For some people, education is in their blood. This is undoubtedly the case for Christa Battle, who comes from a family of educators. Raised in an environment that valued education deeply, Christa embarked on her academic journey at Lorain County Community College before earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cleveland State University in 2012, followed by a master’s in education with a concentration in school counseling from Kent State University in 2019.
Driven by a deep-rooted desire to support adolescents, Christa found her calling in education, drawn to the intention of guiding students on their educational journeys. Her experiences as the sole person of color in honors and AP courses fueled her desire to become an advocate for students who might otherwise be overlooked. “It makes a difference as a student when you see someone from your culture who won’t look at you under a microscope. As an educator, I want to provide that sense of relief to my students,” she says. This commitment led her to her current role as an advisor at her alma mater, Elyria High School, where she strives to create a supportive environment for students of color, echoing the mentorship she sought during her own educational journey.
Christa’s story is deeply intertwined with the legacy of her late Aunt Kat, a woman whose impact continues to resonate profoundly in her life. Kat, like Christa, was an educator whose passion for making a difference in the lives of young people left a lasting mark on those she encountered. Kat’s words, “If you really want to make a difference in a young person’s life, you go in that classroom so they can see you every day,” echo in Christa’s mind, inspiring her to embody the mentorship and support she received. Christa credits her aunt as her primary source of inspiration for pursuing a career in education, recognizing her as the driving force behind her decision to advocate for underrepresented students and create a nurturing environment where all students feel seen and valued.
Although Christa has achieved notable academic milestones, including earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she does not highlight these as her proudest achievements. Instead, she recalls a touching moment from her last day as an after-school program educator at Horizon Education Centers, where she taught adolescents about family dynamics. On that day, she brought treats to share with the class. In a heartwarming display of appreciation, her students not only set the table themselves but also gathered around it to enjoy the treat. This touching moment reflected the impact Christa had made on their lives, demonstrating the values she instilled in them about teamwork, respect and gratitude.
At College Now, Christa finds fulfillment in the transformative impact she has on her students’ lives, connecting them with resources and opportunities that guide them toward success. Led by the timeless wisdom to “be yourself,” she navigates her journey with authenticity as her guiding principle. “Being yourself will lead you to wherever you want it to,” she says.
Christa’s commitment to service does not stop at College Now. While she serves on the board of the YWCA-Elyria, she also volunteers as a scorekeeper with a bowling league dedicated to individuals with developmental disabilities, allowing her to contribute to a cause close to her heart, as her sister is developmentally disabled. Additionally, Christa’s close-knit relationship with her family is enriched further by their shared commitment to community service, exemplified by their joint project of assembling homemade birthday cake kits and distributing them to local food pantries.
Christa’s dedication to education and service is present in every endeavor. Whether through her transformative work at College Now or her heartwarming acts of kindness with her family, she embodies the essence of compassion and authenticity. As she continues to navigate life’s journey, guided by the wisdom of her late Aunt Kat and the educational values instilled by her family, Christa remains a symbol of hope and resilience, paving the path toward a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
