Meet Elisa Simko, Phagans Director of Financial Aid

Elisa Simko, Director of Financial Aid

How long have you worked at Phagans?

I’ve always enjoyed education, and I jumped at applying to work in a creative field as I am more used to working in business or information technology. I wanted to work in a more hands-on environment and I immediately liked it when I walked into Phagans.

Tell us about your job.

I help students apply for financial aid and understand their financial aid options. I also help prepare them to support themselves through school and beyond. I work with such a great team, we are all in it together working to see the students succeed.

What do you enjoy about your job?

The number one thing is helping the talented students achieve their goals.

I also enjoy working with a dedicated team that all believe in the same goal. I believe in the Phagans mission. There is always something new every day, lots of variety. I also go back and forth to both schools and enjoy seeing the different dynamics, and all the talent trickling through.

I am also glad that the students know that once they graduate we are always here to help them.

How has Phagans changed you?

That’s a good question! I’m a new manager and I am developing my leadership skills. Phagans has given me the opportunity to grow professionally, as I started here as a Financial Aid assistant and I’m now the director.

What advice do you have for future students reading this?

Seek out federal funds but also work to find scholarships too. Thousands of dollars go unclaimed each year so spend some time searching and applying for scholarships; it really is worth the time to do it.

Education is an investment in yourself and you should make the most of it when you come to school, it is worth it.