For Jazmin Acuña Diaz ’26, community isn’t just a word — it’s the reason she calls the College of Saint Benedict home.
Her very first campus visit captured the spirit of csb+sju perfectly. When she and her mom missed the Link bus back from Saint John’s University to Saint Ben’s, a faculty member personally offered them a ride so they wouldn’t miss their meeting. “That small act of kindness really stuck with me,” Jazmin says. “It showed me what this community is all about — people showing up for one another.”
That moment shaped her college journey. From serving two years on Student Senate to leading as Student Director of Orientation, Jazmin has embraced opportunities to speak up, serve others, and lead with heart.
“Being on Senate and surrounded by all those powerful women taught me what questions to ask,” she reflects. “That’s a skill I’ll carry forever — because you don’t know if you don’t ask.”
Those lessons came to life through her work as the Student Director of Orientation, where she helped elevate the program for incoming students. The experience pushed her to grow as a leader, sharpening her stress management, decision-making, and communication skills. “Senate taught me how to speak up, and Orientation made me speak up — it put everything into action.”
Beyond campus, Jazmin has explored the world while deepening her studies. Through an embedded study abroad in Belgium, she dove into the chemistry of fermentation, visiting breweries, bakeries, and even a chocolate factory. Later, she traveled to Costa Rica with Vida Volunteers, helping provide free medical care in rural communities. “It was really sweet to be able to connect with people and to push myself to do more than what’s required,” she says.
Her passion for care and connection extends into her work as a Behavioral Health Technician and Medical Scribe at St. Cloud Pediatrics, where she supports adolescent therapy groups and assists with patient care. “I’ve learned to always see people for who they are,” she says, “not just another patient or another person.”
As a first-generation student, Jazmin credits her mentors and the Intercultural LEAD Scholars program for helping her build confidence and find her voice. The scholarship not only made it possible for her to attend CSB but also connected her with peers who shared similar experiences.
Through every role — as a leader, student, mentor, and friend — Jazmin continues to embody the Benedictine values that first drew her here. “I love welcoming the new Bennies and seeing their smiles,” she says. “I remember what it felt like to be in that chair as a first-year Bennie.”
Next up? Jazmin is applying to Physician Assistant programs with hopes of beginning PA school next summer. Until then, she’s continuing her hands-on work in healthcare and making a difference wherever she goes.
“CSB has given me a community that’s shaped who I am,” Jazmin says. “It’s taught me how to lead with confidence, kindness, and purpose.”