Why I Chose Rollins
From hands-on experiences to our personalized learning environment, discover why 10 incoming first-year students chose Rollins.
September 04, 2025
Exploring new subjects. Making friends for life. Conducting research. These are just a few of the reasons to pick Rollins, where you’ll have the freedom to discover what drives you and have the greatest adventure of your life. Ella Hutsell ’29 chose Rollins because of the welcoming, close-knit community. Kennedy Overdevest ’29 chose Rollins to develop meaningful relationships with her professors. Robert Palmerini ’29 picked Rollins because of the renowned theatre program. Learn more about why Ella, Kennedy, Robert, and more incoming Class of 2029 students chose to make Rollins home for the next four years.
Kathleen Channing ’29
Hometown: Babylon, New York
Why Rollins? “Out of applying to 20 schools back in the fall, no campus gave me that home-like feeling except for Rollins. When I toured Rollins after being accepted and met with professors, I felt that I was home. Rollins gives special attention to each individual, something that I was looking for during my search. The small campus is a beautiful place to live and learn.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “I can’t wait to make new friends at Rollins, especially meeting my roommate. I hope to spend a lot of free time with friends exploring Winter Park and trying new foods on Park Avenue.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I’m looking forward to studying abroad. I’d like to travel to Costa Rica and Spain, as I studied Spanish in high school. Rollins has an amazing study abroad program, matching tuition with study abroad tuition, which makes it really accessible.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “the professors were excited to meet me and the current students were beyond welcoming and kind.”
Ava Cottingham ’29
Hometown: Southlake, Texas
Why Rollins? “My family always took a lot of trips to Florida, and I knew that I wanted to stay on that side of the country for college. After the rowing coach reached out to me, it seemed like everything lined up. Once I visited in the fall, I knew that Rollins was the perfect place for me. From the coaches to the people on the team to the staff, everyone felt like they were part of one big community that looked out for each other. I also loved the Winter Park area because it felt secluded but also like there was a lot to do and it’s near a bigger city.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “I’m most looking forward to Fox Day and getting to experience the campus and Winter Park. I also love the beach so I'm hoping to use Fox Day as a way to go. Also, I’m excited to experience the surrounding Orlando area, which has a lot of activities and fun things to do like shopping and Disney and Universal.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I want to study abroad. I love traveling, and Rollins has a lot of amazing opportunities to do that, so I can’t wait to take advantage of the programs and explore new places.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I toured the campus and got to meet with the rowing team and everyone felt like one big family. Everyone embraced me as if they already knew and loved me. I also saw a double rainbow while meeting with the team—it felt like a sign from the universe that I was where I was supposed to be.”
Ella Hutsell ’29
Hometown: Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Why Rollins? “I could talk about why I chose Rollins for hours. I first toured during my sophomore year of high school, and the moment I stepped through the gateway, even before the tour started, I knew it was the place for me. Everyone I met was so unbelievably kind, welcoming, and willing to do anything to make my experience the best it could be. It truly is a dream come true that I get to attend.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “It’s so difficult to pick one thing, but I think I’m most looking forward to getting involved with everything I can on campus. I’m planning on rushing in the spring, joining the debate team, getting involved with Cru, and so much more. These opportunities are so exciting to me because they will introduce me to so many wonderful new people who I can grow with and hopefully be friends with for life.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I’m hoping to study abroad in Spain so I can learn more about the world and become fluent in Spanish by the time I graduate. I also want to become a peer mentor and start a student organization that will provide mentorship to high-school students in Winter Park because I want other people to love Rollins as much as I do.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I stepped on campus for the first time. There is something truly magical about Rollins that no other college or university could replicate.”
Audrey Wehle ’29
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Why Rollins? “What made Rollins feel like home was when I stepped on campus. As I was walking through the campus, I could see myself there. I also liked how the area around Rollins was beautiful and has everything you need.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “I’m looking forward to my first day of class, to seeing how college is different from high school, and learning how I can challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “By the time I graduate I want to study abroad. I want to see the world and how different it is compared to how we live here in the United States. I also want to make friends for life. I never really had a friend group in high school, so I’m really looking forward to making many friendships while I am at Rollins.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I saw how student-focused it was. I think this supportive environment will really help me thrive and become a better version of myself.”
Kennedy Overdevest ’29
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Why Rollins? “I choose Rollins because of the individual attention students receive and the close relationships they build on the campus. The community I saw when visiting the school excited me because I saw firsthand how welcoming everyone was, and I truly felt like I belonged there. Whether it was Brandy from the admission team finding me during the Experience Rollins event in January to make sure I was doing OK or meeting current students and hearing all the advice they had, those moments made me confident that Rollins was the right choice.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “I look forward to moving in with my roommate, meeting many people, and getting involved in student life. I’m also looking forward to going to classes that really interest me and meeting my teachers. Coming from Canada, I’m very excited about the warm weather and studying outside.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “There are two main things on my Rollins bucket list. One is studying abroad. I love to travel and am excited to incorporate travel into my education. The other is student-faculty research. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with my professors on a topic that interests me and learn all I can from them.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I visited for the first time and saw the campus. I met a couple of staff and students when I was looking around, and I could just picture myself at Rollins.”
Lawson Prather ’29
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Why Rollins? “My mom introduced me to Rollins. I had never heard of it before, but I started looking at photos of the college online and was amazed. After I visited, the things that really stuck with me were the campus and the weather but most importantly, the people. It started with [tennis coach] Jay Friedman, who recruited me and made me feel like this was going to be my perfect spot to continue my tennis career. The size of the campus made me feel right at home. I loved the idea of being able to walk anywhere on campus and in town.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “In my first year, I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and my first college classes. I can’t wait to have a team and teammates who will help support me on and off the court.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I want to earn a business degree and to make friends who I will have for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to win a Division II national tennis championship title.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I didn’t want to leave after my visit. Everything from the Spanish architecture to the food dining hall to Lake Virginia, I knew it was the right place for me.”
Madeleine Swan ’29
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Why Rollins? “I first visited Rollins in third grade with the Duke Tip program. I loved the school then, and it popped up again around my sophomore year. I adore the Old Florida feel of the campus and the intimate setting nestled in Winter Park. I love how you’re so close to Orlando, yet you don’t have to deal with the crazy Orlando traffic. I also saw the percentage of Fulbright Students who are international relations majors, and that really impressed me. Overall, Rollins has provided me with the utmost kindness, and I have always felt like a part of the Rollins family.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “I’m looking forward to all the new avenues that will open to me at Rollins along with the numerous clubs I already know I’d love to join. I’m also super excited to meet new friends who share my interests.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “A huge part of why I chose Rollins is because I’ve always wanted to study abroad. I was really impressed by all the options that are offered, and I’m even more impressed that Rollins will work with me if I find a program I’d like to do. Another thing I’d love is to make lifelong friends.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I found so many positive qualities about the school that I didn’t know how to answer this question with just one thought.”
Robert Palmerini ’29
Hometown: Apopka, Florida
Why Rollins? “I’ve heard that Rollins is one of the best colleges for the performing arts. I feel like I will be at home here and won’t be shunned for my theatrical or personal life. The campus is so pretty that I feel like I’m dreaming and don’t want to wake up. I also have some pals who are going to Rollins already, and they’ve said amazing things about the college.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “I’m honestly looking forward to all of it. It’s scary to dip your toes into the unknown, but seeing everyone and everything here on this campus feels so surreal yet astonishing. Joining clubs is something that I’ve struggled with in the past, but I’m sure I’ll find my home here.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I want to learn how to become a better actor. I also want to help others and be a role model for those who are struggling. I want people to see me for who I am rather than who I am not, and I want to learn how to be a leader.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I received the selective Priscilla Parker theatre scholarship. The campus is amazing, and the people are even better. I know I’m going to fit in here.”
Amina Mathis ’29
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Why Rollins? “After visiting Rollins and meeting some of the staff, I completely fell in love with the school and the genuine, authentic energy that Rollins encompasses. My experience visiting bigger universities often led me to feeling overwhelmed and confused. Rollins did the opposite. Not only was I not overwhelmed, but I was excited about starting a new chapter of my life.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “I’m looking forward to being in an intimate learning environment. I believe this will yield a better understanding of the material as well as an opportunity for me to be a part of a close-knit community of students who are equally invested in furthering their education but are from all different walks of life and backgrounds.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I plan on studying abroad, which is another reason I was initially so attracted to the school—Rollins actually focuses on making sure that you have real-world experience and encourages all sophomores to embark on an adventure while furthering their education and strengthening their resume. A personal goal is to start my own sorority that is inclusive to Arab and African women. I’d like to help create a space on campus and within Greek life where women of color, as well as Muslim women, have a space to thrive not just academically but spiritually as well.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I came across the pre-law program, which is not a direct major that you must commit to but instead an interdisciplinary program that allows undergrads who are interested in law to still have the ability to pursue other subjects and interests while preparing for law school.”
Mia Matviiv ’29
Hometown: Toms River, New Jersey
Why Rollins? “Rollins resonated with me because of the care and attention they provide their applicants. The day I got my decision back, on my acceptance letter, they mentioned the school club I founded and my personal mission—I felt so validated and wanted. I was accepted into 18 other schools, and not one showed that much care to their students. Also, the prospective Rollins students were the nicest people I have met, filled with drive, open-mindedness, and warm energy.”
What are you looking forward to most and why? “I’m looking forward to the food, mainly because it is killer, and the great amount of opportunities and clubs on campus, and hopefully being a Bonner Leader and engaging further with my community.”
What’s on your Rollins bucket list? “I want to start a fun club for short people like me on campus and start a mental-health awareness organization. I would also like to make friends for life and land a paid internship.”
I knew Rollins was right for me when ... “I felt the positive energy around me on campus when I toured.”
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