Dear Younger Grace,
It’s your first year on campus at Central College, and four years later, I have some thoughts I’d like to share with you. Life feels crazy right now, and I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t slow down. But things will feel easier as you adjust to this new adventure called college.
Here at Central, you’ll meet some of your best friends, learn exciting new concepts and make memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. College has been the most fun and refining season of my life. I can’t wait for you to experience everything coming your way! Below are some pieces of advice for you to think about as you begin this exciting new chapter.
Embrace Change
Grace Benson in residence hall, as a first-year student.
When you graduated from high school, you chose to call Central your home away from home — and I’m so thankful you did. For the first time, you have the opportunity to choose your own adventure instead of following the path others have laid out for you.
College is a big change, but you’ll have the Central family to lean on every step of the way.
Watching your parents drive away after dropping you off in Scholte Hall was the strangest feeling but take comfort knowing the loneliness doesn’t last. Embrace the change and take this next step forward with confidence. Take ownership of your classes. Start a conversation with the girl sitting next to you. You are not alone in this transition.
Find Comfort in Discomfort
Grace completed an internship with the Iowa State Fair Foundation.
As college unfolds, you’ll learn that growth comes from honing your strengths and targeting your weaknesses. I started classes knowing I loved reading, writing and learning, but at first, I was too nervous to speak up and share my thoughts. That had to change. My professors challenged me to participate in class discussions, and I gradually became comfortable with the discomfort of putting my ideas out there.
College is also the time to immerse yourself in different perspectives and evaluate what you believe and why you believe it. Right now, you think you know exactly who you are and what you want to be. Stay true to yourself but be willing to listen and learn from others. Use the new ideas you encounter to refine the way you see the world.
Branch Out!
Grace joined the triathlon team as a first year and has gain lifelong friends.
Most of my favorite memories started as unexpected adventures. Part of what drew me to Central in the first place was joining the women’s triathlon team, which was a relatively new collegiate sport at the time. Triathlon challenged me to push myself physically and mentally to limits I didn’t even know I had. Swimming, biking and running are now my favorite pastimes, especially with my teammates. The girls I trained with every day are now some of my favorite people.
Other friends of mine convinced me to take a course that concluded with a trip to Greece as part of a 10-day faculty-led program. Experiencing Greek history and culture changed the way I view my own identity as an American and opened my eyes to the beauty of exploring new places. Greece was the first European country I visited, and I can’t wait to see more!
Another campus involvement that pushed me out of my comfort zone was joining the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team. My faith has always been important to me, but serving as a leader challenged me to share my beliefs with others in a new way. I learned valuable leadership skills and had the opportunity to practice public speaking, which used to intimidate me.
Now it’s Your Turn!
Well, what are you waiting for? You have four incredible years ahead of you that will fly by faster than you can even imagine. I can’t believe I graduate in only a few short weeks, but I know that with the Central family behind me, anything is possible. I can’t wait for you to find that out for yourself!
Sincerely,
Grace Benson ’26
About the Author
Hello! My name is Grace Benson ’26, and I am from Newton, Iowa. I am an English major with minors in Spanish and religious studies. I am also a member of the women’s triathlon team and participate in FCA. On campus, I have worked as an office assistant to the associate academic dean and currently work as a writing tutor and an editorial assistant for the communications office. My dream is to attend law school after graduating from Central.
In my free time, I love visiting coffee shops, thrifting and working out with my friends. I enjoy long walks at Lake Red Rock and catching as many sunsets as I can. Central is my home away from home, and I hope you find your place here, too! Go Dutch!
