User:Qrystal

Who am I?
My name is Crystal, but my online identity has been Qrystal for awhile (and I pronounce both of them the same way).

I studied Computer Science when I started university in 1997, and then switched to Physics in 2000, all the while taking a lovely smattering of Math courses. I was into the theoretical side of physics rather than experimental; my PhD dissertation from 2015 was entitled "An Interpretation of Relativistic Spin Entanglement using Geometric Algebra".

In that time, I found that extending the existing body of knowledge is not something that comes easily to me, despite how intriguing the idea was. I also didn't feel like I dealt well with the heartbreaking frustration of taking wrong turns and having to discard work. For this reason, I decided not to continue in academia, mostly because it doesn't seem to fit my strengths, but also because I don't feel like competing with others to get the few jobs that are available out there when I don't even want to be there.

My life goal is to inspire people to keep stretching their understanding of everything they can. One of my ideas is to help demystify physics concepts by writing books for children, presented with simple elegance that doesn't dumb things down, but rather raises all readers to the vantage point where they can see the beauty I see. My other major writing project is too incredible to share much about it publically, at least for now.

Before I even begin to research publishing options, though, I have an app I need to create. I have so many revolutionary ideas for this app, I can't bring myself to take the time to even audition any productivity apps anymore, because I know none of them have what I want. Instead, I'm going to take my Computer Science degree and throw it as hard as I can at my organizational problems, thereby turning my greatest weakness into my salvation.

I put a lot of other information about myself in my userboxes, and I have verified that they're fine as of November 1, 2021. I really like how they enable people to briefly describe themselves, their interests, their beliefs, which can help a curious searcher understand the background of a person who is making edits. I haven't checked to see if there is yet any kind of unified system of finding appropriate userboxes, instead of the mess I remember it being... but perhaps I will, someday.

Why am I here?
I became a Wikipedian on September 26 2006 because I wanted to edit articles whenever I see something that needs correcting. I have gotten so much out of Wikipedia that I really want to start contributing wherever I can. I always have spoken highly about Wikipedia to everyone I know, usually by expressing my awe for something new I've learned or about how incredible it is that this many people working together is actually so effective, and their work so valuable! How could I not join the cause, and give some of my time to making it even better?

Here are a few particular reasons I think that I can be useful here:
 * understanding of grammar
 * ability to organize information in a clear and coherent way
 * appreciation for adhering to accepted formatting styles
 * great respect for the Wiki system, and community contributions
 * knowledge of a variety of subjects not many people study
 * enjoyment of writing for a general audience
 * humility in the face of being corrected on something
 * immense love of learning!