By Gabriela P.
College of Saint Benedict Student

Being a first-generation Mexican-American student comes with a plethora of obstacles in order to become the person you want to be, and my Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) helped me.

My name is Gabriela, but I go by Gaby. I am a rising sophomore at the College of Saint Benedict, and I plan to major in psychology and minor in global business.

This was not my first plan before receiving the LRAP gift.

I was planning to go to my local technical college, because my parents could not afford an expensive college. I was also going to major in something I did not love, because it was the only way to repay my loans. I knew if I studied what I wanted the next generation would not have the privilege to study where and what they wanted.

I wanted to go to my dream college and study what I wanted, but I could not without the help of LRAP. I am truly grateful for LRAP because my dreams came true. My family and I have peace in our minds without thinking about school financial problems.

With LRAP, I will be the first in my family to receive a bachelor’s degree from my dream school and in a field I am passionate about. I hope one day to become a leader in my field by mentoring, empowering, and lifting others up to reach their goals, just as I am being supported by LRAP.

This story has been edited for length and clarity.

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By John Lee
Seattle Pacific University

Our financial situation has been the same my whole life.

We have always been blessed enough to have food and a roof over our heads, but special days to others were awkward and disappointing to me. At Christmas time, I remember it being hard to ask my friends what presents they got. When they inevitably asked me the same question, I would be embarrassed to follow up their grand present with mine, which usually consisted of essentials such as socks, just wrapped and finished with a bow.

Due to my family’s tight financial situation, I wondered if normal necessities such as attending college were even possible for me.

How could I selfishly dedicate to studying for my future when I knew that support from my immigrant parents, a pastor and caregiver, would be an impossible challenge for them?

I figured the only way to achieve a brighter future was by working during my time in school and facing the horror stories of student loan debt firsthand.

This was a very daunting feeling until I found out about the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP).

As I attend college, I do not have to worry and stress about financials because of LRAP. This has allowed me to dedicate all the time and energy I need into my classes. With peace of mind, I finished my first year in college with a stellar 3.96 GPA, well on my way to achieve my goals.

This story has been edited for length and clarity.

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By Michelle K.
University of St. Thomas Student

Since I can remember, the piano has been a part of my life, an extension of myself. Studying music has always been in my line of sight.

In my first year of college, at 19, I became a mother to the most amazing daughter. I would not have it any other way, but as motherhood took priority, my educational path detracted. As my daughter got older, I knew simply telling her college was essential could never be as meaningful as demonstrating it through my actions. As I took the leap of faith back into college in my 30s, I could not imagine declaring a major in anything but music.

Fearful thoughts that I would graduate and plunge into insurmountable financial debt consumed me.
After earning my associate degree in music at a junior college, I began seeking a suitable four-year college to finish my bachelor’s in music.

I became sold on The University of St. Thomas primarily because of the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) they offered. I have the peace of mind that I can pursue my lifelong passion for music and make my dreams a reality.

This program has enhanced my entire collegiate experience by alleviating unnecessary financial stress. I intend to further my education and pursue a master’s in music; without this program, I may not have the confidence to do so.

LRAP is what I will be looking for as my daughter considers colleges for herself!

This story has been edited for length and clarity.

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