Molly L.
When I visited Saint Ben's, something clicked; I immediately fell in love with the beautiful campus and the great educational experience I knew I would have there. It felt like home to me. I left my visit to CSB with a smile on my face and my head full of thoughts of attending Saint Ben's. I knew that my parents loved the school just as much as I did, but I knew that the cost of attendance was going to be a major part of my college decision.
I was delighted to find out that I had qualified for an interview for the Trustee's Scholarship. Interviewing with a member of the English Department was a great way to learn about the academics of Saint Ben's while engaging in a conversation with a professor who really wanted to get to know me as a person.
My family and I were in close contact with the Financial Aid Office throughout my college decision-making process. They were willing to work with us to make my dreams of attending Saint Ben's a reality for my family. As a first-generation college student, I know that the opportunity to attend college is an invaluable one, and that I am incredibly fortunate to be able to do so.
When I received my financial aid letter in the mail, I was overjoyed to learn that I had received a Trustee's Scholarship. This generous award from the college was, and still is, an investment in me. I was also lucky enough to qualify for a work-study award. I work as a House Manager and Box Office Assistant for Fine Arts Programming; through my job, I have gained valuable skills that will serve me well in my future, along with creating great friendships. I also received the Kathleen Donahue Memorial Scholarship entering into my second year at St. Ben's, which was a great help to my family and me.
The campus at CSB abounds with dozens of opportunities for me to explore my passions. The classes that I have taken have been able to help expand my perspective of the world in ways that I never thought were possible. One of the best parts of my college experience has been forming lasting friendships with other Bennies. I have been able to do so many amazing things at CSB and I am able to pursue my dreams and attend the College of Saint Benedict but that has only been possible because of the generosity of alumnae, parents, and friends of CSB!
Molly L. '17 | Sleepy Eye, Minn.