Teen Whose Parents Worked in Fields as Kids Is on Track to Earn 2 Degrees: ‘They Did Not Have the Opportunity’ (Exclusive)
Teen Whose Parents Worked in Fields as Kids Is on Track to Earn 2 Degrees: ‘They Did Not Have the Opportunity’ (Exclusive)
Toria Sheffield, Nicholas RiceSun, May 31, 2026 at 3:30 PM UTC
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Krystal Salmeron receiving a $20,000 scholarship check from the KFC Foundation
Credit: KFC Foundation
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Washington teen Krystal Salmeron is set to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree before majoring in in accounting at Gonzaga University
Salmeron said her academic success was inspired by her parents, who worked in agricultural fields from a young age and were unable to pursue higher education themselves
The KFC employee also received a $20,000 scholarship from the KFC Foundation, which she said made it possible for her to attend her dream university and pursue her future goals
A Washington teen whose parents worked in fields as children is now on track to earn two degrees.
Krystal Salmeron, 18, of Moses Lake is a dual-enrolled student at Moses Lake High School, meaning she is also earning credits for an associate’s degree in addition to her high school diploma.
After graduation, she plans to attend Gonzaga University with a major in accounting, according to the Columbia Basin Herald.
Krystal Salmeron receiving a $20,000 scholarship check from the KFC Foundation
Credit: KFC Foundation
However, Salmeron — a first-generation college student — says her achievements are built on the hard work and sacrifice of her parents.
“My dad — the oldest of six — moved to the United States in 1990 at 8 years old, undocumented, having to work in the fields picking at a young age to help his parents provide for their family,” Salmeron tells PEOPLE exclusively.
The high school senior added that her mother and her mother’s brother, who were first-generation Mexican-Americans, helped their parents in agricultural fields as soon as they were big enough to help, because “the cost of them being home with a sitter outweighed the cost of having them help to provide.”
“Both my parents were only able to achieve their high school diplomas without being able to pursue a higher education to help support their families,” Salmeron adds.
She went on to say that growing up knowing about her parents’ struggles and sacrifices made her even more motivated to achieve academically, because she knew “they did not have the opportunity to do so.”
Salmeron, who works at KFC, also credits the KFC Foundation — which financially supports, empowers and serves KFC restaurant employees and their local communities — with helping her achieve her dreams for the future.
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The KFC Foundation recently awarded Salmeron with $20,000 to put toward her education goals.
Krystal Salmeron's scholarship check
Credit: KFC Foundation
“The KFC Foundation has given me the chance to go to the university of my dreams. Without this scholarship, my attendance wouldn't have been possible,” she tells PEOPLE.
The teen also says that working at the restaurant chain has helped her develop vital life skills outside the classroom.
“At the beginning of my employment at KFC, I was uncomfortable with talking to others, reserved and had a lack of confidence,” she explains.
“KFC taught me to communicate with others, customer service, leadership, being open and having a lot more confidence in myself and my capabilities,” she adds. “I’m confident that these skills will help me build a successful future for myself.”
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Salmeron hopes her story helps inspire others to pursue their dreams — and to keep their eyes out for support in potentially unexpected places.
“I would like to encourage readers to look for resources out there that can help with their educational expenses,” she says.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
