Oberlin Stories Project
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.
Add your story
On the community of Sci-Fi Hall
“I felt at home with the people around me, and I developed a confidence in myself that I had never experienced before.”
Vicky Costikyan ’14
On getting to New Orleans
“Navigating time commitments and cost restraints, I was surprised by how many opportunities appeared in front of me.”
Cria Kay ’16
On volunteering at Oberlin
“Through a bevy of volunteer opportunities, the Murray Ridge - Oberlin College Alliance has re-established a vital outlet for Oberlin students to connect with some very special members of our...
Paulena Papagiannis ’12
On solidifying cross-generational friendships
“From the first reply I received from Francine Schutzman ’67, I knew we were on to something.”
Eleanor Van Buren ’17
On spending a semester in Tunis
“Intrepid or crazy, there I was, jumping off the deep end, learning to swim, learning about other people and about how to be myself in a new place.”
Rachel Colwell ’10
On founding Violin for Vasculitis
“I am more often labeled an “activist” than a “touring violin virtuoso,” [but] that doesn’t alter my goal. I am musically fulfilled through this project more than I ever could be as a healthy...
Allison Lint ’09
On joining Women in Math and Computer Science
“I found friends, a support system, connections, and something I was willing to speak up about, which is what I think Oberlin is all about.”
Lauren Wong ’16
On keeping a dream alive
“While I chose Oberlin for the strength and opportunities of its science programs, I was overjoyed to find that Oberlin not only had a circus, but it had the facilities and equipment for aerial work.”
Zoe Beach ’17
On joining the Oberlin Christian Fellowship
“People within this community — or family rather — had strong desires for social justice and impact, and wanted to bring all of their friends on campus into this family, including me.”
Gabriel Moore ’15
On collecting stories in Nepal
“I had this fantastical notion that I would just walk up to someone, and be like, “Hey man, you have any stories?” Then, I would sit back, regaled by their idiosyncratic tales. This was not to be the...
Sage Aronson ’12
On embracing writing
“Oberlin revolutionized the way I think about writing - which in turn shaped me not just as a learner but also as an individual.”
Anna Zeemont ’13
On writing and producing her own play
“Without the tenacity and fearlessness of the staff at Oberlin, as well as the flexibility of creative exploration, From the Inside, Out would never have become a reality.”
Maggie Keenan-Bolger ’06