You hear it all around campus, but what does “Finding Your Anchor” really mean? About a year ago, a wise lady named Aspen Fox explained to my summer orientation group three essential elements to finding our anchors at Rollins; people, places, and passions.
People
Getting involved is the easiest way to meet new people who share common interests with you. Fortunately, Rollins provides numerous opportunities to get involved in every organization, and the Involvement Fair is a great start. When I came to Rollins, I never expected to meet such a varying range of people. I have friends who are obsessed with Disney, friends who want to go out every night, friends who spend hours upon hours in the library, and friends from different cultures and countries. Finding these friends is actually pretty easy because Rollins does an amazing job of bringing people together, especially the first years. I remember meeting my RCC and never thinking we would actually be like a family, as my peer mentors told me, but we are indeed a (dysfunctional) family. One time we were having a study session in the classroom of Ward and at 10 p.m., we decided it was time for a study break, which included dancing and singing for all who walked past the room.
And with the new general education program, you have people who you know will be in some of your neighborhood classes. Once you choose your major, you’ll start to recognize people in those classes, too. Second semester, you can go through Greek recruitment and meet more people, as well as potentially find a home in a sorority or fraternity. All of these opportunities will help you meet new people, and find your person.
Places
I consider places to be where you and your people congregate. For example, the Fred Stone Theatre was where my RCC was, so I consider that one of my places. Another of my “places” is the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement Office in Mills because my friend, Morgan Laner, and I spent a great deal of time there last semester, planning our Student Affairs Student Advisory Committee, also known as SASAC. Basically, wherever you feel yourself learning and growing as an individual. Maybe it'll be the pool, or Club Olin, or the pillow room.
Passions
This category can be difficult for some people, while easier for others. If you know what you want to do, then finding your passions is easier. But if you're like this guy, it can be more difficult:
I know I want to be an elementary education teacher, so I started exploring my passions for helping others and teaching by becoming a Fern Creek Mentor. Then, second semester I was an assistant stage manager for a main stage production, and I didn’t really know theatre could be one of my passions, but it was so much fun! Getting involved is also a great way to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. I joined R-Pride my first semester because I was a cheerleader in high school, and although it’s not the same thing, school spirit is awesome! Also, I love being people’s cheerleader, like when my friend Jasmine spent 21 hours in Club Olin, so I made her a card with inspiring quotes on it. She loved it, and people definitely love the small nice things you do. Anyways, this is the category that requires you to step outside your comfort zone, but also the one that helps you figure out what you want to do with your life.
These are the three steps to finding your anchor. Good luck, first years and transfers. You got this!
