to suite their needs and wants, rather than what's expected of them.
I liked my classes and was in sports in high school. I had friends, but I was very shy. I hated the social part of high school. It was really hard because I don't do BS very well. Speaking of awful people, I was walking down a very crowded hallway between classes, and I felt something on my arm. Someone had wiped their snot on my arm. It seems like nothing, but it made me feel small like I was trash. I feel your pain, Crystal.
Crystal good for you for admitting that. My daughter was bullied so we took her out of 9th grade and tried home schooling but that didn’t work so she took her GED. I don’t know if it’s called that in Canada but it’s the high school equivalent test that you take online to get your high school certificate. My daughter is starting her college journey this summer and got a GED scholarship plus her ACT scholarship. So you’re so brave talking about it. I applaud you & Speedy Jasmine 😂😂😂.
Thank you sharing your stories! We learn as we grow & it’s nice to see that you both are willing to share it! I can certainly relate to both of you!
You two make my heart sing. Love your podcasts.
It was so heartwarming to hear your support for each other; it made me smile so big ❤️
What you said about not wanting to talk about not finishing highschool or talking about college with people when literally everyone around you is getting the full highschool and college experience while you go against the grain, I can definitely relate. I got a diagnosis my 11th year which explained what I was suffering with for years, that was making it hard for me to do well in school because I was in so much pain and exhausted all the time. I was barely getting by, and then was missing school for doctors appointments, and falling behind, and even though we did our best to get the school district involved to help us access aid during school, things didnt work out for me being able to attend. They were so scared of me falling and hurting myself in the school they had me in a wheelchair while on campus my senior year, and the amount of bullying and shame and how difficult everything was getting to and from class and having the weight of senior year expectations on me....I only lasted two weeks and I ended up leaving midday after a presentation I gave where I was mocked by my classmates, and never went back. I was very grateful to the staff who had done so much to help me once we got the 504 set up, but I couldnt handle being there physically. Thankfully, the district was able to offer a homeschool option to get me the last bit of credits I needed, and I remember I was told all these things I needed to graduate and it was SO much that I hadnt done yet, and yet the homeschool teacher didnt do most of those and somehow I got my credits? I wonder often what really happened there, but I got that dumb peice of paper and it meant almost nothing because I all my plans of college and training for a career I thought I'd have just got thrown out the window, and none of my peers understood why or how. It was really messed up to have to miss all these experiences I was looking forward to, prom and graduation and senior events and college classes and all these things that symbolized my future and my transition into adulthood and having autonomy and then suddenly it was all taken away, partly because of my health and partly because of my peers creating an unsafe place for me. I have avoided conversing or catching up with anyone I knew from highschool because its always the same questions about college and jobs and what amazing thing are you doing with your life? When all I can answer is that I'm trying to survive, trying to take care of myself the best I can, trying to build a life out of the shattered expectations of what I thought and what society thought it "should" be and try and find what it means for me to live a life I'm proud of and has meaning for me. And it doesnt look the way anyone expects. My priorities were vastly different from anyone else my age all of a sudden, the things I had going on were so different there was no way to have a relatable conversation. And the shame of everything that happened in highschool I felt like everyone must have thought I dropped out cause I dropped off the face of the earth, and even the diploma I DID get I feel like i didnt earn it. And so many people have expected me to somehow make a side hustle out of my hobbies and somehow create this magical career I could have dispite my disability and then get off my benefits, as if thats the only goal I'm allowed to have, the only meaningful thing I could do with my life, as if my disability doesnt matter if its a hobby??? Anyway sorry for the long comments I just really relate to the feeling of not wanting to discuss something with people when you're living and experiencing something so different from the "expecations" of society, and how it gets easier when you're many many years past but its still hard being made to feel "other" when it should be normal that people have different paths to take in life and there should be no shame in that. And that its isolating to have all your peers having a collective experience that you're so apart from, and your experience is hard to explain to others theres no quick explaination that would satisfy or avoid judgement. I'm so happy you're at a place where you can feel so proud of your life and your accomplishments that it helps you feel better about talking about something that is uncomfortable, not because you did anything wrong, but because of other people's judgments. I hope I can get there someday. I'm really proud that I am alive, and have learned so much about my health and my body and my ability to take care of myself and others, but the amount of which I still struggle from both health and poverty is hard and the types of things I have to worry about are really overwhelming, and dont leave room for me to do much else.
This was most favourite episode from you guys. I loved hearing about your journey Crystal bc I was the same. Am the same! But I tried to hard to do what others wanted me to do that I got so burnt out. It’s ok to want what you want, and it’s ok if what you want is a different path to others. Also, I love how Jaz supports and appreciates you 🥹 it’s so precious. Sending lots of love ❤🇦🇺
Great conversation. I bet you’re inspiring many people to follow their hearts. I was such an obedient kid and I wish I had been more of an independent-minded rebel like you guys.
The entire world of academia needs a complete overhaul.
I'm so thankful that you're doing a podcast! Imabout to listen to this one while at work and it just makes the day so much better (and go by faster). Huge fan! Lots of love from Southeast Alaska
Love the podcast. Can’t believe the school wouldn’t give you a diploma with .5 of a credit missing! That’s how messed up the education system is. Sounds like you really tried to get the credits, I would have walked about too.
Thank you for sharing. I have always felt that the point of school is to teach the love to learn. I am an HR for a lumber company and have found that the most important thing is the love of learning more than a piece of paper. The best employees are eager to learn regardless of their formal education. Crystal, you obviously have that love of learning from your content business and life experiences. Since you are only 0.5 credits away you should look into if a school will award you the missing half credit due to your life experience. They can award credits based on work experience and technically your adventures and content are your 'work'. Then you can just get the diploma without any extra course work. Your life is documented so really easy to show that you have more than earned it. Just an idea. Thank you again for sharing. - Jeff
Love your honesty and demonstrating true happiness. Traditional paths are not always how we should live. You are both LIVING❤❤❤❤❤❤
You guys are making me cry at work right now listening to this 🥹💕
Thank you for starting this podcasts 🙂I find it quite interesting & it’s really nice that you both are sharing your life with us in more depth. Crystal, UC Berkeley should give you an honorary degree-I can give you a 100 reasons why you deserve it! 💕
Thank you for sharing! Both of you! I also believe in follow your passion. There’s nothing worse (actually there is….but) than going to a job you do not like. I’m glad it worked and is working out for you too Crystal. BUT!!!!!!! Follow your dreams and do what makes you happy AFTER you get your degree. Head down feet forward and grind to you cross that academic finish line. For all those young ppl out there listening and reading. It’s something to keep tucked away and pull out when you need it if you ever find yourself at a crossroad. Crystals life is amazing seems and it’s working out and that makes me happy. But please don’t take that to make it your goal based on how Crystals life is and turning out. That’s my 2 cents and again thanks for sharing
I think as a parent that is probably our biggest challenge, to allow our kids to follow their own path without nagging them to do what you as a parent think is right for them.
Ladies,
A couple of points I’d like to make. I’ve always told my kids nieces and nephews to live a Poppie life “I am what I am and that’s all that I am”.
Second, all through high school and my 1st year of college I had a specific career path in mind, the summer/ fall after my second semester in college, I completely changed course and have had a career I have loved for over 40 years.
In a nutshell, just be yourself 😊
Crystal literally describing how I was as a teenager and felt about school and also not getting my high school diploma. 😅
The most important thing in life is to learn. Fortunately, there are *many* good options for *how* to learn. I failed Grade 9 (Ontario) and never returned to high school - though I was an A student in elementary school (circa 1965). I think once you have your readin', writin' and 'rithmetic, you should then pursue whatever form of learning suits you. The important thing is to learn - and to keep on learning. Any trade, skill or craft or profession you master makes you a more valuable citizen of our world. It is sad to me to see so many young people waste valuable years of their youth stuck in universities racking up debt and learning little or nothing of value or even of significant interest. Kudos to you Crystal for having the courage to follow your heart and change your stars.
Crystal you are so amazing! That took a lot of courage to admit that, but I’m so glad you did. No one would ever guess that you don’t have a diploma you are so smart. Loving the podcast! 💜💜💜💜
Intelligence should never be graded on a high school diploma. Good on you, Crystal!
Yes! Life is about letting your heart lead the way
Crystal when you know, you know and you are smart , bright intelligent and doing.... Proud of you
I can't believe i just watched this and I'm glad I did I think this is going to be a hit with you too talking about stuff
Yes Jazz!, Find your passion and DIVE IN!!!
Formula 1 here I come
As a trans woman, I love this interaction. You ladies make me feel like I am surrounded by a massive safe space. I listen at work to you and you help me through my day!
As a 72 year old man, I can say that I fully understand what you’re saying about your younger years. I too hated school but completed my high school requirements, barely! I attended school when I thought I had to. I knew that I wanted to do in life and was bored with the education system! I feel that no one learns anything about life until they experience real life! Then your true education takes place. I worked 3 jobs through high school, none related to what I wanted to do or be. I wanted experience, not “education “. I never gave a book report in school but in real life I would speak anywhere. I have run for public offices, I have preached and I obtained my dream job as a police officer and Emergency Medical technician! I’m proud of who I am today! In my opinion, high school should be a vocational program and formal education should end at 8th grade! I do agree with your point that our educational system is broken, badly broken! Everyone is taught at the same level when children develop at different levels. Never feel badly about who you are and how you got there! You are self educated and that speaks volumes!
Feel very fortunate I had a dream of living in a cabin in the woods.I worked for what I want to do. I had a great time fixing things, medical equipment, and I retired at 55 a great time and now I have a view of beautiful mountain
rainier. Life is a fun exciting time with many adventures 🎉❤
You know what Crystal, I graduated college, but I am super jealous with what you have right now.
I loved wood working class in Middle school . Science to this day will always be my favorite. Graduated in 1989.
Wish I met you in Brazil Crystal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 💕 I'm from Rio de Janeiro, and like you, I had a hard time adapting to the high school curriculum. I also loved Geography and was successful with sports. Different from you, I didn't have the maturity to face peer pressure with a clear goal for my life. I ended up miraculously in America and currently live in California on a student visa but would do anything to have the maturity to choose what I wanted for my life instead of what others thought was best for me. Now, I need to knock out a huge student loan while trying to experience life as much as possible while somewhat young. Thank you so muchhh for sharing your experience Crystal. You inspired me! I hope to change the outcome of this chapter of my life for the better soon!
Yes, follow your heart is a perfect life motto. This is just another delightfully honest podcast/video. Keep making your hearts sing.
Everyone learns differently. And don't feel bad about it. When you are ready you will get that diploma
Thank you both for your shares. I haven't read this yet, and am not sure if it's been asked/answered, but what 'clicked' between the two of you initially that started your relationship. I'm always interested and curious about couples and their shared traits, beliefs and/or experiences that drew them together and kept them together. I've been married twice, divorced once and widowed the 2nd time, and my reasons for being with both partners were completely different. So was theirs, as it turned out. LOL. BTW, I'm also a Scorpio, so self-reflection and curiosity (about everything and everybody) is normal for me.
I love your stories, love the Podcast, so much new, interesting and heartwarming from your live ❤❤
This is so funny. That’s what my husband and I talk about- we wouldn’t have liked each other lol. Also, by the way thank you for sharing these stories. I’m enjoying these podcasts.
Lol I’m 63 and we did pool hopping as kids. We did a lot of crazy stuff back in the day. 😂 You guys should be proud of yourselves you’ve accomplished a lot with each other.
Crystal, that was a bit of a wild child in my teenage years and ended up dropping out of high school in a similar situation. It wasn’t until my late 30s but I decided I wanted to earn an advanced degree. Of course, that meant earning my equivalency diploma and earning an undergraduate degree first. Long and short of it is don’t let anybody ever judge you because you have a high school diploma or not. You are an intelligent and incredibly articulate woman. Keep up the good work… Be you. ❤️😛
Morning ladies, been looking forward to this since Sunday
Watching you guys acclimate to life around here and absolutely own it, is one of the highlights of my week.
Crystal- Watch out for wildlife on the back roads here in NS, especially this time of year. Jaz driving like a "granny" may just save your lives around here.
Listening to Jaz's younger days, she'd have fit in perfectly growing up around here in rural NS
You girls are absolutely amazing, I’m so glad you’ve started this pack. My love to you both ❤❤
Crystal, I can understand how you felt in high school some things come to you and if you have an interest in something it is much easier to learn and fit in, but other things just like putting up a wall, and you just want to walk away. Nothing against higher education, but my Dad always said there are a lot of educated fools. He never went past 8th grade, and he was able to do so many things well.He could do mechanics on cars tractors,farming, welding plumbing masonry and did it well and no extended education. So even what you have accomplished is a real tribute to yourself, and I thing you are doing well as you go along.😊
I love the podcast, what a mid-week pick-me-up! I understand about using both names! I do the same thing and my friends in high school used to tease me about it!
I love the podcast, ive been a subscriber since the early days with yall in your youtube. Im listening this in my own Van. I have never told anyone but I did not graduate as well, i was dealing with a parent who was dieing and taking care of the other with special needs. So when she died and i went back they couldnt accept me back to get my diploma. I dont talk about it at all with anyone as well.
I hated high school too! I only finished because I went to an alternate school. I went to my original high school’s twentieth reunion and one of the emcees said it was the best years of his life. I remember thinking, how very sad. I ended up going to university, I got an anthropology degree, useless for a job, but so interesting. Anyway, I also got another degree in teaching English as a second language because I wanted to travel and be able to work. Btw, I never ask people what they do! It’s who you are not what you do, that’s my mantra.
I feel Chrystal is an old soul!
Thanks so much for responding to me,I feel kind of star struck. Again have you ever thought about what you’ll do with the place after you both pass away ? Ever think of turning it into a school or museum, ? I think you two should be remembered for ever your definitely going to make into the history books. Love you and the pack.
Loved hearing about your teenage years! Very excited about this new podcast ☺
I am envious of both of you, at 74 I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...
Yup! I'm only 68 and have had... 6 careers I think. But, like you, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. But then, as they say, getting older is compulsory, growing up is not.
It’s so true that there is a lot of stigma around for example not graduating high school or not going to university. It takes a lot of personal integrity to not let the pressure of social norms influence you into doing something that doesn’t feel right to you. I got very good grades in high school and felt like I had to „make use“ of it by doing a university study. Long story short, I did not enjoy it. I’m now learning a trade (furniture making) and absolutely love working with my hands (It’s often times more cognitively challenging than the uni study too!).
Oh and my girlfriend also never graduated high school and she is one of the smartest people I know. Circumstances matter a lot, it’s just easier to look for the fault in the person.
Anyways, love people who are brave enough to not fit the mould❤
I didn't go back to school until i was in my 30s. I excelled in music, drama and biology (weird I know - I'm Authentically odd for a reason) never been great at math, ran track, cross country and worked picking produce in the summer and in my parent's fish and chip shop for a couple of years. Hated school. I was such an oddball that there was a target on my back .I have always marched to my own drummer but It was important for me to graduate because my parents never got the opportunity to go to college - Dad was in the Merchant Marine at 13 years old. Love your podcast! Looking forward to the next one.
Passion. Opportunities for getting an education in order to make a career out of something we feel passionate about used to be few and far between. It’s getting better. There’s still much work to be done in this area. As a high school psychologist I saw too many young people suffer because they didn’t fit the mold. Be proud of yourself for having the courage of your convictions. Be proud of yourself for excelling in all that you’re doing, and in the commitment you and Jaz have made to live life with intention. The two of you have much to celebrate. You are role models for people who traveled further than the obstacles to have the life they want and need to live.
Can you reveal some early childhood photos? These stories are great.
So excited for the video! Just got back from a couple weeks of car camping so just cleaning up while listening. Wishing you the best!
I had my own apartment at age 15 working two full time jobs, I never even went to high school. Started working in a plastics factory at age 13 from 4:30 till 11pm after school. By age 16 I had a customized van and a 69 mustang coupe all on the road, insured and no licence. I regret none of it. Times were different back then. Today I own a mechanical company. My mother had to sit in class with me through kindergarden every day as I would just leave and walk home. I always hated school and would leave. Age 62 now but times were different way back then. CHEERS!
Great lighting compliments to the film crew👍👍👍
Yay, it's Wednesday and we've got a Pack Chat! Wear the glasses, Jazmyn! And humpday is good. HOLY Jasmine, 143?!!!!??? That is beyond crazy.
Happy hump day! Thanks Colleen 💛
We did this on our last episode. We did it in a two truths and a lie format. It’s good to get to know you better! Sounds like Jazz & I would have been good friends as teenagers. Hahaha! 💚💚 And, Chrystal, some of the greatest minds of our time never graduated high school. You & I went to the School of Life! Formal education is sometimes just not right for creative people.
Wow! What a great discussion! I didn't suspect either Krystal or Jazmyn of any of their adolescent behaviors!
Krystal: what kept you from getting the half credit it would have taken to transform your outlook about high school?
Crystal; your level of education has very little, if anything at all, to what you accomplish in life. I have met people that have a list of letters after their name that are idiots in all types of life and people that barely got out of public school (or middle school for those not from Canada) that are absolutely brilliant. Don't ever sell yourself short because you don't have a piece of paper. I lolve how open both you ladies are being here; awesome work!
Enjoyed listening to your chat while driving on the 401. There’s 1000 moose on Nova Scotia’s mainland (endangered, found only in extremely remote area) and Cape Breton is supposed to have 5000 but they’re transplants from Alberta (1947)
Lol at the running naked & hanging on the fence. Lol
Thank you for sharing! Especially crystal story. You guys have great morals and strong sense of self x
There is an old movie called the Swimmer . It is about a man swimming in all the neighbors yards.
All night A&W's. Who knew? Not like that in Kansas City.
Aw🥺 I completely understand the feeling of being insecure that you never got your degree. I’ve been soo hard on myself and so ashamed because I also never went to college. I could never test well and I would constantly feel stupid because of it so after high school I went straight to waitressing in restaurants and gave into the thought that is all my life will amount up to.
I remember seeing my high school class recently all graduate college on social media and feeling like I’m so behind in life but just yesterday I was able to stop bartending because I got my dream job as a paralegal with no college degree just a lot of persistence and hard work! and hey on the plus side I’m not in extreme debt like all my friends 🤷🏼♀️
Just because you don’t get a degree doesn’t mean you’re not able to do what you want to do! I love that you’re opening up about it because this stigma that everybody has to do the exact same thing with their lives otherwise their wrong is ridiculous and needs to end. As corny as it sounds you get one life and you should do what you want with it!
Wow!! So I grew
Up in Stroud. 25 yrs before you but… there must be something in the water!!
Playing street hockey, tailgating on our boards in the summer, trouble around every corner.
Follow your heart for sure!!! ❤❤❤