The Next Step: A Chat With ACP Alumnus Nolan Murphy

One major part of ACP’s long-standing reputation is their seamless, methodical planning in preparing students for college during their four years of high school; I mean, it’s kind of in the name…I had the pleasure to speak to one of our most eccentric alumni, Nolan “Rainbow Fish” Murphy! Entering his sophomore year at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus, Nolan’s experiences in and out of campus are sure to give you some insight on what lies ahead.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: ASU offers a wide variety of course options that I can take alongside my major. If I ever wanted to delve into other areas of study, I would have plenty of options if I decided to switch my major. Plus, because ASU has multiple campuses, I can get a rather small college experience while having access to the resources of a large university.

Q: What’s your favorite part about ASU and/or college as a whole?

A: College offers a great combination of interacting with new people and expanding one’s horizons. Even so, there’s just enough time for myself when I need it. The freedom to choose what I do with my day is so much more liberating in comparison to my life in high school.

Q: Is there anything you wish you knew before you enrolled into college?

A: I wish I had known I’d be under quarantine for half of my college years. I would’ve highly considered online college options, which ASU and other universities offer. These classes are a lot like the ones you can take on Chandler Online Academy, for anyone who’s wondering, where you go at your own pace. I’m happy with my choice to be on-campus these past two years. However, I definitely recommend exploring all of your options when it comes to the college experience.

Q: What’s your major? Are you happy with it?

A: As of right now, I am a Software Engineering major; it’s just a fancy way of saying that I learn to program instead of taking all the required engineering courses like other people in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. It’s definitely a harder major with more of the STEM classes that weren’t available at ACP, but the classes have a compelling component to them every step of the way. I’ve thought of switching my major a few times, but as of right now, I believe I’m going down the right path for pursuing my passion (isn’t he just a Knight through and through…).

Q: What’s one thing ACP did and didn’t prepare you for?

A: I totally feel like this question is setting me up, Alex…ACP definitely prepared me for what it’ll be like to have a lot of work due on a given night. In college, because of my engineering major, I’ve pulled quite a few all-nighters to get all of my assignments done before their deadline. However, I don’t think ACP could have ever prepared me for some of the people I’ve met. While I’ve made some good friends, I’ve also met people who act in a shockingly disrespectful manner. Even the worst at ACP still held themselves to a standard that isn’t necessarily going to be adhered to by everyone in college.

Q: Alright Mr. Murphy, super important question for you. What made-up word would you incorporate into the English dictionary?

A: Easy. Noctbreakfast. It’s a meal consumed between 11:30 PM-3:00 AM for the intended purpose of getting you through the night and even the morning.

Once again, thank you so much to Nolan Murphy for giving us these incredible details on college life; remember Knights, strive for the impossible and be extraordinary!