The Greatest Hero for Our Time: Super Crystal!

Sophie Indiana Fischer ‘23

Ms. Hopkins is a superhero. Since she began working at Golda Och Academy five years ago, she has been a force of nature and not even a global pandemic can stop her. 
Before the pandemic, Ms. Hopkins’s main job focused on being a support system for both students and faculty. Her job as a connector has been increasingly more important since coming back to school in person because if there was any information to be known, she was most likely to know it. 

The superwoman herself said, “COVID has just required more constant support and in many cases at a moment’s notice.” 
While she was online, Ms. Hopkins said that creating a “hub,” as she likes to call it, similar to the one in the front office, at home was one of the biggest challenges. She no longer had files that she could access at the drop of a hat, two printers or two monitors. It was as if Batman was fighting crime without his Batmobile or Wonderwoman without her Lasso of Truth! 
Sophomore Grace Saperstein, a member of Student Council, praised Ms. Hopkins for her hard work and shared a fun memory.
 “When I needed to print Student Council posters and could not find any place to print them I went to Crystal who saved the day and generously printed them for me,” Saperstein said. 
Ms. Hopkins’ superpower has been making connections with students and faculty, and she hopes that once COVID-19 is over, she will be able to get back to her favorite part of working at GOA, Lunch Duty!
“While sometimes it was a hassle and pizza day was always lively, it was my opportunity to get to know the students. I try my hardest to know who everyone is and lunch often allowed me the opportunity to learn names and faces, talk and get to know the students and provide support or assistance where I can,” Superhero Hopkins said. 
Just like most superheroes, Ms. Hopkins needs a break from fighting crime all day long. When she finally takes off her cape and mask after a long day of helping the people of GOA, Ms. Hopkins usually spends time with her sons and her mother. She also enjoys cooking, watching television and movies, listening to music, and touring as a backup singer for Beyonce.
“She is amazing! She keeps the whole school running,” junior Hadas Goldberg said. “She always has what you need whether that be a fork, to know where your class is or just someone to make you smile. GOA would not be GOA without her.” 
Like all superheroes, Ms. Hopkins has favorite parts about saving GOA one connection at a time. She loves to watch how students mature from short, shy teens to taller than her in a short amount of time. The superwoman also enjoys getting to know her colleagues both professionally and personally. 
“I take pride in the very special relationship I have with GOA students,” Ms. Hopkins said. “I look forward to continuing to be a part of the GOA students’ growth.” 
There is no doubt that Ms. Hopkins is GOA’s own superhero, and without her, GOA would not be the same.
Sophomore Sam Zaslow-Braverman said, “Crystal is a smart, friendly and helpful member of the GOA family. She’s honestly a superhero. I don’t know how anyone can be that cool!”