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 his work at the Bonner Center for Service and Learning
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...
On education at Oberlin
Mathilda McGee-Tubb ’07
“If allowing oneself to get to this point of utter submission to the universe of knowledge isn’t fearless, then I don’t know what is.”
On exploring new things
Hannah Fuson ’11
“I saw an outing club poster on a bulletin board. Though skeptical, I signed up for the trip, and spent a day hiking around the Appalachian foothills... [and] I never looked back.”
On being pre-med
Asishana Osho ’10
“Oberlin has a great reputation among graduate schools. According to one of my [medical school] interviewers, we are known for producing some of the ‘most talented, most versatile and most driven...
On bonding over Boredom, a semi-improvised drama
Shawn Roggenkamp ’08
“My other friends couldn’t believe that we had Saturday night rehearsals, but the cast would have all spent Saturday nights together regardless.”
On the men’s Ultimate Frisbee team’s year-round outdoor practices
Mike Dirda ’09
“The cold tests our mettle, and when a seemingly endless winter finally departs, we know that we’re tougher and harder than any of our opponents.”