Anthony Lisi, a first‑generation college graduate from Millstone Township, New Jersey, was recently awarded a prestigious medical scholarship from the Columbus Citizens Foundation. The foundation, best known for sponsoring New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade, recognized Lisi for his academic achievements and dedication to the medical field.
Family legacy fuels ambition
Lisi traced his roots to great‑grandparents who immigrated from Sicily in the early 1900s. “My grandfather always said, ‘We stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us,'” Lisi said, noting how that sentiment guided his pursuit of higher education. He described how his ancestors took on many jobs, learned a new language, and passed down a strong work ethic that continues to shape his values.
First‑generation milestone
Being the first in his family to attend college, Lisi said the scholarship holds special meaning. “As a first‑generation college student, my family didn’t have the opportunity to attend college because of financial reasons, so to get over that hump means an incredible amount to me,” he explained.
Academic path and future goals
Lisi earned his undergraduate degree at Drexel University, where the Columbus Citizens Foundation also funded a study‑abroad experience in Italy. While there, he shadowed physicians and deepened his commitment to medicine. Now enrolled in his first year at Jefferson University’s medical school in Philadelphia, Lisi is exploring specialty options and is leaning toward surgery, particularly robotic surgery. “Robotic surgery has a lot of innovation, a lot of potential to improve patient outcomes, and that’s what interests me the most,” he said.
Celebrating heritage at the parade
Lisi plans to attend the upcoming Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue, describing the event as a personal celebration of his Italian‑American heritage. “It’s just a beautiful display of what this love is and what’s in our hearts as Italian Americans,” he remarked.
Message to fellow students
Looking ahead, Lisi encourages other aspiring professionals to stay true to their values and rely on the support of family and community. “Stay true to your values, stay true to yourself … these things will propel you forward. I truly believe you can do anything with the support of those who love you … let them be the air under your wings to make you fly,” he concluded.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
