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 haven that is a college library
Sarah Minion ’17
“Since that fateful phone call during my first year it has become second nature to, when in doubt, go to Mudd.”
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 things working out
Hyacinth Parker ’17
“School has had its ups and downs, but going into my senior year, I can finally understand why people say that college is such a good time in your life; when people said that to me freshman year, I...
On organizing a winter term project about coal’s life-cycle effects in central Appalachia
Benjamin Jakubowski ’11
“thanks to the strength of the Oberlin community and the support that is so close at hand, the road between imagination and realization isn’t as far as it might seem.”
On implementing Oberlin ideals
Steve Bagley ’06
“As a reporter, I have the power to actually change the world. I can uncover corruption and expose it. I can discover things and show them to people, change the world by spreading knowledge.”
On college and community radio
Nandita Krishna ’16
“While my interest in WOBC started with a desire to pore through the seemingly endless music library, it ultimately made possible the most significant part of my Oberlin experience so far: meeting...
On studying abroad
Jessica DePaz ’14
“I embraced that experience because it helped me learn a lot more about myself. I found my voice, my interest in learning different languages, and my interest in teaching.”
On making new friends on a service trip
Charlotte Landes ’13
“Everyone was open to each experience we encountered, greeting each inevitable trial with a smile, a shrug, and a “we’ll figure it out.””
On embracing public speaking
Ty Diringer ’14
“My tenure on the Student Union Board helped me to know with certainty that I wanted to enter a world of pivotal dialogue with a firm, clear voice, and gave me confidence that I could.”
On bonding with professors
Patrick Doherty ’11
“On bowling night, anyone interested in the History department can come to the College’s bowling alley and bowl for free! Why is this fun? Because most of us can’t bowl to save our lives.”
On the things to do at Oberlin
Jules Brouillet ’10
“There are enough great organizations, activities, events and concerts here that it is impossible for one student to do everything or even half of everything. The hardest decision that many students...
On visiting Oberlin
Crystal Sheffield ’12
“As I planned my schedule of classes to visit, I found myself tempted by the different departments listed and the variety of classes offered. I barely had time to fit in a conservatory class because...