Saint Louis University Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business Student
Gael Cosgaya鈥檚 parents taught him early in life to trust God, work hard and give whatever he could to others. Even when they had nothing, the Saint Louis University junior said, his family was able to contribute something. That lesson in giving and not counting the cost deeply influenced Gael鈥檚 faith and educational pursuits, including his decision to attend SLU.
A first-generation American, Cosgaya lived below the poverty line for many of his early years despite both parents working. Growing up in a St. Louis neighborhood riddled with crime, all they knew how to do was survive, he said.
Working for a Jesuit Education
Cosgaya鈥檚 parents wanted more for their four children and searched for a Catholic middle school that would provide strong academics and solid faith formation. Thanks to scholarships, Loyola Academy 鈥� a Nativity Miguel Model school in St. Louis 鈥� became a reality for Cosgaya and his siblings. From the moment he started his Jesuit education in sixth grade, he knew he wanted it to continue, he said.
Attending De Smet Jesuit High School allowed Cosgaya to continue growing in Ignatian spirituality. As a first-generation college student, he wanted to stay in St. Louis, preferably at Saint Louis University, for his college education, but the cost was a concern. He told his mother that he would put his college pursuit on hold or go to a community college if SLU鈥檚 tuition each year cost $3,000 or more after financial aid. However, his mom insisted he could become a Billiken.
鈥淪he told me, 鈥業鈥檒l just pray to God: Let鈥檚 work something out. Let鈥檚 reach out for help,鈥欌�� Cosgaya recalled.
SLU鈥檚 donors were the answer to those prayers.
A Dream Come True
鈥淪LU has been a dream come true, and attending the University has transformed me into a better person,鈥� Cosgaya said. 鈥淕etting scholarships has not only changed me, it鈥檚 changed my parents and my siblings. My parents can now focus more on my younger siblings to give them a better life, a better future.鈥�
Cosgaya, who is pursuing a degree in leadership and human resources management, already possesses a blend of academic and real-world business experience, having assisted his mother with her work since he was a teenager. To create a steady income stream for his parents, Cosgaya and his older brother expanded the family business a few years ago. With Cosgaya鈥檚 leadership, the limited-liability company has expanded beyond residential services to commercial cleaning. Named for his mother, the company reflects her strong work ethic.
While at SLU, Cosgaya said he has also gained invaluable insights through internships at Stifel Financial Corp., where he has been placed in positions that have helped his business understanding grow. And he is most grateful.
Scholarships have allowed 鈥渕e to grow my relationship with God even more and continue my Jesuit education,鈥� Cosgaya said. 鈥淗opefully, one day, I鈥檒l be able to give back to SLU and Loyola Academy at the same time. God is the one guiding the ship. I think just following him is the best choice that there is.鈥�
You can be the reason Saint Louis University students like Gael Cosgaya are able to access a transformative education.