Even though former Medford resident Jennifer Murphy’s six-week run on NBC’s "The Apprentice" ended with a resounding "You’re fired," her family and friends in the Rogue Valley couldn’t be more proud of her.

Bridget Oman, Murphy’s aunt, said that despite Thursday’s outcome, Jennifer has a bright future ahead of her — possibly in New York City.

"Jennifer fell in love with New York," said Oman, of Eagle Point. "I don’t know for sure, but I think she’s headed there."

Murphy, last year’s Miss Oregon USA, was one of four people axed on the popular reality show Thursday after their team’s project failed to increase sales at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store.

"Wow. I was surprised he fired all four of them," Oman said. "I was really bummed they failed that task so badly."

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Murphy told her aunt that there were things going on behind the scenes that contributed to her poor showing the last two weeks.

"I felt strongly that the whole girls’ team had trouble getting along," Oman said.

Though Murphy, 26, remains tight-lipped about the show, she did tell her aunt about her team’s unwillingness to work together in tough spots. Two weeks ago, when Murphy was the project manager assigned to create a float for the film "Zathura," she mispronounced the film’s name during a presentation for the director. At no time during the presentation did her teammates correct her. Instead, they basically left her out to dry.

The problems began in the van on the way to the presentation when, according to Oman, Murphy wanted to go over it one last time and the rest of the team rolled their eyes and refused to participate.

But the flub did give rise to a new nickname for Murphy.

"We gave her the name ‘Jenthura’," Oman said.

The show, which Oman has watched since its first season, became an hourlong stress test for her and her family this year.

"It was definitely a nail-biter every week for us," Oman said. "I hated to see her go through a rough week."

Murphy described to her family how strange it was for every waking — and sleeping — moment to be caught on camera. She told Oman that they were filmed while sleeping and while looking in the mirror in the bathroom.

Oman said she will continue watching the show until the very end. She is rooting for "Randall" to win it all. Though she is hoping for a possible encore for her niece.

"You never know, Donald Trump has been known to bring people back on," she said.

Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4459, or e-mail cconrad@mailtribune.com.