Disabled Irish American scholar fundraising for dream degree in London

Anastasia Somoza fundraising so she can hire an aide for the duration of her studies

It was Anastasia’s work at the annual Clinton Global Initiative that would inspire her to travel to London for a master’s, after striking up a friendship with Cherie Blair, the wife of the former prime minister of Britain Tony Blair.

An active campaigner on equality and human rights issues, Cherie asked Anastasia if she had ever considered studying abroad in London for her masters.

“She got accepted with a full scholarship,” said a proud Mary.

Anastasia was hopeful that, akin to her undergrad, her aide could travel with her to London for the duration of her studies.

“We worked closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on securing a waiver that would enable my aide to accompany me to London,” Anastasia said. But it was not to be.
“We got a call at 9 o’clock two nights before we left for London from the Department of Health in Washington, denying the waiver,” recalls Mary.

Not discouraged, the mother and daughter traveled to London in early September, determined to explore other solutions once they arrived. After two weeks passed, the situation was bleak, and they were faced with the long journey back across the Atlantic and a deferral for Anastasia.

But on the eve of their departure, a close family friend came forward with funding for a stipend (rather than a salary) for a volunteer who agreed to travel from New York and work with Anastasia until the end of her first semester in December 2011.

But again, it was not to be. Just a few weeks after enrolling in her two year course, the 27-year-old ran into difficulty with her aide. Cramped living arrangements and trouble with accessibility meant her daily needs were not being met, so in the end Anastasia was forced to return home and defer her studies until 2012.

“We had to fly over to England to rescue her,” recalls Mary.

“It was really sad to have to come back and to make that decision after so many miracles,” Anastasia recalled.

Once back in the U.S., the graduate decided to re-evaluate her choice to study abroad.

“I did have a moment when I questioned whether all the obstacles were worth it,” Anastasia admits.

“I re-examined whether there would be a program in the United States so I didn’t have to return to London, but I always came back to the original reason why. In terms of the academic program it was the best one for me.

---------------

Read more:

More news from the Irish American community on IrishCentral

Violent winds to lash Ireland as hurricane conditions approach

Top ten Christmas jokes guaranteed to make the cat laugh

---------------

“It’s the one and only thing that I am focused on right now. The goal in getting this degree is to position myself as more marketable.  My long term goal is to start up a non-profit of my own.”

​
Nster.com