Benjamin Jakubowski

benjamin.jakubowski@oberlin.edu

Majors: chemistry and environmental studies

Minor: mathematics

 

Hey all! I can hardly wait to head back to Oberlin for my third year this fall. I’m from central Minnesota, and I came to Oberlin to get a strong environmental and scientific education—so far, so good. Additionally, I’ve been able to explore everything from religion to history, while double majoring in chemistry and environmental studies and minoring in mathematics. While my formal education has been great, the best parts of my Oberlin experience have come from outside of the classroom. I’ve been able to spend a winter term with three friends studying coal’s lifecycle impacts on Central Appalachia and I’ve twice joined my fellow Oberlin students at Powershift, a youth climate conference in Washington, DC.

 

By far the best thing about Oberlin is the people. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been talking with other Oberlin students and been amazed by how dedicated they are. Oberlin students devote themselves to projects well beyond required class work, and professors gladly offer guidance and support. I’ve been able to work with other Oberlin students researching water quality in coal processing areas, and I am looking forward to living in SEED house and working with the Green EDGE fund next fall. If you are interested in getting involved with environmental initiatives on campus, shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!

 

Short List of Favorites

 

Local Cuisine: Brunch at the Feve is great. I’m also a huge fan of sweet potato burritos at Agave.

Literature: I’ve recently become fascinated by Thomas Kelly’s work. I actually was introduced to Kelly through Quakerism 101, an ExCo taught by a friend last spring. Make sure you go to the ExCo fair this fall. ExCos are great!

 

Under-advertised Resource at Oberlin: The roads surrounding Oberlin. If you are a cyclist or a runner, there are some beautiful routes that take you through the farm fields around town.

 

Favorite First-year Courses

 

FYSP 165: Feeding the World. The first year seminar program is great and food systems are fascinating. It’s an awesome course.

 

MATH 231: Multivariable Calculus. I found this course challenging, but really rewarding, and highly suggest it.