Taylor K.
I always knew I wanted to attend a small college, but I really had no idea what school that would be. As it came time to start looking at schools, I decided I was going to check out the College of Saint Benedict. I had heard great things and I knew it was a school with a small community.
After my tour on campus, as my parents and I walked to our car, I turned to them with a huge smile and said, "I love it here!" They smiled back at me and agreed, but what I didn't know at the time was that they both had their doubts that I would ever be able to attend this incredible institution because of our financial status. As I jabbered on about CSB and how gorgeous and welcoming the campus was on the car ride home, my parents shared knowing glances. They understood this school was a perfect fit for me but worried I would miss out on this opportunity because our family couldn't afford it.
My parents kept these reservations hidden from me so they wouldn't burst my bubble. But weeks later, when I excitedly opened my acceptance letter, they sat me down and said, "Sweetheart, we know you would love to go to CSB, but really we can't afford it. We think you should look at some other options." With sunken shoulders, I agreed.
However, since my parents knew how much I loved Saint Ben's, they told me we would wait until I received my financial aid package before making a final decision. We waited and waited until April, when the envelope that contained my future finally arrived. I tore it open and stared, teary eyed, at the numbers in front of me. I had been awarded both the Trustees' Scholarship and the Fine Arts Scholarship for Music, which meant I was going to be able to attend CSB - my perfect school. I ran to my parents and proudly announced, "I am going to be a Bennie!"
Taylor K. '18 | St. Michael, Minn.