Where Everything Connects
“Central has taught me to step outside my comfort zone, but also to be present. The professors, the community, the connections — it’s all so intertwined.”
— Grace Benson ’26
Major: English
Minors: Spanish, Religious Studies
Hometown: Newton, Iowa
Scholarships: Journey Scholarship and H.S. Kuyper Scholarship
Involvement: Women’s Triathlon, FCA
Career Goal: Lawyer
When Grace Benson ’26 first toured Central College, she didn’t need to see another campus.
“After my first visit, I just fell in love with it,” she says. “Everyone was so welcoming — professors, student ambassadors — it just felt right.”
That leap of faith paid off. Four years later, the English major and Spanish and religious studies minor has built a Central experience that’s as well-rounded as her triathlon training.
Benson joined Central’s triathlon team as one of its first student-athletes, helping shape the young program and later serving as a team captain.
“It’s been so fun being part of something new,” she says. “Traveling to California and Pennsylvania with the team — those are memories I’ll never forget.”
When she’s not training, Benson pours her energy into other passions. She’s a writing tutor, works for the communications office and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership.
“I’ve always loved writing,” she says. “Central has given me chances to use that skill in ways that matter.”
That love for words led her to internships that stretched her comfort zone — from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s public relations office.
“Both experiences showed me how you can use writing to support causes you care about,” she explains. “At the fair, everything you do is for the people who come. It taught me how to take initiative and focus on serving others.”
Her coursework has been equally formative.
“English has taught me how complex people are — and how connected we all are,” Benson reflects. “In Spanish, I’ve learned to take risks and make mistakes out loud. In religious studies, I’ve learned how to have healthy conversations with people who think differently. It all ties together.”
Those insights also took her abroad to Greece, where she explored the country with a class led by Central faculty.
“It was the perfect mix of learning, history and adventure,” she says. “It really grew my confidence to explore new places.”
Benson’s confidence will serve her well as she prepares for law school.
“I thought I wanted to be an orthodontist,” she admits with a laugh. “But a mentor in high school helped me realize my strengths are in reading, writing and working with people. Now I’m drawn to international or immigration law — anywhere I can help others.”
Her next steps are possible thanks to the H.S. Kuyper Scholarship, which allowed her to attend Central debt-free.
“That scholarship was confirmation that this is where I was meant to be,” she says. “I don’t take that for granted.”
As she reflects on her final year, Benson hopes to slow down and soak it all in, including time with her sister, Paige Benson ’29.
“It’s been so fun having her here,” Benson says. “I get to see her finding her own path and learning things for herself. Central has taught me to step outside my comfort zone, but also to be present. The professors, the community, the connections — it’s all so intertwined. That’s what makes this place special, and it’s neat to get to see that through her eyes now, too.”