2021 Anselmo Family Award
Hello!
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the Ralph and Theresa Anselmo Resilience Award over the last three years. The response has been overwhelming.
In three years’ time, we have been able to provide nine awards to students registered with the Northeastern University Disability Resource Center (DRC), totaling more than $9,400.
I have heard from award recipients and they are tremendously grateful for your support. These awards have made a difference and have given them added peace of mind during a hectic school year. As a college student many (many) years ago, I remember what having a few extra dollars in my pocket did for my anxiety level. It made a huge difference.
I am happy to announce that the award is coming back for Year 4!
This year my goal is to fund four $1,000 awards for students registered with the Northeastern DRC. Even though there is a light at the end of the tunnel now with COVID, circumstances for students are still challenging. Post-pandemic life will still have its uncertainties and difficulties.
In speaking with Northeastern administrators, they have said that this has been an incredibly stressful year for students and faculty. Even in a typical year, students must navigate classes, job hunt for a co-op position, while living in the middle of a major city. It is exhilarating, but overwhelming at the same time!
Any amount of support would be greatly appreciated, even if it’s just sharing the GoFundMe link. I know times are still difficult economically for many. No amount is too small!
For those new to the award, here is an overview of why I started it:
The Ralph and Theresa Anselmo Resilience Award is an award that I have created at Northeastern University (my alma mater) in honor of my parents, Ralph and Terry.
The goal of this annual award is to provide monetary assistance to a student (or students) registered with Northeastern's Disability Resource Center (DRC). Although I did not utilize the DRC when I was a student at Northeastern (my disease symptoms had not yet manifested), it is a resource I would have used had the timing been different. I have met several students registered with the DRC over the years, and they are some of the kindest, most driven students I have ever met.
As someone living with a progressive disability, I have benefitted from the support of others who have enabled me to achieve my goals and dreams, which included going back to school full-time to get my MBA. Many people have helped me along this journey, none more so than my parents.
My mom and dad have been instrumental in empowering me to succeed, even as my physical condition has deteriorated. They provide me assistance and support without ever asking for anything in return. My resilience today in facing my disease would not be possible without their help.
