General Business and Government Student Life Education

West College of Education grad honored father by earning degree

Reanna Gonzalez
26 May 2026
4 min read

There are many things on the minds of graduating students — finishing requirements, booking reservations, and purchasing a cap and gown. For Cristin Martin, however, graduation represents something more: honoring her father.

When Martin first enrolled at Midwestern State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in women’s studies, her father was her biggest supporter. A Navy veteran, he had used his government benefits to earn an associate degree in nursing and spent 25 years as a registered nurse. Martin said he was proud to help provide her with the opportunity to attend college.

When she completed her undergraduate degree, he sat in the crowd cheering her on. After graduation, Martin took a job at Best Buy that led to a position in human resources — work she enjoyed for its people-centered nature. Before long, she returned to MSU Texas to pursue a master’s in Human Resource Development through the West College of Education.

Martin felt like she was “finding her path” and was excited about the future.

That changed when her father became seriously ill and entered hospice care. Martin’s world was turned upside down, and she had to be there for her dad. She stepped away from her job and notified her professors that she needed time to focus on her family.

“How many times do we hear about students who have to miss class for a funeral or a loss?” Martin said. “It’s not something we talk about. Grief is kinda like so taboo because it’s such a heavy feeling, and we don’t like to talk about or address heavy things.”

Her father passed away in June 2025, leaving Martin distraught. She said she spent a lot of time reflecting and second-guessing herself. During that time, the MSU Texas faculty and staff helped her stay grounded.

She said Dr. Stephanie-Zamora Robles, in particular, assured her by pointing out that school wasn’t a priority over her father and that they would figure things out so Martin could obtain her goal of graduating in Spring 2026. She knew her father would still want her to graduate and pursue her goals.

“I heard in a hospice grief group, someone said, the best way I’m going to honor my parent who passed is to take care of their child,” Martin said.

In the midst of grieving, Martin found new purpose. A position for a Veterans Affairs Specialist at MSU

Cristin Martin in front of the Ferguson Building at MSU Texas

Crstin Martin in front of the Bolin Fountain at MSU Texas

Cristin Martin on her graduation day at MSU Texas — Cristin Martin completed a mission inspired by her father by graduating from MSU Texas in Spring 2026. (Photos by Dylan Gandy/MSU Texas)

became available, and she saw a way to stay connected to her father’s legacy. She said that her father had been very private about his time in the Navy, but that military service was a prominent part of her upbringing since most of her family, including grandparents, uncles, siblings, and cousins, also either served or are serving.

Through those experiences, Martin said she has seen both the benefits and the challenges of military life, from opportunity and travel to isolation and PTSD. That perspective drew her to the role, another position that allows her to help others.

“I really kind of capitalized on this job being open to work and grieve at the same time, which has definitely allowed me to do because I get to talk about my dad all the time,” Martin said.

Serving in the position has helped her begin to heal while also deepening her appreciation for service members. She has taken part in events such as the Veteran and Military Graduation Celebration, where she helps recognize the sacrifices of others like her father.

“I modeled that same dedication in schooling – in education,” Martin said. “If they were that dedicated to their service and doing something greater, I can do that through education.”

Martin returned to classes and graduated from MSU Texas on May 15, 2026, just as she had hoped. It’s a milestone she views as a tribute to her father. She noted that having a good support system through friends, family, and coworkers is what allowed her to push through the hard days to get to this point.

Moving forward, Martin plans to stay in the area.

“Wichita Falls is home,” she said, noting her roots in Electra and her years at MSU Texas. “I call myself painfully local.”

Nonetheless, Martin values the flexibility her degree provides if she chooses to move or travel in the future.

As she enters this next chapter, Martin intends to continue honoring her father by sharing his story and staying connected to those who knew him – including friends and hospice nurses. Many of them attended her graduation.

Martin also hopes that her dad’s story, as well as her own experience with grief, can encourage others who are enduring hardships. She suggests that any students going through a similar situation take care of themselves first, communicate with instructors, and take time off, but still return to finish what they started.