If I could describe the college search in one word, it would be "daunting." While fun at times, it often reminded me that the decision was the preface to the rest of my life. Between junior and senior year of high school is also one of the times in life when everyone is asking the same questions and insisting that their own opinions be fit into the never-ending equation. While there is so much pressure to make the right decision, I never forgot that it was truly my decision to make, and it was my interests and my passions that would be driven forward. That said, I had no Ivy Leagues in mind, no big state schools in mind. Rather, I stayed true to my love for environmental studies, while keeping in mind that I so loved the small teacher-to-student ratios in which I had been involved for years. A liberal arts education made the most sense to me.

My map of potential colleges was scattered across the country, but was mostly on the coast because of my interest in pursuing environmental studies. While some colleges didn't work out, fate came to fruition and I was put exactly where I was meant to be.

I took a trip to Rollins shortly after I found out I was wait-listed for two schools I thought were my "top choices." After the visit, I was feeling more confident in Rollins and all it had to offer. Now, as I enter my senior year, I find that I'm still discovering all the gifts that Rollins continues to give.

I love that Rollins encourages a Liberal Arts education, but also that it celebrates life and all of its beauty. For anyone who has visited Rollins, he/she has been introduced to the Fox Day tradition a day that is deemed "too beautiful" for there to be class. While I think every day is beautiful, I think dedicating one spring day to celebrating life is, in and of itself, a beautiful thing.

I never imagined that a school could celebrate each individual student, but Rollins manages to do that and so much more. My environmental studies interests have been increased as my school has allowed me to study in and outside of the classroom, and has given me travel and learning opportunities unlike any others. While I've been given the chance to explore the academic world, it is the extracurricular activities (the ones that are more true-to-reality) that have helped me celebrate all that I am and all that I aspire to become in the future.

Some schools are known for their successful tailgates, others are known for their high-cost names, I am confident in saying that my school is known for helping each student grow as his/her own person, rather than simply fitting into a mold.

Many colleges prepare people for the real world. Rollins has illustrated my world and all the beauty that it holds, while also proving my purpose of being in it.