Meet the Minerva Freshmen—Kārlis Benefelds

‍What made you apply to Minerva?

For a long time, I found myself questioning the quality of traditional education and often came to the conclusion, that it was not right for me. My main concern with conventional education was its lack of dynamic learning and practical engagement with real-world projects. When I learned about Minerva's innovative approach and the opportunity to study across four continents, it felt like a dream come true. I have always considered myself to be a global citizen. Although I grew up in an environment with little ethnic or cultural diversity, I constantly sought out opportunities to expand my horizons. My personal philosophy revolves around exposing myself to diverse perspectives and conflicting ideas, in order to foster intellectual growth, hence the idea of studying social and economic issues at their global epicenters seems like an invaluable learning opportunity.

‍What have you learned about yourself during the application process?

One of the main goals of Minerva’s application process is to discover how individuals think and approach various situations. Interestingly, this is exactly what I became more aware of throughout the process. As I was put in situations where I had to think on the spot, I began to notice certain patterns in my responses and where my focus naturally gravitated. This awareness of my thinking style and tendencies helped me refine how I articulate my thoughts, allowing me to offer more concise and clear explanations over time.

What was your favorite accomplishment you mentioned in your Minerva application?

While it’s hard to pick just one, the accomplishment that stands out most to me is the research paper I wrote on the impact of artificial intelligence on Latvia's education system. This project opened my eyes to the power of cross-industry research and its potential for transformative solutions. I had the opportunity to engage with professionals from the education, technology, government policy, and entrepreneurship sectors, which broadened my understanding of how innovation in one sector can drive progress in others. Ever since writing this paper, I have become more intrigued by how solutions from other sectors can innovate traditionally stagnant systems.

Is there anything you are particularly excited about regarding your first year at Minerva?

Being in San Francisco for only a month, I see the immense number of opportunities the city provides. The diverse cultures and interests that intersect here offer a unique environment to explore almost any problem question or hobby. Two sides of my personality that I am excited to nurture simultaneously are my interest in quantitative finance and my passion for blues music—two areas that might not seem to fit together, but that’s what makes San Francisco so special. I have often struggled to balance my varied interests, but here, I can pursue both without having to choose. That is what excites me most about my first year at Minerva: the freedom of choice to explore multiple interests and passions at once.

What are your first impressions of the Class of 2028 community? What does the Minerva community mean to you?

When I first arrived in San Francisco, one moment that stood out was when I accidentally stumbled into a conversation as I was passing by. It turned out to be a fellow Minervan’s birthday, and we spontaneously decided to go out and celebrate. Despite coming from different countries, there was an immediate sense of connection, as if we had known each other for years. Meeting such fascinating people, instantly connecting, and hearing incredible stories made me realize that the M28 community was going to feel like a second family to me.

When people ask me to describe the Minerva community in one word, I cannot do it. With your cohort, you experience everything together—from getting lost in San Francisco to stressing over HCs (Habits of Mind and Foundational Concepts) applications. Minerva is an emotional rollercoaster, but it shapes you in ways you cannot imagine, and you grow not only as individuals but also as a community of changemakers.

What is your favorite Minerva memory so far?

During my third week in San Francisco, a small group of Minervans and I were eager to get out of the city and explore what California had to offer. After a few days of planning, we found ourselves camping above the clouds at one of the highest peaks in the SF area. The trip gave us a chance to bond over small things, like who ate the last marshmallow, and the challenges of setting up tents in the pitch dark. Though we had to catch up on pre-work afterward and spend the entire day studying, the experience of disconnecting from city life, with such fascinating people is hands down one I will not forget. At Minerva, it is your actions and the people around you that make the experience truly unforgettable.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

There is no single “type” of student at Minerva, so it is crucial to emphasize what makes you unique. Focus on achievements that are personally meaningful rather than what you think the university wants to hear. Minerva’s application process is designed to allow each applicant to define what an accomplishment looks like for themselves, so highlight the experiences that have truly shaped who you are. Given the character limit on the application, be concise and use specific metrics to showcase the impact you've had, rather than relying on vague statements.

Approach the process with an open mind—it’s not about testing academic knowledge but about evaluating how you think and solve problems. Minerva values authenticity and passion above all, so my advice is simple: get plenty of rest beforehand, stay true to your values, and let your unique perspective shine through.

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If you were inspired by Kārlis' story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world, apply to join Minerva today.