We recently sat down with Abigail, a Murphy Scholar at Trinity High School from Cicero, to talk about her experiences as a Murphy Scholar, her leadership at school, and her dreams for the future. From running cross country to leading her school’s Hispanic Student Union, Abigail is making the most of every opportunity DMSF has opened for her.
Q: Let’s start with the basics — who is Abigail? Where are you from and where do you go to school?
Abigail: I’m from Cicero and have lived there all my life with my family. I have two older brothers and a younger sister. I go to Trinity High School in River Forest. My brother and sister are also Murphy Scholars, so we’re kind of a Murphy family!
Q: What’s Trinity like for you? Any favorite classes or experiences so far?
Abigail: Trinity is an all-girls school, which was a bit of a shock at first since I’d always gone to co-ed schools. But honestly, it’s helped me grow a lot and feel more comfortable connecting with other girls my age.
One of my favorite classes was Intro to Law because I hope to become a lawyer or litigator one day. I’ve also loved my history and physics classes, history because I got a 98 on my final exam, and physics because it really challenged me to think critically.
Q: You mentioned law — are there any clubs or activities that connect to that interest?
Abigail: Yes! I’m an officer for the Hispanic Student Union (HSU), which has been really meaningful for me. I joined to reconnect with my culture and help other girls who might feel the same way, like they’re drifting from their roots. We plan events like bake sales and assemblies, and last year we even hosted a piñata and Lotería night. I’m also part of Blazers Against Cancer, where we raise money and awareness through events like bake sales. And I’m hoping to be more active in our Mock Trial Club this year too. My coach will just have to understand that law prep is part of my future!
Q: You’re also an athlete, right?
Abigail: Yes! I run cross country in the fall and track and field in the spring. It keeps me active, and I’ve made so many friends through it. Running is tough, but it’s really rewarding.
Q: What DMSF programs have you been part of?
Abigail: I’m part of the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation Scholars Program, which focuses on leadership. We do a lot of activities that teach us how to be strong, confident leaders and how to serve our communities.
I was the communications coordinator for my group’s project, where we created care packages with water bottles, hand sanitizer, and granola bars for people experiencing homelessness in Chicago.
I’m also part of the Murphy Caddie Program, and I’m applying for the Evans Scholarship this year, which is both exciting and nerve-wracking!
Q: What has caddying taught you?
Abigail: Caddying has been one of the coolest and strangest experiences of my life. I’ve never been away from home as long as I am during caddie season, so that was hard at first. But it helped me grow in confidence and communication.
This summer was especially great because the golfers I worked with were so supportive. Some even offered to write me letters of recommendation! It showed me that my confidence really comes from within.
Q: You mentioned confidence — how has DMSF helped build that for you?
Abigail: It started at Summer Bridge before high school. I was super shy back then, and everyone else seemed quiet too. But by the end of the program, I found the courage to perform a little contortion routine in the talent show, something I never would’ve done before!
That experience taught me that everyone there is trying to grow. Since then, I’ve learned that it’s okay to not be okay all the time and the important thing is to be brave enough to try hard things.
Q: How would you describe community now that you’re an upperclassman?
Abigail: At Trinity, community means being supported and supporting others, giving people the benefit of the doubt and knowing that my friends and teachers are always there for me.
At DMSF, community means connection. Even if I don’t see my Murphy friends often, when we reunite it feels like a celebration. I’ve also built such strong bonds with other caddies — we wake up early, work hard, and support each other. They’re like my sisters.
Q: What inspired your interest in law, and what type of law do you want to pursue?
Abigail: I’m torn between civil and immigration law, but I’m leaning toward immigration because I want to help people and make a difference in their lives.
Trinity prepared me for this path, especially through Intro to Law and a field trip to a Chicago courtroom. DMSF also inspired me when I attended an event where several Murphy Alums who are lawyers talked about their work and impact. That really solidified it for me.
Q: The theme of this campaign is “More than a Scholarship.” What does that mean to you?
Abigail: DMSF is so much more than a scholarship. It’s opened doors for me, like applying for the Evans Scholarship, and it’s done the same for my brother, who also went to Marquette as an Evans Scholar. It’s even helping my sister now.
Beyond financial support, DMSF has taught me leadership, confidence, and empathy. They’ve given me so many opportunities to grow and prove myself, and I’m so grateful for that.
Q: If you had to describe DMSF in three words, what would they be?
Abigail:
Life-changing: It’s opened doors for my family and me and helped me grow as a leader.
Empowering: DMSF gave me confidence and helped me find my voice.
Supportive: From staff to Scholars, everyone truly wants you to succeed.
Abigail’s story is a reminder of what makes being a Murphy Scholar so special — it’s not just about financial aid, but about confidence, community, and limitless potential.
