Cynthia Anderson
Understatement of the year: Cynthia Anderson is determined, and she won’t give up.
She’s had cancer, a brain injury, two strokes, diabetes, cataracts and is confined to a wheelchair. In spite of all this, she’s a Richland College honor student, Phi Theta Kappa member, poet, mentor and inspiration to others.
“Cynthia struggles but she has not let these monumental health issues affect her learning or positive attitude,” says nominator Carol Faulkner. “Cynthia is one of the most memorable and admirable students that I have encountered.”
A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Cynthia lost everything in New Orleans. She moved to Dallas and even though she had been out of school for 30 years, she decided to attend Richland as part of the Total Re-Integration (TRI) Program, which is especially designed for people with brain injuries.
“She never complains about her circumstances, even on the darkest days when her physical condition prevents her from coming to school,” says another nominator, Martha Timberlake. “Instead, she focuses her energy on getting stronger and getting back to campus where she can catch up on her work.”
According to her instructors, Cynthia urges other students to do their best and encourages them to work hard in their classes. If someone arrives without a pencil, she lends one, along with this gentle admonition: “If I can be prepared with all my challenges to participate in class, so can you!”
Nominator Terri Nelson says Cynthia has an insatiable desire to learn and grow and that “she is not satisfied with meeting the minimum requirements to pass a class, but works to make the best grade possible in all of her courses.”
In addition to trying to realize her lifelong goal of getting a college degree, Cynthia also offers encouragement to others who are struggling with difficulties. Through her church, she helps adults and children. She also has written articles for the Richland Chronicle sharing the challenges students with disabilities face on campus and to advocate for changes that will improve their chances of success.
“She models the importance of accepting personal responsibility for one’s success, even in the face of overwhelming hardships,” Ms. Timberlake says. “As a result, Cynthia is an inspiration to all who know her.”