Triple the triumph part 2: Chloe’s story
The first born by a whole minute, CSF Alum and first-generation college student Chloe doesn’t mind the logistics of being a triplet. “When you grow up with two siblings your own age, it’s kind of hard to own your own stuff, but I don’t mind it,” she reflects. “It’s like having two built-in best friends.”
Chloe, Marcus and Hannah share everything, including—perhaps most unsurprisingly—a birthday cake.
First-generation college students together
In addition to feeling fortunate about her close relationships with her two siblings, Chloe feels a similar level of gratitude for being taught at a young age about the importance of pursuing higher education.
“I was told it was very important to succeed in a career. So, I’ve always known I wanted to go to college,” Chloe says. “Our mom didn’t have the chance [to attend college], so becoming a first-generation college student, it’s empowering. I’m so proud of myself for getting here.”
The triplets credit their mom, Stacie, for their shared achievement in becoming first-generation college students. They also credit College Success Foundation, which laid the groundwork early for promoting awareness of postsecondary options.
Chloe notes she first got introduced to CSF in 7th grade through AmeriCorps. “I remember the team being so informative about college and the general process of the application process,” she says.
Opening the door to financial aid
After transitioning from middle school to Shadle Park High School, the triplets were paired with CSF Advisor Alex Laughery, and Chloe applied herself in leaps and bounds. She was a strong student out of the gate but struggled with feeling easily stressed.
Managing multiple Advanced Placement classes and the demands of sports practice alongside her ultimate goal of going to college was, at times, daunting. But Alex helped Chloe stay organized with clear priorities for her ambitious road ahead.
It was through CSF that I learned about financial aid opportunities,” she says. “I had no idea how much money [our family] could possibly get through FAFSA. It was life changing.”
Traversing her entire senior year in a remote learning environment reset all of her expectations. No pep rallies. No prom. And an adapted version of graduation.
Throughout the year, the pandemic also prevented the typical ease of dropping by an advisor’s or teacher’s office when questions inevitably arose. But for Chloe, Alex was like an on-call, personal advisor just a text or email away.
“He always got back to me immediately with the best possible answer,” she remembers. “I always felt informed, and that really helped me because keeping track of every requirement and deadline was difficult.”
College dreams come true
Chloe remembers the exact day and time that fateful day finally arrived. “It was a Tuesday night at 6pm. I was getting ready for volleyball,” she recalls. “I got an email that I was accepted to my #1 pick! Gonzaga University. Growing up watching the basketball games, I always knew I wanted to be a part of that.”
Settling into life on campus has gone well for Chloe, despite starting her undergraduate journey in the middle of a pandemic. “I actually prefer submitting my assignments online.” she says, “It’s been going well for me. And I know CSF is still available to provide support to me with their college and career coaching services now that I’m on-campus, which feels really nice.”
One of her favorite things about life on campus is having, for the first time in her life, her very own room. “I don’t have a roommate. I got so lucky,” she says, “The pros are that I have a quiet space if I need to study and don’t need to worry about my alarm waking someone else up. The cons are that sometimes I get a little lonely without someone to talk to, but overall, I’m loving it.”
Chloe’s determination is undeniable, made all the more palpable by her love of learning. “I feel like being educated in general is going to give you a better life. I want to be successful,” she emphasizes. “I know there are more ways to be successful, but this is the way I chose … There are a lot of things I’m interested in learning more about, and you might as well get credit towards a degree while you’re at it.”
Read her sibling Marcus’s story, and look for a success story about her other sibling in the coming weeks.