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 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.”
On starting the Free Store
Kym Buzdygon ’07
“I am so grateful to have been at a place where ideas like the Free Store... are so well-received and supported. Oberlin is really a great place to have initiative on any scale.”
On his poem about football at Oberlin
Dore Kiesselbach ’88
“The moment of revelatory tenderness I try to capture in this poem, exposed as it was by this rough game, meant as much to me as anything else I experienced as a student and remains very poignant to...
On joining OSteel
Alicia Dudziak ’13
“I loved that I began to feel like a good musician even though my musical experience had been limited since age 10, when I quit piano.”