Aishwarya Krishnaswamy ’23

Dear Freshman Aishwarya!!

It has been exactly a day since Commencement 2023.

If we were in a multiverse, this would be my speech.

Sources of support, resilience, and the tendency to isolate during difficult times.

I recently participated in a workshop that prompted me to consider the various Oberlin archetypes.

I love the springtime in Oberlin.

Eight semesters in, and here are a few classes that not only helped me learn academic skills but shifted my tectonic plates.

This is my eighth and final semester at Oberlin!!

Overall, it’s been a great experience.

It’s my final year at Oberlin, and I feel like a freshman all over again.

Anticipatory nostalgia.

Oberlin is like a street snack.

Preparing to serve as a volunteer mediator in the Oberlin community.

Oberlin has a rich alumni network both within and outside the country.

No kidding, I think it's a luxury bordering on privilege to curl up and read a book for leisure in college.

There is no way I can do the 100 things I need to do without taking care of myself first.

Killer places to eat off-campus.

My reasons to be on the premed track at Oberlin.

Teaching in the community is one of my favorite things to do here at Oberlin.

Where I work.

"If all these people are here, then what am I doing here?"

My 20 cents.

Why Oberlin was the best fit for me two years ago and continues to be the right fit for me now.

Exploring new parts of the town away from the college can make all the difference.

A list of things I did and a list of things I would like to do if I could relive that summer once again.

One step at a time.

Looking back, if there is one thing I could tell my giddy-to-go-to-college yet nervous self, it would be to relax, letting go of any preconceived notions of living in a small town.

Summer feels like a long time ago but was only a few months back.