Michael Murphy

He/Him/His/Él

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

I was not only a first-generation student, but also a student coming from experiencing of homelessness. Having the opportunity to study what I am passionate about and engage with the incredible faculty in Anthropology has been life-changing. I'm on a trajectory to continue my studies in a graduate program at an elite university, where I can work more closely with partners in the field.

No solo era un estudiante de primera generación, sino también un estudiante que no tenía hogar permanente. Tener la oportunidad de estudiar lo que me apasiona e involucrarme con la increíble facultad del departamento de Antropología me ha cambiado la vida. Estoy en una trayectoria para continuar mis estudios en un programa de posgrado en una universidad de alta distinción, donde puedo trabajar más de cerca con personas especializadas en este campo.

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

As my focus has been on Migration Studies and Crisis Studies within anthropology, I have been able to work with several refugee communities in my time at UCSD, as well as re-establishing the No Lost Generation - UCSD organization dedicated to refugee awareness and activism. It has been an honor to work alongside students and migrant communities.

Como mi enfoque se ha centrado en los estudios de migración y de crisis dentro de la antropología, he podido trabajar con varias comunidades de refugiados durante mi tiempo en UCSD, así como restablecer la organización No Lost Generation - UCSD dedicado al activismo de los refugiados. Ha sido un honor trabajar junto a los estudiantes y las comunidades de inmigrantes.

• What advice do you have for current and future first-generation students?

Find your support and don't be afraid to branch out. I had incredible support from faculty members, peers, and my loved ones, and I would not have found that if I wasn't curious and serious about forming those connections. This is a research institute, but it is filled with people who will engage with you across the academic/personal boundary. Find those people and reach out to them.

Uno tiene que encontrar apoyo y no tener miedo de expandirse. Tuve un apoyo increíble de miembros de la facultad, compañeros y mis seres queridos, y no lo habría encontrado si no hubiera tenido curiosidad y no hubiera tomado en serio formar esas conexiones. Este es un instituto de investigación pero está lleno de personas que se relacionarán con usted más allá de los límites académicos / personales. Encuentra a esas personas y comunícate con ellas.

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

To my partner Stefanie, I am eternally grateful to you for starting me on this path and supporting me every step of the way. I have learned from your lessons and I have experienced many of them with you. You are a role model to so many, and I am fortunate to be counted among them.

To the Friedrich family, I would not be here if you hadn't given me a chance. You literally changed my life, and I will always love you for that.

To my partners in the field, although you may never read this, you are the reason I am here.

Para mi compañera Stefanie, estoy eternamente agradecido por iniciarme en este camino y apoyarme en cada paso. He aprendido de tus lecciones y he experimentado muchas de ellas contigo. Eres un ejemplo para muchos y tengo la suerte de ser uno de ellos.

Para la familia Friedrich, no estaría aquí si no me hubieran dado una oportunidad. Literalmente cambiaron mi vida, y siempre los amaré por eso.

Para mis socios en el campo, aunque es posible que nunca lean esto, ustedes son la razón por la que estoy aquí.

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

To Dr. Yeh, thank you for mentoring me from the very beginning of my time at UCSD. You have consistently pushed me beyond my comfort zone and broadened my horizons immeasurably.

Dr. Non, your guidance over the last year has been invaluable. I cannot express my gratitude enough for your patience, flexibility, and kindness.

To Drs. Fortier, Berman, Brenner, Fox, Bialecki, Saab, El-Cheddadi, and Akjeje, you have all played critical roles in my growth as a student, anthropologist, and human being. I am indebted to you all.

Para el Dr. Yeh, gracias por guiarme desde el principio de mi carrera en UCSD. Constantemente me ha empujado más allá de mi zona de comodidad y ha ampliado mis horizontes de manera inconmensurable.

Dr. Non, su orientación durante el año pasado ha sido inestimable. No puedo expresar mi gratitud lo suficiente por su paciencia, flexibilidad y amabilidad.

Para Drs. Fortier, Berman, Brenner, Fox, Bialecki, Saab, El-Cheddadi y Akjeje, todos ustedes han jugado un papel críticos en mi crecimiento como estudiante, antropólogo y ser humano. Estoy en deuda con todos ustedes.

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

Next Autumn, I will begin the MSC course in Migration Studies at Oxford, where I hope to continue my research and partnership with various refugee and migrant communities. In the long-term, I hope to use my research and position to act as a cultural bridge as well as exploring cultural concepts of identity, migration, borders, and perspectives.

El próximo otoño, comenzará el curso de maestría en Estudios de Migración en Oxford, donde espero continuar mi investigación y asociación con varias comunidades de refugiados y migrantes. A largo plazo, espero utilizar mi investigación y mi puesto para actuar como un puente cultural, así como explorar conceptos culturales de identidad, migración, fronteras y perspectivas.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Partnership & Outreach Director of No Lost Generation - UCSD

• Member of Anthropology Club

• Member of Green New Deal - UCSD

• Member of ISSA

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Academic Enrichment Programs - TRELS