Monthly Kit Exclusive Interview: Meet Crystal Wicker

Crystal Wicker is a meteorologist and she owns an awesome weather website for children.

The weatherwizkids.com is flooded with weather info that caters to children and their concerns and questions. Crystal shares her knowledge,tips,and inspiration about weather and kids.

Keyundra: Your website is simply amazing and full of weather resources. What inspired you to create a weather website for children and parents?
Crystal: I was living in New Orleans and doing about four classroom talks every week. I couldn’t answer every kids’ question, so I decided to design a website for kids to teach them more about weather.

Keyundra: When did you know you wanted to become a meteorologist?
Crystal: Ever since I was a child, I have always been fascinated with the weather. I remember going
outside with my father and watching thunderstorms pass by. During one thunderstorm in particular, a tornado ripped through my hometown of Kendallville, Indiana and just missed my grandparent’s house.
It was one of the scariest moments of my life and is one of the reasons I am a meteorologist today.

Keyundra: Being a meteorologist is best known as the person who gives the weather forecast on television. Are there other roles where you could still be a meteorologist in the field?
Crystal: Definitely! You can work for the National Weather Service and compile weather forecasts for them. Also, you could do scientific research or work for an energy company. There are a lot of different jobs that involve meteorology.

Keyundra: What advice would you give parents who has a child that loves weather?
Crystal: I always tell parents to call their local TV station and see if they allow station tours. This allows a child to go to the TV station and see what it’s really like behind the scenes.
They can also talk to the meteorologist and learn more about weather during this time.

Keyundra: Extreme weather can intrigue a child but it can also be very scary. Do you have any advice on keeping kids calm and helping them prepare?
Crystal: Knowledge is power! The more you understand how storms work, the less you’re going to be scared of them. We all have fears, so understanding your fear will help you overcome it. Grab some books and read more about your fear.

Keyundra: Many children dream of becoming a meteorologist and warning their communities of extreme weather dangers. What are some ways they can help as a child?
Crystal: Volunteer! Volunteering is very empowering and it’s a great way to make a difference in another person’s life as well as your own.

Keyundra: What is one empowering thing you would tell a child who wants to become a meteorologist?
Crystal: Follow your dreams! If you want to become a meteorologist, then do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Hard work always pays off!

What was your favorite tip?