Ramapo Magazine

Anabella Moharita

When Anabella arrived at Ramapo two years ago from her native Venezuela, she not only had to adjust to college, make friends, and worry about midterms--she had to learn how to speak English. "It was difficult for me to get good grades. I had to work 'so hard. When I received the Anisfield Scholarship, it was like a prize for me."

The junior from Hawthorne is majoring in biochemistry with a minor in biology and has her sights set on medical school. The scholarship allows Anabella time to pursue activities related to her major--volunteering in a local hospital, tutoring students in chemistry and algebra, and joining the pre-med club on campus. "Receiving the scholarship showed me I can work hard and reach all my goals in life."

Robert Modafferi

With twelve brothers and sisters at home, money for a higher education for Robert, the fifth oldest, just didn"t fit into the Modafferi household budget. "We all have to pay for ourselves to go to college," explains Robert, who was determined not to let his learning disability deter him from achieving a degree in education. Through the Office of Specialized Services, Robert applied for the Cara Mychelle Hirschman Memorial Scholarship, an endowed scholarship for learning disabled students, and was honored to receive it. Through this opportunity, Robert found a new calling as well. "In the summer of "99 I started to work in the Berrie Center art galleries. I love the work; now I want to be involved in the fine arts and gallery work." Robert also serves as the vice president of the Various Visual Artists (VVA) on campus and is eager to tell others in his circumstance: "If you have a disability you can still make it. I did!"

Elsie Byers

"If I hadn"t received the CIT Group Scholarship, I wouldn"t be in school right now." For Elsie Byers, who carries nineteen credits, holds a part-time job, and has an internship lined up, hard work is an everyday component of life. "Receiving the scholarship keeps me focused on what I have to achieve. I can concentrate on my studies. I am determined to keep a high average and graduate in four years," says the Ramapo sophomore who graduated third in her class from Newark"s Arts High School. Elsie is majoring in literature and plans to become a teacher. "Receiving this scholarship proved to me that I am as smart as everyone has always told me I am." CIT Scholars are honored as high-achieving minority students.