Cristel is one of four children from a single-parent home due to her father's incarceration. Their mother is doing a commendable job, but she gave birth to the fourth child shortly after the father went to jail. She works part-time, and a family member takes care of the baby while she is at work. Cristel is exceptionally intelligent, reading at a third-grade level, and she is significantly ahead of her peers in social and emotional learning. She consistently excels as a student and sets a wonderful example of how to be a successful learner each day. Cristel loves art, music, dolls, and playing dress-up with her sisters. Despite the challenging circumstances the family faces, Cristel never complains.