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 Kosher Co-op
Josh Shuman ’86
“There I learned to cook--my first meal of macaroni and cheese lathered with rum extract was not a hit, but later my Thanksgiving turkeys basted with beer and oranges were!”
On academic passions
Claire Jenson ’12
“I’m fortunate to go to Oberlin, to live in this world of thrilling academic inquiry and discovery, because the community keeps my mind constantly ticking, asking, and considering.”
On a day in the life of a double-degree student
Woan Foong Wong ’09
“I was congratulated by friends who had either attended my honors economics presentation or had played my piece in the orchestra... how impossible my life would have been had I taken my diverse...
On organizing a mentoring program in Lorain, OH
PJ Carter ’09
“The culture of Oberlin encourages students to get deeply involved in what they are passionate about and to make a difference.”
On the Slam Poetry ExCo
Kelsey Atkinson ’12
“I was thrilled that I found an ExCo that so closely suited my interests and motivated me to keep writing, revising, and sharing my poems.”
On getting married at the Big Parade
David Weasley ’06
“I love the combinations of people at the Big Parade, the way someone will walk up to you and say, “Excuse me, sir, will you wear this giant carrot costume?””
On Christianity at Oberlin
Alex Darr ’08
“I learned so much. I became a true leader. I learned how to make decisions as part of a team. I learned to be a peacemaker between friends... I discovered a lot more about who God is.”
On reawakening an interest in accessibility
Rebecca Klein ’18
“As a Student Accessibility Advocate, my world at Oberlin expanded. I met new people just as interested in conversations about disability as I was, people whom I now consider some of my closest...
On living in the Women’s Collective
Lisa Amor Petrov ’85
“I was blessed by the intimacy that can come from searching, together with other women, for an understanding of what it means to be a feminist.”
On building websites for the Oberlin College Archives
Eva Fineberg ’16
“My time in the archives department in Mudd Library allowed me to apply my coursework in computer science to a fascinating niche of Oberlin College’s history.”
On their Winter Term project
Andrew Flachs ’11
“Touring as the saxophone and classical guitar duo Syzygy proved to be a defining moment in both of our burgeoning musical careers.”
On being a member of the men’s tennis team
Sam Towne ’12
“When I look to the court next to me and see a teammate fighting hard, I am motivated to give it that extra ounce of effort. We are all striving to reach the same goal.”