Jul 20, 2009
Local Students Honored with Scholarships
Beth Norviel
Many families struggle to cope with the financial impact of MS. To assist people affected by MS, and their children, who are pursuing a post-secondary education, the National MS Society provides scholarships to accredited educational programs. Awards are based on financial need, academic record and a personal essay. We believe strongly that MS should not stand in the way of an education. To be eligible, high school (or GED) graduates must be attending an accredited post secondary school for the first time (first semester).
The Gateway Area Chapter is pleased to have five scholarship recipients for our 90-county service area.
Brittany Ershen is from St. Clair, Mo. Brittany’s mother Rhonda lives with MS. Her mother also has a history of heart problems. Brittany provides support to her mother by running daily errands, such as grocery shopping and giving her mom daily injection shots. She plans to attend L’E’cole Culinaire or Saint Louis University in the fall to study culinary arts and become a pastry chef or head chef. In high school she was very active in track and the drama club. Brittany shared that the effect of her mom’s MS has made her a stronger person and that she can only hope she can be as strong as her one day.
Shelbie Mills is from St. Charles, Mo. Shelbie’s mother, Marcie, lives with MS and was diagnosed before Shelbie was born. Her mother is a single parent and relies on Shelbie for support to take care of her, take care of household duties, and give her injections. Shelbie works to keep stress away from her mom. She also had to make a decision to stop dancing to support her mom. Shelbie plans to attend the University of Missouri – Columbia or Missouri State University. Shelbie shared that MS has taught her valuable lessons. She has learned to be independent, self- motivated, and responsible. She also shared that she has learned that not everything in life comes easy – sometimes you have to help others to achieve your goals and sometimes things don’t go as planned.
Superia Nelson is from St. Louis City. Her mother Cynthia lives with MS and experiences both cognitive and physical problems due to MS. Cynthia has received support through the Chapter’s financial assistance program. In supporting her mother, especially while she was in physical rehab and staying at the hospital, she assisted by providing care for her younger brother, by preparing meals, getting him to and from school, and helping him with homework. Superia plans to attend SIU-E or Harris Stowe State University and study performing arts. In high school she was active in volleyball and singing through her church. Through living with her mom, she has learned that if you stay strong and positive through the situations that you encounter, you will have a better life. You also said that she has learned that if you love someone, you will do what it takes to see him or her happy and that love endures.
Melissa Robbins is from Dardenne Prairie, Mo. Her mother, Pamela, lives with MS. Melissa plans to attend St. Charles Community College and then transfer to University of Missouri-Columbia to study journalism. While in high school, she worked on the school newspaper and was in the St. Charles Community College Orchestra, all while working 20 hours a week. Her family has faced many financial challenges since her mother’s diagnosis due to the cost of her mother’s health care and also due to her father’s epilepsy. When her father lost his job in 2007, they had to make a choice to keep their home or make Cobra payments. Melissa shared, “Our life changes influenced by MS have taught us to never give up or sweat the small stuff. You have to handle it and make the most of whatever comes along.”
Chelsea Stevens is from St. Charles, Mo. Her mother, Marcene, lives with MS. Chelsea is an active volunteer in the community and also works 20 hours a week while in school. Chelsea plans to attend the University of Missouri – Columbia with her ultimate goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. Chelsea shares that her mom’s MS has taught her to value the simple things in life. Her mom has shown her to be thankful for everything you have, even things you don’t think about. “I now value everything and see the bright side of life,” said Chelsea.
Sarah Berman is from St. Louis. Sarah’s father Richard lives with MS. Sarah plans to attend Truman State University or Illinois Wesleyan University to study Vocal Music Education with the goal of becoming a high school choir director. Sarah provides great support to her family with the help of her mom by assisting in running the house and taking care of her dad and her brother. Many every day outings are shaped by her father’s needs – ensuring wherever they go as a family is accessible. She shared that one of the most amazing things about their situation is that her family, especially her dad, keep their sense of humor.
Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients. Check the Chapter’s website in October for information on how to apply for the 2010 scholarship program.