Patchwork

Soaring Beyond Limits

by Ryan House

Gabe Czlapinski’s story is not just about the struggles of a first-generation, independent college student from a low-income background; it is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of supportive educational programs like Student Support Services (SSS). “College is my ticket out of this cycle,” Gabe tells me. “Higher education, even just getting a bachelor’s degree, gives me a little bit of a leg up. It shows employers that I’m a person who is going to go above and beyond.”

Growing up in a world of instability, Gabe navigated a childhood marked by frequent school changes and the constant threat of eviction. His family's financial struggles were a daily challenge, with Gabe recalling times of darkness, both literal and figurative, as utilities were often disconnected. He remembers how he and his sister—older by less than 2 years—would care for their older brother with special needs while their mom was working. Despite these hardships, Gabe's resolve to grow beyond the circumstances of his childhood remained unwavering.

A Whole New World

In 2021, Gabe’s entry into college was a leap into uncharted waters. As a first-generation student, he had no family roadmap to help navigate the complexities of college life. “My parents couldn’t really give me any pointers. I didn’t really have anybody to look to for help with things like filing my FAFSA; I had to navigate that on my own. I mean, my mom helped me a little bit, but she didn’t really know how to help me.” In the summer before his freshman year, Gabe received a letter inviting him to be a part of the UWL First! Scholars program designed to assist first generation/low-income students to succeed academically through a coordinated system of support, integrating college readiness, financial aid, advising and career development. Gabe says the experience was “definitely eye opening just because we all came from very, very different economic and cultural backgrounds, but in that class, a lot of our discussions were primarily about being first generation. And I realized that a lot of us had a lot more in common that I had initially thought. We had a lot of those same fears, uncertainties, and experiences getting into college.”

As part of the First! Scholars’ work study, Gabe got a position working at the front desk of the SSS offices. Desite his employment, the financial aspect of attending school remained particularly daunting as available aid is often based upon the income of a student’s parents. A meager increase to his mother's income paradoxically reduced Gabe’s available financial aid, despite his receiving no contributions from his parents. “It was chipping away at how much I could receive, how much aid the federal government deemed I'm eligible for,” he says. This situation turned critical when Gabe found himself without a permanent home for a period of time, an unfortunate circumstance that granted him independent status, alleviating some of that financial strain. “It was a stressful situation, but a blessing in disguise because my mother's income is no longer on my FAFSA. So, it actually kind of saved me.”

Amidst these trials, Gabe's encounter with Student Support Services became a turning point towards a brighter future. The program offered him more than academic guidance; it provided a lifeline. “[UWL Financial Aid Officer] Ignacio [Gabbard-Rocha] did a lot of extensive work and research to get me independent status after practically being homeless for a month. When I was unemployed, I got to a place where I really couldn't even afford to buy food. I was eating, like, an apple a day. [SSS Advisor] Robyn [Beahm] reached out to some of her community connections and got me gift cards for Festival [grocery story] so I could actually go buy food.” SSS became a pillar of support, helping him not just with academic planning but also with personal challenges. “The impact that this place has had on me is definitely life-changing. When I first came [to school], I was absolutely terrified, but after my first advising meeting, I felt a weight off of my shoulders.”

A Wider Horizon

Gabe’s experience with SSS also led to self-discovery and personal growth. Conversations with his advisors helped him realize his passion for fashion and communication, leading him to change his major to Communications with an emphasis in media and a minor in digital media design. This decision aligned with his aspirations to work in the fashion industry, aiming for roles in fashion communications with giants like Louis Vuitton or Versace.

Reflecting on his journey, Gabe emphasizes the importance of seeking help and building connections. His advice to fellow SSS students is poignant: engage in activities that bring joy and commitment, and never hesitate to reach out for support. As Gabe looks toward a future bright with potential, his time with SSS stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. His story is a powerful reminder of the difference educational support programs can make in a student's life.