By the Numbers

Defining Leadership

Carley Matthews ’22 isn’t trying to fit a certain mold of leadership—she’s using her own voice and style to redefine the role.

Carley’s Favorite …

Place on campus: Lucy Cross Center for Women, Gender & Sexuality Study spot: The Tower Room in Olin Library Park Avenue hangout: Central Park, especially the area by the rose garden Campus dining venue: Dave’s Boathouse for comfort food and the relaxed vibe

Psychology major Carley Matthews ’22 didn’t set out to become a campus leader when she started at Rollins. In high school, she was shy and introverted and came to college worried about making friends. But she faced her fears and started getting involved on campus. She joined the Black Student Union, became a first-year representative for Rollins’ Immersion program, which pairs students with service learning opportunities, and joined the club volleyball team. Now the social justice advocate is on the precipice of transitioning her educational outreach internship at the OnePulse Foundation into a full-time role after she graduates.

A Home Base

“Fitting in at Rollins was definitely at the forefront of my mind coming into a predominantly white institution. But being a part of the EMBARK program really helped. This program helps students from underrepresented backgrounds transition to life in college. We got to meet before classes even started our first year, and I made so many good friends. Later, I became a student coordinator so I could help other new students find their way. This experience really gave me the confidence I needed to grow socially, personally, and academically.”

Light and Potential

“When I got a grant to cover the rest of my tuition, I was extremely thankful. As a first-generation college student, I’m really grateful for the staff and faculty who saw potential in me and helped me navigate the financial aid process. It’s been a substantial help for my family. I have two younger sisters who are looking at colleges, and now I get to help them on that journey as well.”

In My Own Skin

“The Black Student Union was one of the first clubs I joined on campus, and I had always been a kind of leader in the background. All of the staff and faculty mentors saw the need to push me to the forefront and lovingly challenged me to step into a position that would prepare me for what I wanted to do in the future. Now it’s my goal to stand in leadership roles like the one I have now as the president of BSU and use my voice for good.”

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