Meet Elisa Simko, Phagans Director of Financial Aid

Elisa Simko, Director of Financial Aid

In this 2012 interview, Elisa Simko, then Phagans’ Director of Financial Aid, discusses helping students understand their financial aid options, growing into a leadership role, and encouraging prospective students to research federal aid and scholarships.

Interview highlights include:

• Helping students navigate the financial aid process
• Supporting students during school and after graduation
• Developing professionally from assistant to director
• Working with students and staff across Phagans’ campuses
• Encouraging students to explore available funding options

What brought you to 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 whose members 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?

Complete the FAFSA to explore the federal financial aid for which you may qualify, and spend time researching scholarships, too. Scholarship availability and eligibility requirements vary, so review each opportunity carefully and apply by the deadline.

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