"Gabe is probably the best technician we have had as an athlete.  He would study his events and dedicate himself to working and learning.  He epitomizes the journey of a Buc.  When he started out he would talk a good game and then give up easily.  Last year, he couldn’t break a minute in the 400 meter dash.  He ran a 1:01.  This year he was earning a medal in the 400 at the State Championship.  He was also the top rated discus thrower in the State of Maine.  Gabe worked to become a decathlete.  Hard work.  Attention to detail.  That’s Watanka."

 

          With Eagerness of Spirit:  

 

  

             (Poland-  Gabe with parents on December 16th, 2010.  Graduation Day) (CLICK ON PICTURE)

 

Name:  Gabe S

Home:  Toronto, Canada

Nickname:  Watanka or Buffalo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q:  How would summarize your experience at Elan?   

 

" I came in as a little boy and am leaving a man.  I went through high school at Elan, I rebuilt the relationship with my family, i learned how to achieve in athletics and compete.  I have goals for myself now.  I can cope."

 

Q:  How do you feel about being sent to Elan?  

 

"To be honest, I wasted a lot of time because I was angry. Like a lot of kids I wanted to blame someone for my problems.  At first I took my anger out on others.  I was really immature then.  Some people never get over being sent away.  They never take responsibility.  My behavior and my decisions were my own fault.  Good or bad.   But I grew up in Elan.  It's the place that made me who I am today and I'm proud of that."

 

 

Q: Elan has a very successful process for family work.  What, if anything,  is different about your relationship with your family now?

 

"My dad is a dad now instead of being a friend or an enabler.  My mom has always been very firm and resilient.  If I say something to a member of my family, then I am going to be listened to and respected.  Even with my brother I can articulate my feelings instead of fighting.  I actually enjoy spending time with them!"

 

 

 

Q: What was the biggest mistake you made in Elan:

 

"I almost threw my life away. I made an impulsive decision after getting my feelings hurt and I ran away.  I went to a homeless shelter in Portland Maine.  Later that day, my coach and one of my directors rescued me. And after some discussion and reflection I realized that I was about to do the same thing I had always done which was quit.  Thank God I didn’t.  I realized then, that I had people that cared about me and who would help me get back on my feet.  Because of that I am headed to college."

 

Q: What was your favorite job on campus?  

 

"Working in the kitchen. I spent enough time in there as a ramrod and department head.   But also in re-entry I prepared al ot of my own meals.  Dean and Hank taught me the tricks of the trade.  Steaks, stirfry, pad tai, pizza from scratch -  you name it....tempura,,,,,soups, stews and chowders...And like a good cook, I can talk louder....hehhehehe."

 

 

Q: Your final position in Elan was Re-Entry.  What was that like? 

 

"Re-entry.  That's were I assimilated to college.  Make my own schedule.  Figure out how to find a balance between work and friends and me time.  Good learning experience...but it was kind of lonely... I did my own laundry, I set up my own trips.  I cooked a lot of my own meals....  I took college classes off campus and arranged my own transportation.  It taught me about transitioning....I lear ned alot about myself..."

 

 

Q: What separates Elan from other schools?

 

"I think that if you are an Elan student, you are reflective each and every day.  If you don’t want to be, your peers will challenge you and through that process you are going to learn something new everyday.

And for people like me, we need that."

 

 

Q: Do you have any parting words for anyone?

 

"Thank you guys for everything.  You guys saved my life!"