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From the intimate learning environment to epic global adventures, there are dozens of reasons why Rollins is the best college for you. Bea Febres-Cordero ’23 chose Rollins because of the wide selection of study abroad options and internship opportunities. Zane Williams ’23 picked Rollins because of its winning combination of top-ranked academics and championship athletics. Manon Thau ’23 decided to become a Tar because of the powerful partnerships between Rollins students and professors. Learn more about why Bea, Zane, Manon, and more of your future classmates chose Rollins. Then submit your deposit and secure your spot on America’s Most Beautiful Campus.

Bea Febres-Cordero ’23

Hometown: Concord, Massachusetts

Why Rollins? “Rollins provides exceptional opportunities for their students such as a wide selection of study abroad programs, various internship selections, and a breathtaking campus, but seeing how members of the Rollins community speak about Rollins really showed me how special this school is. This past October, I attended a reception for Rollins in Boston. Whenever any of the panelists spoke, even in answering a simple question, it was evident from their excitement and energy how much passion and love they have for Rollins. Their devotion to Rollins resonated with me, and hearing how the teachers and staff genuinely care about their students and want to help them prosper is very meaningful to me. These are all things I find essential for a good education environment, and that’s when I knew Rollins was for me. The warm weather was the cherry on top.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I am very much looking forward to the warm weather and learning in a new environment. I can’t wait to dive into my new classes and push myself to try new things—education-wise and in the Rollins community.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “Without question I would like to study abroad during my time at Rollins, and I’m so grateful that Rollins offers a variety of different options and programs for study abroad. I also hope to do an internship, and with all the choices I can pick from, I would love to branch out and explore different things.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “I first set foot on campus.”

Zane Williams ’23

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Why Rollins? “I loved the small class sizes and close-knit relationships that you’re able to develop at Rollins. I’m graduating from a smaller high school in Texas where I have known most of my classmates for years, so being at Rollins will make me feel right at home.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m looking forward to meeting all of my professors on the first day of class and playing on the Rollins men’s lacrosse team. I’m also really excited about Fox Day and getting to know my roommates.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “My main goal is to finish my career at Rollins with my MBA by graduating in five years through the 3/2 Accelerated Management Program at the Crummer Graduate School of Business. I hope to study abroad and use the knowledge and experience I gain internationally to help shape my career path in business. I’d also like to help the men’s lacrosse team bring home some SSC Championships and gain a bid to the Division II Men’s National Lacrosse Championship Tournament.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I toured the campus, learned about the business school, met the men’s lacrosse coaches and players, and toured the athletic facilities.”

Manon Thau ’23

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Why Rollins? “For me, the most important part of succeeding in life is getting a good education and having great professors who push you to your limits and are behind you every step of the way. At Rollins, the conference-style classrooms and student-to-teacher ratio resonated with me because it made me feel confident that I would have all the help I need to succeed in my undergraduate years of college. I know that all my professors will know my name and help me apply all my strengths to the work I am completing in and out of the classroom.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “For my first year of Rollins, I’m looking forward to meeting all my new classmates and professors. I’m also excited to experience and participate in all the activities Rollins has to offer throughout the year.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “Studying abroad, joining a club and participating in it for all four years, participating in as many community service activities as I can, making friends who I’ll stay in contact with after I graduate, creating my own research project with the help of a professor, and joining an athletic club to stay active during my undergraduate years.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I stepped foot on campus and took a tour to learn about what Rollins has to offer and walked around Park Avenue afterward.”

Matt Wierzbicki ’23

Hometown: Hadley, Massachusetts

Why Rollins? “The weather, the proximity to Orlando, the nice people—I loved the tour and everyone we met—and the potential to spend a semester at American University.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “Meeting my roommate and professors, classes, and exploring all the opportunities on campus and in Orlando. I’m also going to look into possibly walking on to the rowing team.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “Studying abroad, making great friends, and exploring interesting internships. Maybe I’ll learn to waterski too.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I’d finished the campus tour. I loved it all—the people, the amazing opportunities, the feel of the place. It just felt right.”

Shania Thomas ’23

Hometown: Kissimmee, Florida

Why Rollins? “Rollins is really community-based and I love that about the school. The amount of community interaction made Rollins feel like home for me because back home I interact with my community as well.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m looking forward to meeting my roommate. I know we will most likely share the same interests and that excites me. I can’t wait to explore all the organizations and hopefully join one or more of them.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I want to make friendships that will last a lifetime. I also want to experience games on campus, and I want to eventually study abroad.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I saw how much the school as a whole was involved in the community.”

Charlie Durbin ’23

Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado

Why Rollins? “I first wanted to visit because of the beautiful campus. I had heard of the awards and rankings of the beautiful campus so I wanted to see it for myself. During my visit, I met with the volleyball team and shadowed a player for the day. Going to class, I saw how well-connected students are with their professors and knew I wanted that learning opportunity. Everyone was so nice and campus was beautiful. Rollins also resonated for all of the opportunities in Orlando. I was impressed on how well-prepared students are. I was also excited about all of the student organizations—especially the ones centered on the environment and giving back to the community.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m most excited to meet new people and being far away from home. Fox Day is so cool and I’m excited to experience it. I also think it would be cool to join the surfing club. I’m just excited to be on such a beautiful campus and meet new teammates.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “The biggest thing on my bucket list is studying abroad—maybe somewhere in Europe. I’m not sure what I want to study, so I’m also looking forward to my classes to find my passion and find a major that sparks something in me within the first year.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I stepped on campus. We heard so many things about how beautiful it was, but coming to campus takes your breath away. Everyone was so welcoming; students were so nice. It just felt like home.”

Akheem Mitchell ’23

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Why Rollins? “One day my school took some of my classmates and I on a field trip to Rollins. As we walked around and I saw everything, I began to get impressed. I loved the feel of the campus. It just seemed like regular people walking around their neighborhood. The classroom sizes are small, they have great school spirit, and Rollins has made a name for themselves. My biggest goal is to be able to go to law school and I know with Rollins backing me up, I will be able to achieve my goal.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m most excited to join Rollins’ Student Government Association. All throughout high school, I loved being a part of the school and trying to raise school spirit. I feel like I would be able to bring a fresh new face to Rollins because of all the ideas and activities that I will come up with and bring to the table.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “The biggest thing I want to experience before I graduate is making new friends and new connections. I’m a firm believer in connecting with different people and being able to make new friends. I’m so ready to make new connections with people that are genuinely as nice or as open minded as me. And even if there is someone that isn’t as open minded as me or as nice, I wouldn’t turn my back on them because you never know what they could be going through or know who they truly are as a person.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “when I felt comfortable being here. Even though I’m a very outgoing person, I can get really nervous and feel uncomfortable at the same time. Feeling comfortable in my own skin and feeling like I can be myself are big goals for me. I knew Rollins was right for me when I felt both goals at the same time. Seeing all the people on campus showed me that no one diminishes or dehumanizes anyone else on this campus. After seeing this, I was able to call this place my home.”

Evie Snipes ’23

Hometown: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Why Rollins? “Rollins is a liberal arts college, which was my main draw specifically. I knew I would thrive in a liberal arts setting. I fell in love when I took the campus tour and saw it all laid out. I loved the classroom setup and how the focus is on the individual. The professors are so open and willing to help. I’m someone who really cares about my academics, so I love that I have access to them outside of a formal classroom setting. The amount of activities really excited me as well—I know I will never be bored on campus!”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I plan on signing up for as many clubs as possible. I would also say I’m really interested in the radio station because music has been such a big part of my life. When I hang out with my friends, we’re always listening to music and trying to discover new music. The amount of community service students do is another reason I chose Rollins, and I love helping others and having the ability to make someone’s day better.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I would love to study abroad in Barcelona! When I was a sophomore, my Spanish teacher would tell us about her time living in Barcelona and showed us all the beautiful mosaic parks and buildings, and I fell in love with the city. I would also like to continue to master my Spanish. I want to graduate in four years with my degree. I’m excited to study communication, but I also want to explore other areas of study.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I first stepped foot on campus. It clicked for me. I went onto the website and did as much research as I could and everything looked perfect, but when I got to campus, I realized it was real. This is where I want to spend the next four years of my life.”

Jay Forsythe ’23

Hometown: Celebration, Florida

Why Rollins? “I love the campus and its location in Winter Park. I've been studying piano since I was 8, and I loved the tight-knit music department. I knew I wanted a liberal arts education at a college with a strong music department.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m looking forward to trying out different classes in different disciplines. I want to explore new areas and learn from varying viewpoints.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I want to have as fulfilling an experience as possible by immersing myself fully on campus.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I visited the music department, met with the professors, sat in on a class, and went to a choir rehearsal. The department was vibrant with activity, and it seemed like a comfortable dwelling place for its students.”

Carson Klaus ’23

Hometown: Destin, Florida

Why Rollins? “I really connected with Rollins after my first campus tour. I didn’t know very much about the school prior to my visit, but after my experience there—learning about the Rollins life and seeing how wonderful the campus environment is—I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. One particular thing I noticed about the students on campus was the fact that they were all sporting their Rollins gear. Not just a couple of students, but the vast majority of people we passed on our tour were wearing something with “Rollins” on it. I knew that any school whose students had this level of pride and love for their school was the college that I wanted to be at. The overwhelming accepting nature of everyone we met was a clear indication that Rollins could easily be my home away from home.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “This may sound cliche but I am truly looking forward to every new experience that awaits me in my college career at Rollins. The Immersions, Fox Day, meeting my roommates—all of it. I’ve been in the same place doing the same things for a while now, so I’m really excited to step out of my comfort zone and experience as many new things as I can. Based on what I’ve learned about Rollins thus far, I know that there are so many unique opportunities available to the students there that can’t be found anywhere else, and I’m beyond excited for the chance to experience them for myself.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I’ve always been interested in experiencing cultures that are different from my own, so studying abroad is definitely on my list of goals during my time at Rollins. I’m looking forward to learning about all of the clubs and student activities that are offered, and I know that the friends I make during my time there will be friends I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I first stepped onto the campus.”

Josh Jimenez ’23

Hometown: Kennesaw, Georgia

Why Rollins? “There are many reasons Rollins appealed to me, but it ultimately came down to the small class sizes and the amazing local community in Winter Park. I learn the best when I can interact with the teacher and my fellow classmates, and after sitting in on a class I felt that Rollins offered exactly what I would like from my classes. Alongside the academic aspect, Winter Park is an incredible environment that I cannot wait to further explore.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I most look forward to making new friends and participating in the clubs at Rollins. It’s incredibly exciting, and a little scary, that soon I will be connecting with new people and experiencing new activities in the many student clubs Rollins has to offer.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I hope to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country and become fluent in Spanish by the time I graduate from Rollins. It would be an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in another culture during my time in college and gain a skill that can help me throughout my life. I also hope to participate in the theater opportunities at the Annie Russell Theatre.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “when I sat in on a class and saw how personal the professor was with her students. I knew I wanted that out of my college experience.”

Sarah Skala ’23

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Why Rollins? “I chose Rollins because I wanted a smaller school with more interactive teachers. I also wanted to stay close to home. When I visited Rollins, I was able to see what the school is truly like, and I just felt like I was home. Rollins has everything to offer me with academics, athletics, and location.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’ve accepted a scholarship to play on the women’s soccer team. I will say I’m most excited for this experience and meeting some of my teammates and future best friends. I know the first year will be an adjustment, but I can’t wait for that first class and first practice.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “By the time I graduate I hope to get my master’s degree in elementary education. Rollins is an excellent academic school that offers this five-year master’s program. It was a big part of my decision when choosing a college to attend. With the soccer team, I hope we win a national championship and really show everyone what Rollins is about.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I visited the school for the first time. I immediately fell in love with the school, the people, and just the environment. I could tell it’s a very close-knit community with people who care about each other. I know I can always find a home at Rollins.”

Grace Dance ’23

Hometown: Melbourne, Florida

Why Rollins? “Rollins has a beautiful campus and a remarkable reputation and rankings. The smaller class size was a factor I was looking for in a college, and Rollins has that. I believe that Rollins will prepare me for my career goals.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m looking forward to meeting my roommate and making lifelong friends. I’m also looking forward to my classes and meeting my professors, Fox Day, and attending sporting events.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I hope to make the best experiences during my undergraduate years at Rollins. I’d like to take a fun class that’s outside of my major, volunteer in the community, join a club or student organization, apply for an internship, and possibly study abroad.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I was touring the campus. I knew it was a perfect fit for me. Everyone was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. It felt like home.”

Madison Colpitts ’23

Hometown: Belle Isle, Florida

Why Rollins? “I love the theater program and the small class sizes. I also love the beautiful campus—my grandparents actually got married at Knowles Memorial Chapel—and I love that the campus is in Winter Park.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “Meeting new people, learning a variety of new things, and getting involved with theater.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “Studying abroad (maybe Greece!), joining clubs outside of just theater, and getting involved.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I stepped foot on campus! It felt welcoming and more like a home than a school.”

Mary Fulton ’23

Hometown: Sarasota, Florida

Why Rollins? “The place that really pulled me in was the Annie Russell Theatre. In high school, I've been very involved in theater, and our black box is almost like my second home considering I spend so much time there. However, the moment I first stepped into the Annie Russell Theatre felt like a rush of magic. I could see all the way backstage where people were building a set, and I could feel the theater beckoning me in to stay.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “Fox Day is definitely something I'm looking forward to since I've followed the live stream waiting for it to be announced over the past few years. Overall though, I'm just looking forward to finding my niche on campus through the people I'll meet in clubs, classes, and other activities.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I definitely want to take advantage of the study abroad programs. I love learning about different cultures, but there's only so much that one can do from home, so studying abroad will allow me to immerse myself in other places. Gaining a global mindset from my experiences at Rollins is sure to help in everything that I do in the future.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I cried because I thought that I might end up at a different school.”

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