Fox Day @ Rollins College

FOX DAY @ Rollins College

Winter Park, Florida

Fox Day at Rollins College happens once a year when a statue of a fox appears quite mysteriously and without warning on the center of a perfectly manicured green in the middle of campus. The appearance of the fox kicks off a day of celebration. Classes are cancelled for the day, no tests or assignments due. Moonbounces come to life and special feasts appear. Fox Day, hmmm.... a wonderful surprise, but so was my entire visit to Rollins.

The campus is picturesque, Lake Virginia is out the back door, and the front of the school spills into the main boulevard of Winter Park, which is rife with outdoor cafes and hip shops. The buildings have a Spanish flair, with everything a student could wish for, the library even has a "pillow room" in case you need a quick rest! The fitness center has a full offering of classes at all hours and great equipment, and I have NEVER tasted college cafeteria food quite like at Rollins; I have to wonder how many schools offer grilled Mahi Mahi salad. The campus pool overlooks Lake Virginia and really beautiful. Future constructions plans include a state of the art science center and an inn right on campus to house visitors.

As I toured the campus I questioned how students could maintain their focus with all these distractions, not to mention the spectacular weather. While my surroundings had impressed me, it was the performance of the Rollins students during class that made the greatest impact and left a lasting impression. The first class I attended was about U.S.-Mexican relations.In a class of eleven students, typical for Rollins, each student was engaged, prepared, and passionate about the primary document (the Monroe Doctrine) that they were assessing. This level of enthusiasm and involvement is typical for the small liberal arts classes at Rollins. It is no wonder they have created a campus of active and involved learners who reach out into the community and take full advantage of one of numerous study abroad opportunities.

Thank you to Rollins for a wonderful visit!

Published by: SKC