Hardworking, overachiever, professional, helpful, kind, intelligent – these are words regularly used to describe Alyssa Benson, a student who graduates this spring from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University.
As an outstanding graduate of the department, Benson graduates with a 3.9 GPA and will continue at CSU with her recent acceptance into the highly competitive Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Program.
For the past three years, Benson has become an integral part of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, not only through her degree, but also through pursuing teaching, research, and staff experience in the department, as well as relevant experience outside of the department. Benson is exemplary and getting a bachelor’s degree is an accomplishment she doesn’t take lightly.
Supporting herself through college
Poverty and health issues are a few things Benson remembers her family struggling with during her childhood. As a family, they had to overcome difficulties many never face.
“While I wouldn’t change my upbringing for the world and am so appreciative of everyone who has been a part of my life so far, it did make coming to college and getting to graduation a challenge,” said Benson.
Benson grew up in Grand Junction, a town on the Colorado Western Slope. Having a strong connection to her family, she knew she wanted to stay in Colorado while earning her bachelor’s degree. Thus, she landed on CSU, which her older sister was also attending and having a very positive experience.
Benson was raised by a single mother who, with the help of Benson’s grandparents, did everything they could for the family. However, when it came to going to college, Benson and her siblings were financially on their own. Benson needed to completely support herself through part-time jobs and loans.
“It can be difficult to be a full-time student and struggle with finances,” said Benson. “But money isn’t everything, and I couldn’t have done it without the emotional support and love from each of my family members and all of those around me.”
Finding her passion
Benson’s human development and family studies story really started her first year at CSU after taking an introductory course in the department from Jen Aberle, professor of Human Development and Family Studies, who Benson remembers as “inspiring” along with every professor she met thereafter.
“A lot of the content we cover in this major can be difficult to learn about and can even be a bit re-traumatizing at times,” said Benson, “However, every professor I have had has done an amazing job handling each conversation with care and showing genuine interest in their students’ lives.”
One specific influence in Benson’s undergraduate career was Ashley Harvey, associate professor of Human Development and Family Studies.
“The classes she taught changed my perspective on life in many ways,” said Benson. “She also inspired my career goals and is just an amazing teacher and person overall.”
Benson quickly found community through several areas, starting with literally being the face of the department for the last three years. When people visit the main office, Benson is there, ready to help. As a student employee, she works closely with faculty and staff on various department needs.
“Alyssa has been an amazing student,” said Ashley Harvey. “I’ve been thrilled to work with her as a teaching assistant for multiple classes—she is incredibly professional, conscientious, and reliable. She has made my professional life more enjoyable in numerous ways, and we’re so lucky she will become a graduate student in our department.”
Outside of work, Benson found time to give back and grow her knowledge including volunteering with the Victim Assistance Team hotline for the CSU Women and Gender Advocacy Center, working as a teaching assistant for HDFS courses, working as a research assistant for the Adolescent Wellness Lab, and interning with The Matthews House, which is a local non-profit serving families in need all over Larimer County.
Helping those who need it most
After graduation, Benson won’t be going far. Beginning this fall, Benson will be starting her master’s degree in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program in the department.
“I couldn’t be more excited,” said Benson. “I am looking forward to continuing to work with the HDFS faculty and staff and for all that I am going to learn from them over the next two years.”
After graduating with her master’s degree, Benson plans to obtain her license in Marriage and Family Therapy and either work for a non-profit or open a practice of her own where she can serve those who need it most.
These next few years will have a lot in store for Benson, but without a doubt, her hard work and perseverance will fuel her success.
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
