Nolan
Grieve
Majors:
creative writing, English
IÕm
originally from a small town in Pennsylvania called DuBois. I came to Oberlin
thinking IÕd try to do a college music major, or apply to the Conservatory
after my first year, but by the end of my first semester, IÕd been swept up in
creative writing and decided that I wanted to take everything that the college
could offer. I stay involved with music, though—I take electric bass lessons
for two credits every semester, and I also took jazz piano lessons in the
second semester of my freshman year.
Among
the greatest things IÕve discovered at Oberlin is Oberlin Mentoring, part of
the experimental college program (EXCO). Essentially, itÕs a student-run
organization that connects Oberlin students with the Big Brothers Big Sisters
program of Lorain County. Big Brothers Big Sisters interviews you and matches
you up with a kid from the community, and the two of you just spend time with
one another each week. My experience with it has been awesome so far. ItÕs a
great opportunity to learn from and impact the Oberlin outside of the college.
The
creative writing resources at Oberlin are excellent—classes are small,
and all of the professors IÕve had have been fun and approachable. IÕm a
student liaison for the program, so if you have any questions, IÕm happy to
tell you what I can.
Short List of Favorites
Local Cuisine:
The Black River Cafˇ: Their raspberry cornmeal pancakes are the best pancakes
IÕve ever had. Great home fries, too.
Writer:
Kurt Vonnegut was my first true reading love. Michael Chabon is giving him a
run for his money, though.
Under-advertised Resource at Oberlin: Music lessons. You can take them with some
of the best musicians in the world for $7.50 per half-hour.
Favorite First-year Courses
CRWR
110: Technique and Form in Poetry. This was the first workshop I ever took
(taught by a visiting professor), and itÕs what pushed me in the direction of
creative writing. Creative Writing 120: Technique and Form in Fiction is
another great one to begin with.
ECON
101: Principles of Economics. This course is an excellent way to broaden your
understanding of the way people work together in trade. Also, the economics
department is great.