When I committed to Oberlin, I knew it was a commitment to the community. While an East Coast(ish) liberal arts school was always the plan, it was the people who really drew me to Oberlin. I knew I wanted to spend the next years of my life surrounded by smart, kind, and funny people. From the friends I met at All Roads to the people from home who also committed, Obies seemed like my kind of people. While committing to college seemed like such a big step while in high school, it never occurred to me how the social components of college life would affect me post-grad.
The other day in my International Security class, my teacher told me we had a presentation. Expecting a politician or UN representative, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the speaker was in fact an Oberlin alum, presenting on his new endeavor. The presentation outlined an app he had launched along with other Oberlin Alumni: Newsreal. This is an app aimed at making news more accessible and fun for younger generations, helping to spread information more efficiently. Through interactive and scrollable headlines, the format reminds me of a more educational Instagram reel. Besides my initial excitement about the project, it also brought me a sense of relief. Not only are Obies out in the world doing cool things, but I already have connections to so many individuals and initiatives just from a common school: Oberlin.
Choosing an environment for undergrad is very important, but time flies when you're having fun. It's important to pick a school that will set students up for success, and a big part of this is an alumni network providing real-world opportunities and connections. I remember in June, discussing my Oberlin commitment with a friend while standing in line for dressing rooms; as it happens, an Obie employee overheard and introduced herself. In August, when my mom posted me in my new dorm on Facebook, her comment section was flooded with old friends and acquaintances recommending what co-ops or activities I should join. Whether it’s a friend of my parents or a stranger I happen to run into, I’ve found Obies to be some of the warmest and most excited individuals I have met. After an introduction, I can feel the excitement and sense of family that is sparked when I find other Obies.
It feels crazy to say that I have two weeks left in my freshman year at Oberlin College. Time flies when you’re having fun, and I almost feel like if I blink too slowly, I'll be graduating. While that comes with some uncertainty, knowing that I will become a part of such a driven and enthusiastic alumni network converts that anxiety to comfort. I am so excited to find initiatives to work on with other Oberlin alumni, as well as meet later generations of Obies, helping them out in any way I can. Maybe one day I’ll be commenting on a friend's Instagram post telling them to have their child live in Kahn Hall. But that’s an awfully long way away.
