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 finding his place at Oberlin
Jonah Berman ’03
“For me, the goal in truth was not to become the best saxophone player there ever was. It was to experience the incredible wealth of opportunities that Oberlin had to offer.”
On becoming a scholar activist
Cindy Camacho ’11
“With the help of my wonderful mentor, Daphne John, associate professor of sociology, I am able to use the academic tools that I have gained at Oberlin to fight the battles of injustice.”
On OSCA tofu making
Weelic Chong ’15
“I learned what tofu meant to me: steeped in tradition and innovation, tofu is where the new and old come full circle, a circle spanning generations, a circle catalyzed in Harkness’ kitchen.”
On watching his son attend Oberlin
Peter Rathjens ’81
“As much as Jake’s experience is distinct from mine, I’m glad that Oberlin is in no rush to move past the values and culture that provided me with so much 25 years ago, and that are serving Jake so...
On joining Model United Nations at Oberlin
Katherine Sicienski ’12
“By allowing one to take classes in English, environmental studies, history, and theater, all in one semester, Oberlin encourages students to develop new ways of thinking about the same problem.”
On his work at the Bonner Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Research
David Fisher ’12
“Working for eco-social transformation in Oberlin is endowing me with a far deeper understanding of many things, including how to write a grant proposal, build a project vision, and seek to change...
On finding friends on the field hockey team
Aditi Banerjee ’17
“A camaraderie developed—probably born out of undergoing the rigors of preseason together—which blossomed into close friendships over the course of the season.”
On an unforgettable moment
Rachel Parnell ’16
“Although Kim Katrin Milan did not teach me the politics of radical love, I cannot help but acknowledge that she illuminated what was already so present in my life and the work that I wish to do. ”
On finding his voice in a creative writing class
Liam Oznowich ’17
“Never before have I felt that excited about a story I was telling, which became all the more empowering when I realized this story was also my life.”
On the freedom of a month of independent study
Emma Marshall ’18
“Winter term at Oberlin has taught me to follow my instinct. Winter term isn’t about finding a perfect project that will make your life story more exciting; it’s about finding yourself in a project.”
On her winter term in Tokyo
Amy Hourcade ’15
“I was thrust out of my comfort zone, thanks to Oberlin, and have never been happier.”
Elizabeth Myers Houston on her housemate Sam
Sam Quintal ’06
“...the picture of him in his fancy clothes on his cobbled-together bicycle struck me as a perfect summary of Oberlin: ingenuity, skillfully creative awesomeness, and musical excellence, all...