Chris Gollmar ’10

I graduated from Oberlin just over a week ago, and before they cut off my access to this site, I thought maybe I could list just a few of the many skills I learned at Oberlin.

With commencement looming, have I already entered the "abyss"?

A full report on my first week of classes and the semester ahead.

Part 1 in a series of posts dissecting the three college essays I wrote as a high school senior. In this post, my "Why Oberlin?" essay.

I'm not one of those folks who has some sort of otherworldly emotional or psychic connection to music, but there is something about especially long pieces of music that gets to me.

Why live off campus?

There are many opportunities at Oberlin for students interested in education. The Spanish in the Elementary Schools program, for example, has given me the opportunity to stand face-to-face with 20 real-life fourth graders.

Sometimes, when I have just a bit of extra time on my hands, I take out my camera and see what interesting sights I can capture.

I have a habit of picking up library books that look interesting, checking them out, bringing them home, and letting them sit around for months on end.

My job working for Conference Services is a bit lackluster at first glance, but I do get to see the various summer programs that take place in Oberlin up close and personal.

I never knew how much Randolph Coleman meant to me and how much of an impact he has made on my life until he retired.

New music is alive and well in Oberlin, but so is the old. A look at the concerts I attended or performed in this past week.

When it comes to breaks, I use them as time to relax and recharge, which means I tend to ignore any classwork I've brought along in my suitcase.

A run-down of my favorite study spots around Oberlin.

I must have gotten off on the wrong foot--my work this semester is not really up to par. I seem to be falling behind in just about every class I am taking, even the ones with no homework.

I have always had mixed feelings about composition. I suppose that's why I am a double degree student.

I have a lot going on, and the semester hasn't even started.

A list of recent distractions. This is what has been keeping me busy recently.

Today I visited Career Services to get some quick advice on my résumé and on finding the right gradate program. It feels like I'm a junior in high school all over again.

Last Sunday I moved into my house for this semester. Now I officially live off campus.

My first few thoughts on returning to Oberlin after a year studying abroad.

Today was my final exam for History of Argentine Music. This is how my studying unfolded on Twitter.

I have one week to go in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Before I find myself completely overwhelmed readjusting to life in the U.S., I thought I would share a few pointers for anyone who thinks studying abroad is in their future.

A couple days ago, I decided that I would take advantage of all of the free time I have on my hands and set out to Tigre, a city located in the delta of the Paraná River, a half-hour train ride from downtown Buenos Aires. I got lost exploring the island, but it was worth it.

I am learning more and more that there is no single moment when you suddenly become fluent in a second language.

My second semester abroad is finally winding down, so I decided to look back and share a couple anecdotes that highlight differences in music and music education in the U.S. and Argentina.

Yesterday, my friend Ezra and I put the finishing touches on our application to teach our ExCo (Experimental College) class on Experimental Typography for a second time. It was easier this time around; all we had to do was update the syllabus, update our budget request, and complete the short application from the ExCo committee. No faculty recommendations, no interviews this time. It really couldn't have been easier. That is, unless we were on the same continent.