In this blog post, we're diving deep into the fascinating story of Dr. Jasminka Criley, a woman who embodies resilience, determination, and a passion for making a difference. From her childhood in Yugoslavia to becoming a successful physician and entrepreneur in the United States, Dr. Criley's journey is filled with valuable lessons and inspiring moments.
Early Life and Medical Aspirations
Dr. Criley grew up in Yugoslavia (now Croatia) with a strong desire to help others and a deep appreciation for education instilled by her parents.
Despite limited resources, she was determined to pursue medicine and excelled in her studies, ultimately gaining admission to medical school – a highly competitive field.
A Leap of Faith: Moving to America
Dr. Criley always felt drawn to America, viewing it as a symbol of a better life and opportunities for growth.
Shortly before the war broke out in Yugoslavia, she visited the US and ultimately decided to stay, facing the challenges of building a new life in a foreign country.
Her strong academic background and research experience led her to a prestigious cancer research lab at Johns Hopkins University.
Embracing New Challenges: Entrepreneurship and Education
Despite excelling in research, Dr. Criley felt a pull towards clinical practice and completed her medical residency at Vanderbilt University.
After moving to California, she and her husband began exploring ways to contribute to the education system, starting with volunteering in their children's school.
This led to the creation of Indelible Learning, an organization focused on providing engaging and effective educational programs, particularly for gifted students.
The Birth of Election Lab Online
Recognizing a need for better understanding of the electoral college, Dr. Criley and her husband developed engaging lessons and games to teach this complex concept.
Their efforts evolved into Election Lab Online, a digital game that provides an authentic and immersive experience for students to learn about the electoral process.
The Power of Authentic Learning
Dr. Criley emphasizes the importance of authentic learning, where students engage with real-world problems and data, leading to deeper understanding and retention.
Election Lab Online exemplifies this approach by allowing students to step into the roles of candidates and strategists, making decisions and experiencing the complexities of the electoral system firsthand.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Criley's Journey
Determination and resilience: Dr. Criley's unwavering commitment to her goals, even in the face of significant challenges, is truly inspiring.
The importance of education: Throughout her life, Dr. Criley has demonstrated a deep passion for education and a belief in its power to transform lives.
Giving back to the community: From volunteering in schools to developing innovative educational programs, Dr. Criley exemplifies the spirit of service and making a positive impact.
Embracing challenges: Dr. Criley hasn't shied away from taking on new challenges, whether it's moving to a new country, starting a business, or tackling complex educational issues.
The value of authentic learning: Her work with Indelible Learning highlights the effectiveness of authentic, hands-on experiences in education.
Dr. Jasminka Criley's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. Her journey from Yugoslavia to the US, from medicine to education, is filled with valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone seeking to make a difference in the world.
Want to hear more about Dr. Criley's incredible journey?
Tune in to the "How I Broke That" podcast to listen to her full interview and gain further insights into her experiences and the valuable work she's doing with Indelible Learning and Election Lab Online.