Student & Graduate Success
Rachelle Gasior (right) with her best friend at their graduation.
Vice President of Client Service, Rachelle Gasior, is a 2010 Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) graduate or RAPper. Rachelle sat down with us to share information she really wishes more parents had, how LRAP stopped her from transferring schools and why she loves campus events.
What is a movie you can practically quote from start to finish?
Any High School Musical movie (#NoShame).
Tell me about your journey to Ardeo.
My journey to Ardeo started back in college when I was offered an LRAP as a student. My financial aid counselor, Ruthie Wellhausen, offered me an LRAP in order to give me the confidence I needed to continue my education. I was really impacted by the program and developed a deep relationship with Ruthie. She left my university to come work for Ardeo, but we stayed in touch. When I graduated, I was working at a sales and marketing firm just trying to figure out what I wanted to do. That’s when Ruthie called me. Then she called me again. And again. Finally, I was ready to move out of my parents’ house and come to Ardeo. It’s been awesome ever since. I’ve been able to do a lot of fun things here and see things change and grow.
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Why were you offered an LRAP award and how did it influence you?
I found myself at a crossroad while attending college. I was racking up a lot of debt and kept wondering how I was going to afford to continue my education. Taking on another loan was really scary to me, so I decided I wasn’t going to return. That’s when I was offered an LRAP. It made me feel like my university had my back. It gave me peace of mind as I finished off my studies and began looking for a job. Once I started working and repaying my loans, getting a free check in the mail was awesome.
What is something you thought was cool in college that you don’t now?
Pulling an all-nighter.
What do you most enjoy doing at Ardeo?
I love the variety in my job but attending campus events is one of my favorite things to do. It’s amazing to see how LRAP impacts the lives of students and families just like it impacted my life. It really motivates me to work hard, because I know firsthand what a lifesaver LRAP can be. It’s also fun on the flip side when I get to take that feedback back to our team and think of how we can make the program even better for our students and institutions.
What is one thing you wish parents knew about LRAP?
You can always see this sense of relief when parents learn that LRAP covers Parent PLUS Loans. A lot of times, taking out a Parent PLUS Loan is the only option for families, but that extra loan can be scary. We often see this sense of “OK, good. You’ve got our backs, too.”
Why do you work for Ardeo?
I work for Ardeo because I so believe in the mission of LRAPs. I believe in the power they have for students and parents who are nervous about investing in college. LRAPs were such a game changer for me. I just love that I’m able to be a part of it and love seeing it work for so many students, parents and institutions across the country.
