Christina Lindsey’s journey started long before she arrived at the University of Michigan.
The School of Nursing senior and first-generation college student from Detroit said she was adopted at birth, and that her biological mother struggled with substance abuse at the time.
Her adoptive mother died when Lindsey was 4 years old, leaving her in her older sister’s care. Lindsey’s father died after she graduated high school.
“I definitely think (my experience) makes me grateful for the people in my life and how my life turned out because I know being born with drugs in my system or just being born from a parent with substance abuse issues — it could’ve been completely different,” Lindsey said.
Although she was always interested in the medical field, Lindsey said a high school program that allowed her to shadow doctors and nurses at a Detroit hospital solidified her passion for nursing.
“When I saw what the nurses were doing and how they affected the patients, that’s what really made me realize this is exactly what I want to do,” she said.
Lindsey said she likes helping people and making their day better, and noted how nurses get one-on-one interactions with patients and follow them through the hospital experience.
“You get to build relationships,” she said.
At U-M, Lindsey joined the Blavin Scholars Program, which offers resources like mentors and coaches to students who have experienced foster care or who have a compromised support system.
Lindsey said studying in Thailand was the highlight of her time at U-M.
After graduation, Lindsey plans to work in a hospital in Michigan before eventually moving out of state. She said her goal is to work in a labor and delivery department.
Regarding the advice she would give other first-generation college students, Lindsey recalled how she had several moments of self-doubt during her freshman year. She noted the importance for students to use all their resources and have supportive networks.
“Never give up, have faith and know that you can do it.”
