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 teaching an ExCo on Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment
Lauren Crawford ’16
“I realized I needed to create a space where I could discuss many issues present in contemporary Christian theology with only my peers.”
On clarity and falling down
Eliot Hart-Nelson ’15
“...In this moment I became aware of how much more comfortable with being alone I had become during my time at Oberlin.”
On being a docent in Oberlin’s world-class art museum
Ally Sterman ’09
“I have been leading tours of the museum’s broad and overwhelmingly impressive collection for almost four years now, and the joy of engaging visitors in discussions concerning art has only...
On the real breakfast club
Rose Guardino ’17
“Our crew is composed of varsity athletes, artists, intramural people, scholars, and scientists...We recognize that everyone has something to offer and deserves to be heard.”
On lessons learned during the Business Scholars program
Maddy Dunn ’16
“If I stayed true to myself and focused on my strengths, I could make my own version of business.”
On a foundational winter term project
Gabrielle Walsh ’18
“Under Professor Matlin, I gained confidence in my lab work and got to befriend older student researchers who were already engrossed in the chemistry department and greater scientific community.”
On habits developed at Oberlin
Anne Hoffman ’08
“I spent mornings at Black River, nursing coffee and developing an addiction from which I have no intention of recovering. I read political theory that made my brain feel like it was on fire. I read...
On teaching the Planet Earth ExCo
Sarah Fries ’12
“Most students at Oberlin are conscious of environmental pollution and the rapid depletion of resources. I wanted to tap into that awareness and help it manifest.”
On her time at Oberlin
Megan Schulte ’94
“Graduating was like ripping off my right arm. But it was Oberlin that bolstered me and created a foundation from which I could truly plunge into the world of the possible.”
On performing with Oberlin’s female and trans* hip hop dance group And What!?
Isabelle Harari ’17
“Our identity as dancers makes sure our audiences leave with material to ponder, discuss, and continue to engage with after our shows.”
On moving to China
Beth Rogers ’07
“I struggled in basic conversation, couldn’t communicate emotion, couldn’t deal with the subtleties of the language at all, and couldn’t read anything ... in some ways I think I re-discovered the...
On falling in love in Russia
Stephanie Patterson ’07
“I brought my dictionary everywhere, but sometimes I was amazed that two people could connect in a way, especially with humor, that didn’t always involve complete cognitive understanding.”