When Sarah Gasparick first decided to major in English, it wasn’t without concern. “I wanted to prove to my parents that I wouldn’t end up living in their basement forever,” she recalls, laughing at the memory of their worries. At that time, she didn’t have a clear idea of what she wanted to do with her degree but felt certain something would fall into place. “I think that was really naive and excessively hopeful,” she admits. Yet, it was the beginning of a journey that shaped who she would become—someone who thrives on challenges and always searches for opportunities to grow.
Sarah’s first encounter with the College of Saint Benedict was far from typical. She visited campus during spring break when the campus was deserted and caught in the grip of a blizzard. “It was like a wasteland,” she says. Yet, the few staff members on campus managed to make a deep impression. “It just felt like sacred ground,” she says, describing the strange but powerful sense of belonging that overcame her.
Once at Saint Ben’s, Sarah decided to challenge herself by stepping out of her comfort zone. “I took a watercolor class with Sister Baulu Kuan,” she says, recalling the difficulty she faced in the class. “I had zero artistic talent, and I’m pretty sure everyone wondered how I got in.” Despite her struggles, Sarah persisted, treating it as an opportunity for personal growth.
One of her most transformative experiences came through the Benedictine Friends program, where she was paired with Sister Johanna Becker, an art historian who became a significant figure in Sarah’s life. “She was an ideal match for who I was at the time and who I needed to become,” Sarah says. Sister Johanna didn’t just guide Sarah through college; she also helped her rethink her career path when Sarah became too comfortable in her job at Wells Fargo. “She told me, ‘It sounds like it’s time for a change,’” Sarah remembers. That conversation marked a turning point for Sarah, challenging her to continually push herself and not settle for comfort.
Academically, Professor Michael Opitz also played a crucial role in Sarah’s development. She fondly remembers his classes, where he encouraged her to embrace her unique ideas, no matter how offbeat. “He treated me like a young adult who would become an important alum,” she says, reflecting on the deep bond they formed. This connection, combined with his encouragement, helped her take bold academic risks and find her own creative voice.
Outside of the classroom, Sarah’s involvement in extracurricular activities also pushed her to grow. Running for the student senate was a surprising choice for someone who never saw herself in that kind of leadership role. “It seemed like the least likely thing I would do,” she admits. But it became an important experience. She learned the importance of articulating her views, even when they went against the majority, which she says prepared her for life after college. Now working as a customer success manager in a male-dominated industry, Sarah often finds herself needing to challenge established norms and offer new perspectives. “That little slice of time at Saint Ben’s was a building block for my confidence,” she reflects. The lessons in leadership, respectful debate, and standing firm in her beliefs have stayed with her.
Looking back, Sarah is deeply grateful for the way Saint Ben’s shaped her life. “It fostered in me an awareness that there’s more to be done in the world, and you have to do the work,” she says. From her time on the Alumnae Board to serving on other nonprofit boards, the values and skills she learned at CSB continue to guide her. “It wasn’t just about the academic experience—it was about learning how to show up, do the good work, and inspire others to do the same.” In all, Sarah’s journey at CSB was one of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. From the cold, empty campus she first visited, to the lifelong relationships and lessons she gained, Saint Ben’s helped her find not just her career path, but her voice and purpose in the world.