10 Most Beautiful: Crystal Conway
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Age: 24
Occupation: Director of Special Projects for Children’s Miracle Network
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington. She has lived in Springfield for two years. Family: Bailey the beagle
What are your goals?
Right now my goals are just to work as hard as I can to be successful because there is a lot of people who depend on what we do at Children’s Miracle Network. But, long-term I would like to have a family, eventually get married, have kids and have a family. I hope that I have good luck and good fortune, but whatever comes I’m ready for it.
How do you deal with pressure?
In my job, there’s a lot of pressure. There are so many families depending on our events being successful. I try not to dwell on the fact that there’s pressure there and focus more on getting things done. And I like to run. Sometimes it gets my mind off of everything. Taking the dog out, getting some me time. Time to rejuvenate.
What motivates you?
As far as work goes, the kids. I’ve met so many kids with obstacles: cancer, cerebral palsy. It keeps me trying and working really hard. And my family, it helps with motivation, helps keep me going as well.
If you could start a new career, what would you do?
I don’t know if I would necessarily start a new career. Really I’ve gotten so much out of what I do. I know that I’m in the right field. If I were really talented I’d do something like snowboarding.
Who are your real-life heroes?
Obviously, the kids here. All of them. I couldn’t just name one or two. Every single one of them holds a special place with me. And then my sister because she has always set a special example for me, and she’s probably one of the most sincere and dedicated people I know.
What’s your biggest fear?
I’m not afraid of spiders or snakes or anything like that. I would have to say failure. I think every one wants to succeed, but it’s always something in the back of your mind. Am I doing enough, or am I doing well at this?
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year?
Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie. My grandfather died of Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I never thought about how tough it’d be for my grandmother to take care of him, and that book opened my eyes. I have a lot of respect for my grandmother now. A lot.
What’s your favorite quote?
“This world, after all our science and sciences, is still a miracle wonderful, inscrutable, magical and more, to whosoever will think of it”.—Thomas Carlyle.
When are you happiest?
I’m a pretty happy person. I would like to think. But I really enjoy being outside with nature. My dad used to take me fishing when I was little. I love going fishing, hiking, and I love being around people.
Do you have a prized possession?
My dog. If anybody knows me, they know my dog. I’ve also got some jewelry left to me from my grandparents. That’s been important to still have a piece of them with me.
What part of the world would you like to visit, but haven’t?
Austria. My great grandfather is full Austrian. I would love to go out there and see my full roots and where I’m from.
If you could share a taxi from the airport with any celebrity, who would you choose?
I like that guy from The Office, the cute one. I like him, I guess. He’s funny and cute. Someone like that, or Owen Wilson who seems like he has some personality.
When you look in a mirror, what do you see?
Well, it’s me. It’s the same thing I’ve seen for the past 20 years. It’s only a part of who you are when you look in a mirror. It’s me, but that doesn’t define me.
If you could eliminate a trait of your own, what would it be?
I’m the worst person to ask where to go to dinner or lunch because I cannot make up my mind or make a decision. I’m sure there’s more than that, but I’d also say I probably doubt myself more than I should at times.
If you could go back to a certain age again, what would it be?
Probably eight because everything’s still so new and you don’t have worries, and you get to play outside all day. You can get dirty and play in the mud.
Give me three words that describe your self.
Friendly, tall, genuine.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I would think my relationship with my family. Because I went to college all over the country and my sister is in California. And my parents live in Washington. We still have a bond with each other. And graduating college. I’m getting my masters, and I’m proud of that as well.
What talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be a fabulous singer because I like to sing really loud in my car and I’m sure my friends would appreciate it if I had that trait and my dog.
What do you know for sure?
I know that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing right now. I know I’m in the right field and working with the right people. And I know that gas prices are kicking my butt. I know that if you really take time to appreciate and look at what you have instead of focusing on the negative and superficial aspects of life, it makes it a lot easier to be happy with yourself and what’s going on.
When was he last time you did something reckless?
I don’t do any reckless things. I guess it depends on your definition of reckless. I’m pretty boring in that respect.
What is your philosophy in life?
To live and make the most of it. Smile and just be happy.
If you had $1 million, how would you spend it?
I can’t even fathom having 1 million dollars, so I don’t even know. I’m not real sure. I know I would invest a part of it because my dad would probably make me. I would put a chunk of it away to be on the safe side. And I would definitely travel.
What sort of work do you try to avoid or put off?
Mowing the lawn, especially now that the grass is growing so fast. I have to do it twice a week. Yeah, I procrastinate at that.
What do you worry about most?
I worry a lot with work about the funds not being here and not being able to raise the money we need. And we worry a lot about the kids because a lot of them have uncertain futures. And the well being of my family and friends.
Can you describe a situation in which you feel you behaved courageously?
I’d have to say when I was in Costa Rica, and I got mugged and got my tooth knocked out. I think I had to be pretty courageous then to get through it and walk around with a crazy tooth.
What mistakes in your life have you learned from?
Oh gosh, lots. I don’t think I want to get too into detail with it but everything you do you can take a lesson from it. I’m not perfect, but I’m not afraid to look at something and admit when I was wrong and know that I need to take something away from it.
What was your first job?
I used to baby-sit when I was in middle school. I was a teacher’s assistant in college for probably my first making money type. But I did a lot of different internships and jobs through college.
