Why I Chose Rollins

Exploring new subjects. Forming close relationships with your professors. Starting your own student organization. These are just a few of the reasons to pick Rollins, where you’ll have the freedom to create your own personalized pathway to purpose and have the greatest adventure of your life. Charles Curci ’27 chose Rollins to develop meaningful connections with his professors. Kassandra Glor ’27 picked Rollins for the renowned music program and the prospect of studying abroad. Skye Houghton ’27 chose Rollins for its idyllic lakeside setting and the opportunity to study business in one of the country’s best programs. Learn more about why Charles, Kassandra, Skye, and more incoming Class of 2027 students chose to make Rollins home for the next four years.

Kassandra Glor ’27

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Why Rollins? “Since 9th grade, I knew Rollins was the place for me because I felt comfortable on campus. The tour leaders were very insightful and kind. They told me about their favorite parts of Rollins, and I knew that when senior year came, it would be my target school. I haven’t even gotten to campus yet, but I’ve already created meaningful relationships and found some clubs that I want to join. I also knew that Rollins had a great music program, which drew me in even more.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m most looking forward to my first class. I sat in on a music class and enjoyed it so much. I also can’t wait for Fox Day and being able to celebrate with my new friends. I hope to join the music sorority and further my passion for musical theater and orchestra.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I want to get involved in extracurriculars, improve as a musician, study abroad, and jump in Lake Virginia. I also hope to make new friends and excel in my classes.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “I visited with my sister. I’m not sure how to describe it, but right when I stepped on campus, I just knew Rollins was the place for me. I felt very comfortable on campus and loved the community. I knew that Rollins was the only college I wanted to go to.”

Tori Bates ’27

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Why Rollins? “From the moment I walked onto campus and learned about the mission of Rollins, I knew it was the only college for me. I value what Rollins stands for and how much they serve within their community. To know that I would be in classes that I enjoy and have close-knit relationships with my professors and peers was another selling point. I could envision myself there.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I'm looking forward to performing and getting involved in theater productions. I’m also a lover of Disney, Marvel, and Harry Potter, and since Rollins is near both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, I’m looking forward to meeting people who share similar interests and possibly starting a club. I’ve also heard so much about the creative classes at Rollins, including The Science of Superheroes and Zombies, Serial Killers, and Madmen.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I hope to accomplish decorating my dorm HGTV-style, and I can’t wait to make new friends. I would love to experience volunteer opportunities in the surrounding community, study abroad, take a unique class, try something out of my comfort zone, and get good grades. I want to have fun and develop wonderful memories during my time at Rollins.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “I was acknowledged and appreciated. For my ideal college to send me personalized emails and messages, I truly felt that I belonged and that I would not only be happy but also comfortable and successful at Rollins. I can’t wait to start this new chapter of my life.”

Devin Williams ’27

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Why Rollins? “Last year, we discovered Rollins on a trip to Orlando for an esports tournament at a nearby university. I soon discovered the amazing marine biology program as well as the 3/2 Accelerated Management Program where I could pursue my MBA. I knew then that Rollins was the perfect fit for me.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m really looking forward to living on campus with other students. As a professional gamer since I was 14, many of my closest friends have lived halfway across the country or even the world, and we’d only meet up at tournaments and conventions. I’m excited to have close friends right down the hall and am looking forward to forming face-to-face relationships with faculty and staff.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I want to use my experience and connections in esports to get involved in the Rollins Esports program. I’m impressed with what has been built and how the organization does campus-wide social events. I also want to study abroad, maybe in Japan. And I’ve applied to the Bonner Leaders Program, but even if I don’t get selected, I would like to get my nonprofit, Coalition of Parents in Esports, added as a program for internships for Rollins students. We can use gaming to reach and support local kids in our community.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “I stepped on campus for a tour. Between the beautiful setting, the friendly people, and the relatable stories, I was ready to move in. The website was so informative and showed me that Rollins fit my goals. Then walking around hearing about campus life, the academics, the dining options, and Fox Day just confirmed it. I will always feel blessed that I was handed my Rollins acceptance letter in person by my admission counselor at the end of that tour.”

Ethan Mack-Jackson ’27

Hometown: Clermont, Florida

Why Rollins? “I wanted to attend a college where I could continue to grow in many directions. Not simply learn, but grow. While my focus will be on computer science, I know Rollins will help make me a more well-rounded person. The small class sizes, beautiful campus environment, and down-to-earth, friendly community were what I was looking for in a college, and I have found that at Rollins.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “My first year at Rollins is my brother’s last year at Rollins. I am truly looking forward to sharing part of my college experience with him. I’m also looking forward to making friends who share my interests and connecting with professors who can help guide me.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I would like to accomplish a student-faculty research project while at Rollins. My goal is to come away from my college experience with strong computer science skills while also growing my writing and research skills.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “I stepped on campus during a tour for my brother a few years ago. I could feel the energy from the students, faculty, and staff; the warmth of the small classes; and the serene atmosphere of the environment. From beautiful Lake Virginia to the historical feel of the architecture, Rollins was a place I could see myself calling home for the next four years.”

Miller Woodall ’27

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Why Rollins? “Hearing about the close-knit community and small class sizes at Rollins really pulled me in. I came from a smaller school so I knew I needed a college that had close student-professor relationships, small class sizes, and many ways for students to get involved. As a marine biology major, it was also important to me that my college was close to many different ecosystems and had opportunities for me to get scuba-certified and gain lots of experience. From the moment I took my first tour, Rollins really did feel like my future home.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m super excited to meet all the people I’ve connected with so far in person. And I’m definitely excited to start classes and get to know my professors. I also have a giant love of Disney, so being this close to the parks and the ocean at the same time is a dream come true.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “One of my big bucket-list items is to travel the world, and I really hope to be able to start that adventure while I’m in college by studying abroad. I also hope to start an aerial-silks club so I can share that passion with other people, and I’d like to get involved with training service animals at Rollins.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “I was sad to leave campus after my tour. Rollins made me feel at home. The impressively constant open communication was something that made me feel welcomed and where I was supposed to be.”

Charles Curci ’27

Hometown: Johnstown, Rhode Island

Why Rollins? “I’m excited to leave the New England winters for warm and sunny days on the Rollins campus, and I’m excited for the personalized, hands-on learning experience at Rollins that includes giving back to the community. The small discussion-based classes, sense of community, and opportunity for close relationships with professors are also major things that resonated with me.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? I’m looking forward to immersing myself in my political science degree and getting involved in new extracurricular activities. I can’t wait to experience Fox Day for the first time as well as other amazing Rollins traditions, and I’m excited to make new friends.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I want to get involved with student government on campus and be part of a study abroad or internship program, such as the Disney College Program. I want to make friends for life and become part of this wonderful community.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “I first stepped onto campus last summer. The campus was breathtaking and offered all I’ve ever wanted in a college environment. I visited many schools during that summer. Rollins was the first one I saw and none compared. Rollins was my favorite and remained my first choice when all was said and done.”

Sofia Riera ’27

Hometown: Panama City, Florida

Why Rollins? “Rollins had always been at the top of my college list for various reasons—the friendly environment, beautiful campus, small classes, and the opportunity to study abroad. Many of my family members have attended Rollins, and hearing all their fun stories growing up made me excited to form a connection with Rollins just as they did.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m so excited to meet new people, make new friends, and settle into my new home. It is a new chapter of my life that I am ready to start.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “At the top is study abroad. I love seeing new places, learning new things, and meeting new people.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “all my friends were looking into colleges and I couldn’t bring myself to do it because I’ve known since I was 12 that I wanted to go to Rollins.”

Grace Taylor ’27

Hometown: Ponte Vedra, Florida

Why Rollins? “I visited Rollins a few years ago for the Duke TIP program, and because of the amazing memories I made then, Rollins already felt like a familiar home to me. I later visited the campus again while debating my options for college, and I fell in love all over again. As I was touring, I could recall all the memories I was so fond of with each familiar place. I realized then that out of everywhere I visited, it was the place I felt most comfortable. I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m looking forward to being in a new place and surrounding myself with new people.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I’m definitely planning on making friends for life, but I also plan to explore the various learning opportunities available, such as studying abroad.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “I felt comfortable enough to call it home.”

Skye Haughton ’27

Hometown: Cork, Ireland

Why Rollins? “The moment I stepped onto the Rollins campus, I was impressed by the beautiful landscaping, the historic buildings, and the spectacular lakeside setting. There is such a great vibe on campus. The interdisciplinary approach to learning really resonates with me. Also, I always wanted to study business, and Rollins has one of the best business programs in America. I’m very proud to be attending the No. 1 college in the South.”

What about your #RollinsLife are you most looking forward to? “I’m looking forward to being part of the newly founded Rollins College archery club. I hope to pursue this sport throughout college and build a strong and competitive collegiate team that will leave a legacy of excellence for Rollins students in the future. I’m also very excited to meet new friends.”

What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “Service and leadership opportunities have been profound experiences so far in my life. I would really like to continue exploring these at Rollins by partnering with nonprofit organizations, volunteering with charitable causes, and partaking in community engagement. The study abroad program is also on my bucket list, as I intend to take every opportunity to combine my education with exploring the world.”

I knew Rollins was right for me when … “I toured the campus and felt such a strong sense of belonging. I could not stop smiling. I knew in that moment that I was right for Rollins and Rollins was right for me.”