Some accomplishments don’t fit neatly on a transcript, but they shape who students become and how they’ll live out their values after graduation. At the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, a new initiative is helping students recognize and celebrate that kind of growth.
Pathways to Distinction, a program that will see its first cohort of participants graduate this spring, is guiding students toward a deeper, more intentional college experience – one that bridges academic excellence, personal growth and the Benedictine values of service, reflection and community. The Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholars (OURS) program gives participants the opportunity to earn formal recognition in one of five focused areas: Engage Globally, Embrace Difference, Think Deeply, Serve Graciously and Live Courageously.
But ask the first students to complete a pathway, and they’ll tell you: It’s far more than a line on a resume.
“It gave me space to think about how my experiences – and not just my grades – have helped me grow,” said Jackeline Chavez, a sociology major and psychology minor from CSB.
She chose the Engage Globally pathway, a natural fit for her passion for justice and intercultural learning.
“After finding out about the program, I was inspired to stand out and demonstrate my achievements – especially ones I hadn’t thought of as accomplishments at first,” she said.
For Chavez, that included a semester studying abroad in Spain – an experience she described as life-changing. It gave her a chance to explore justice and social systems in a new cultural context while also affirming her passion for nonprofit work.
“The program reminded me that my experiences as a Salvadorian American, as a student who studied abroad and as someone passionate about justice are all strengths I carry with me,” she said.
For Johnathan DuFresne-To, a pre-dental biology major with a neuroscience minor, Pathways to Distinction was a call to action – one that helped him begin shaping the kind of life he hopes to lead. His Serve Graciously journey led him from Saint John’s campus to The Bahamas and Guatemala, where he served alongside community leaders and fellow students on immersion and medical service trips.
“The Pathways program helped me grow and want to experience more in the life of serving,” he said. “Because of Pathways, I know how I would like to practice a career in dentistry and promote the common good every day.”
Unlike more prescriptive programs with a set list of requirements, Pathways to Distinction is designed to honor the depth and intentionality of a student’s individual journey.
“They get to choose where they want to intentionally put that time and energy and connect it to their career goals, their postgraduate goals,” said Trisa Schaeffer, senior associate director of OURS. “This is more choose-your-own-adventure.”
Instead of focusing on a set course list or GPA requirements, students shape their own path – choosing where to invest their time and energy in ways that align with their goals and values.
Each pathway has specific criteria – such as coursework, service hours, public presentations or leadership roles – that help students intentionally connect their experiences inside and outside the classroom. Whether studying abroad, writing a thesis, mentoring peers or reflecting on identity and power, students complete their pathway with a richer sense of self and purpose.
And that’s exactly the point.
“For me, it’s really about taking the time to stop and pause and think about all the things that we’ve done,” said Lydia Mattern, who chose the Live Courageously pathway.
As someone deeply involved across campus, she found the distinction gave her a way to meaningfully connect the dots between her many commitments.
“It’s been such a joy to be involved in so many things, but it’s hard to break them all down, so this is a way that meshes them all together and celebrates that.”
Driven and achievement-oriented by nature, Mattern said the experience of earning this distinction reminded her of the value of process, not just outcomes.
“I’m very driven and like to achieve different things, but stopping, thinking about and considering the process – I think it’s super important,” she said. “It’s a reminder that it’s so necessary to stop and pause and think about the things that we go through.”
Though students earn a formal distinction on their transcripts and a special cord to wear at graduation, those tangible honors are just part of the story.
“I learned that the most powerful parts of this experience come from reflection and connection,” Chavez said, offering advice to future Pathways to Distinction participants.
“Be open, be curious and don’t be afraid to own your impact.”