Desirae Sweet

Majors: religion, ancient Greek

I’m a third-year from a small town in Western New York, where my family owns a Christmas tree and pumpkin farm. I love being outdoors; I try to take day hikes whenever I can and started taking horseback riding lessons through Oberlin’s Equestrian Team last year. Outside of class, I also work as a peer tutor with the Writing Associates program. If you want informal, constructive feedback on something you’re writing for any of your classes, drop by the Writing Center on the first floor of Mudd Library. They’re really helpful!

I came to Oberlin thinking I would be an East Asian studies major, but I ended up majoring in Greek and religion, with a concentration in Biblical studies. I love ancient history and recently returned from an amazing semester abroad in Sicily, where I studied Greek and Roman literature and material culture. Last fall I was a major representative for the religion department, and this year I will be helping out with the Haskell Lecture Series in the spring. Both departments are absolutely wonderful, engaging, and welcoming, and I would love to chat with you about them.

I’ve seen my share of (free) conservatory concerts because my best friend and roommate of three years is a vocal performance major. The conservatory is such a wonderful resource to have on campus. I really missed the accessibility and caliber of musical performance when I was away for the semester. I highly recommend checking out a concert or two as soon as possible.

Short List of Favorites

Local Cuisine: Agave. Their burritos are delicious. They’re open until 2am. They’re not CDS.

Favorite Authors: Willa Cather: after all, I am a farm girl. Jhumpa Lahiri: I don’t think I’ve read anyone else who more poignantly conveys feelings of “cultural inbetweenness.” Herman Hesse: I love the way he explores spirituality and society as an institution. Also, I get swept up in his romanticism.

Favorite Under-advertised Resource at Oberlin: the Writing Center. They give constructive feedback on written assignments before you turn them in to your professors. It’s extremely helpful, especially if you’re the nervous type (like me), and it definitely helps you improve your writing skills long-term.

Favorite First-year Course

POLT 105: American Government. Mr. Dawson taught me how to think in an entirely new way… before 10am. I am so much better informed about the mechanics of the American political system and institutions with similar dynamics after having taken that course. “Thinking politically” has been an asset for me in a multitude of situations since then.