We have collected hundreds of personal narratives from students, alumni, faculty, and staff that explain the merits and strengths of Oberlin through the eyes of those who have experienced it firsthand.
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On the Asia House dragon
Bill Heinrich ’81
“It would have been tedious work except that it was ambitious, self-directed, and had nothing to do with classes or credits. What made it something to look forward to was the enjoyment of working...
On Oberlin’s Student Senate
Ben Klebanoff ’09
“Students take active roles in all levels of the Oberlin administration, help determine the courses that are available for students to take, and help make hiring decisions.”
On practicing problem solving
Sophie Newman ’17
“It wasn’t until I joined the Oberlin Bike Co-op that I realized just how satisfying finding an answer can be.”
On starting a non-profit while still at Oberlin
Monica Greene ’07
“The Heart Project was intended to be a small jewelry sale, but developed into something much bigger than we ever imagined.”
On joining Latin dance group Movimiento
Jennifer Jimenez ’17
“Walking into rehearsal every Thursday and Sunday night, I am greeted with hugs and kisses and an energy that is as vibrant as the salsas and merengues we dance to.”
On writing a novel
Chantal de Somer ’09
“I was afraid I would not be able to finish the novel by the end of the semester, but I did it. It is not polished, but it is a complete story. Coming to Oberlin and taking creative writing classes...
On the connections between college and the future
Thanisa Durongkaveroj ’18
“I start to see my college experience as part of my overall life experience; classes become more applicable, and I become more competent to enter the professional world.”
On the opportunity to study in Brazil
Noel Myers ’14
“This internship made me realize how alternative energy and clean water can improve the health of community members and that it is fundamental to their economic development.”
On changing intellectual pursuits
Joshua Morse ’12
“Oberlin [gave] me the chance to see that I could find that same level of fulfillment and meaning in any field that struck my fancy.”
On creating the Ecology Meditation Mindfulness ExCo
Corey Patrick Harkins ’12
“Each week we intertwined meditation and mindfulness activities into our learning ... we always left with mud on our jeans and smiles on our faces.”
On preparation
Yvette Chen ’16
“Three years into college, I can say with confidence that my experiences inside and outside of the classroom have equipped me with the skills to fight for what I believe in.”
On Oberlin’s SITES program
Prof. Kim Faber
“What began as one mom’s hope to have a language program for her 5-year old son is now providing the opportunity for every elementary-school child in Oberlin to experience another language.”