Wh at It’s Like ...

to Find Your P urp ose

At Rollins, learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. It just begins there. Through our small, discussion-based classes and interdisciplinary curriculum, students learn to think critically about ideas and information. They learn to explore topics through a variety of lenses—whether it’s the fundamentals of chemistry or the inner workings of politics—and then apply this newfound know-how in a variety of real-world settings with the guidance of expert mentors. Hear from a handful of Tars whose hands-on experiences at Rollins helped them define their interests and goals and put them on their path to purpose. Then visit rollins.college/what-its-like to explore more student accounts of the Rollins experience.

What It’s Like ... to Start a Business in College

As a child, social entrepreneurship major Sara Cohen ’23 used to set up elaborate make-believe storefronts using items from around her house. Now, she’s married her passion for art with her passion for ethical business practices by running a thriving handmade design studio offering bespoke jewelry and quirky stationery, all before she’s even graduated. Cohen uses 100 percent recyclable and compostable shipping materials and sells some of her most popular items at local boutiques, cafes, and on campus.

What It’s Like ... to Preserve a Hidden History

For decades, thousands of pre-Columbian artifacts sat tucked away in the Rollins archaeology lab. That is, until anthropology majors Zoe Milburn ’22 and Ellie Minette ’22 set out on an ambitious quest to catalog each and every one. Working under the guidance of anthropology professor Zack Gilmore through Rollins’ Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program, the project took three years, and now, thanks to their hard work and the latest technology, scientists all over the world are benefiting from their discoveries.

We collaborated with the Florida Public Archaeology Network and the Orange County Regional History Center to create digital models of the artifacts, which you can print out using a 3-D printer to study them up close.

What It’s Like ... to Run for Political Office

During his first two years at Rollins, political science major Omar Sadek ’22 served in the Student Government Association, interned in the City of Winter Park’s Sustainability Department, and served on U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy’s Youth Advisory Board—essential experiences that helped him tap into the shifting needs of his nearby hometown and inspired him to run for a city commissioner position. He didn’t win, but his competitive campaign allowed him to make important connections with what he was learning in class and to forge relationships with community leaders throughout the city.

What It’s Like ... to Meet Your Forever Friends Before Your First Class

Rollins offers a ton of programs geared toward helping you find your fit from day one. Take EMBARK, for example. The cohort-based development program focuses on helping students from underrepresented backgrounds acclimate to college life. The program is a collaboration between the Center for Inclusion & Belonging and student mentors like psychology major Dani Golob ’24, who has dedicated much of her time at Rollins to helping guide fellow Tars through that critical first year and beyond.

We host an EMBARK retreat before students even begin classes. Then, we meet up during the year for different events like skate night and study sessions. This helps students create a safe space and a supportive community of like-minded peers.

make decisions, so we were able to take what we learned and put it into action.

What It’s Like ... to Tackle a Real-World Problem

For more than two decades, chemistry professor Pedro Bernal has been leading Tars on summer field studies to the Dominican Republic to install water filtration systems in rural villages across the island. Like Bernal, chemistry major Mariela Mera ’20 hails from the Dominican Republic’s capital city of Santo Domingo and says that the field study allowed her to engage with a problem she didn’t even know existed until she was able to study it at the source.

I knew access to clean water was a problem in my country, but I didn’t know it was that bad. You see people getting water from the rain and using a dirty cloth to filter it. Then you see how the filter works with that same water, and now, thanks to the filters we installed, they’re drinking clean water.

At Rollins, we’re dishing up some of the best campus dining in the country. A pair of culinary enthusiasts team up to show you what’s on the menu.

Sure, Rollins has a reputation for its top-notch academics and beautiful campus, but did you know we’re also racking up accolades for our dining? It’s true. Everyone from The Daily Meal to Peta 2 has designated Rollins a bona fide destination for foodies. From fresh sushi to enticing entrees that wouldn’t be out of place in your favorite restaurant, our food isn’t merely delicious, it’s also inclusive. With options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies, there’s truly something for everyone.

But don’t take our word for it—just look at what’s on the menu during a typical day at Rollins. Join Brendan Manning ’23 and Hollie Tweedie ’25 to get the inside scoop on what makes Rollins a foodie favorite.

Meet the Foodies

“When I have an early class, I like to start my day with an acai bowl from Bush Cafe. You can customize your bowl, and I get mine with Nutella, granola, and banana. I also grab an iced caramel macchiato with oat milk to help me power through class.

Hollie Tweedie ’25

Major: Marine Biology

Favorite Rollins dish: Vegan burger from Dave’s Boathouse

Brendan Manning ’23

Major: English

Favorite Rollins dish: Grilled cheese and tomato soup from Fox Lodge Grill

“Before heading to my on-campus job in the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, I stop by Dave’s Boathouse to pick up some sushi. My favorite is the California roll with extra spicy sauce, and they make it fresh every day.

Lunch is at the Cornell Cafe, which we call Tarpotle for its awesome Tex Mex-style food. I tear into a hearty veggie burrito and a side of Mexican street corn before hosting my weekly show on WPRK, our campus radio station.

Around Town

My busy morning of classes is over, so I meet friends for lunch in the main dining hall, which has so many options. Some of my friends grab wood-fired pizza while others hit up the international station for jerk chicken. I opt for a heaping plate of rice and sauteed veggies from the vegan and vegetarian station.

Our hometown of Winter Park plays host to some of the area’s hottest restaurants, many of which accept Rollins dining dollars. Get ready to swipe at these local favorites.

Fresh & Co.

Park Avenue’s newest fast-casual eatery lives up to its name by offering sandwiches, smoothies, bowls, and madeto-order salads featuring the freshest local produce around.

Burger-Fi

Burger-Fi elevates the burger concept with chef-crafted creations, hand-cut fries, and decadent shakes. They even have veggie and vegan options.

After an afternoon of editing social media videos for my internship with Rollins’ Office of Marketing, I stop by the C-Store, our oncampus market that has everything from groceries and sundries to a trail-mix bar and graband-go dinner options.

Antonella’s Pizzeria

Consistently topping the city’s best-pizza lists, Antonella’s offers classic New York slices, calzones, and pastas in a cozy setting just steps from campus.

Hungry for more?

Before heading back to my apartment in Lakeside Neighborhood, I pop into the Fox Lodge Grill for a classic dinner of chicken tenders and fries, which I enjoy poolside while rocking T Swift in my earbuds and catching the sunset over Lake Virginia.

Join your future classmates on a culinary tour of campus dining and local eateries.