Christine Murphy is a graduate student in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University. Murphy previously earned her bachelor’s degree in art education at Colorado State University. She is navigating prioritizing a family and furthering her education and career.
What does it mean to be a first-generation student?
Being a first-generation student, I feel a sense of pride being able to stand here in this place. My parents both came from farming families and didn’t have the opportunity to pursue secondary education. So, for me it was all about figuring out a new system, one that I didn’t have someone to lead me through. That led me on to being able to do greater things. I think in terms of a sense of autonomy, I can make decisions and move forward, and do big things, it is possible. I know that my parents are both proud of me as well. Going on to get my master’s, that’s also something they didn’t dream about doing, so it’s such an honor to be here in this space at CSU.
What would you tell other first-generation students? What advice would you share?
The first thing I would tell them is I’m so proud of you. I’m so proud of you for stepping out into something that’s uncomfortable and new. I would say it’s worth it to dip your feet in the waters, explore and enjoy it. Take some classes you don’t think you’ll enjoy because you didn’t know it was there. And ask a whole lot of questions.
I was like ‘Ok, I’m just going to do this. It’s what I want, and figure everything out as I go.’ It was like stepping into the deep end. Not knowing what resources exist, because it was a new world, I didn’t even know what questions to ask. Trying to figure out what, why, and how. Once I got to campus, I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness, what do I do now?’ Everything is brand new, and it’s almost like double learning – I’m learning the culture of college, while at the same time, learning the things in my classes.
What comes to mind when you hear the words “first-generation student?”
I definitely look like a non-traditional student here at CSU, I have five children and I’m older. Quite frankly, I love it. I did my undergrad here at CSU, and I’m a proud CSU alum. I got to see it in its younger years, before there were motorized scooters and motorized skateboards, and there’s some newer buildings on campus and different uses for buildings on campus. What I do see that is the same is the spirit that is here. The excitement, the sense of figuring out who you are. It’s all right here.
Coming back, I know exactly who I am and what I want to do. It is hard balancing work and kids and school, but it’s also something where I’m ready to dive in. It’s seeing that goal in sight and knowing that I want to go after it. It’s also something that I love for my kids to see me doing. While they’re in school they get to see their mom is putting in this effort and that they can do the same, they can reach for things. I come from a very different undergrad degree as well. I’m coming from art education, and I’ve changed into the science field with food science and human nutrition. That has been a fun thing as well because I get to use a different part of my brain. I get to see that I don’t have to stay just in one box or in one direction, but I can change, and I can grow, those are things that I want my kids to be able to see. That they too can change and grow, and if they decide to do something else, great! Go after it with all you’ve got.
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
