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 Asia House dragon
Bill Heinrich ’81
“It would have been tedious work except that it was ambitious, self-directed, and had nothing to do with classes or credits. What made it something to look forward to was the enjoyment of working...
On finding a personal space
Arianna Gil ’16
“Establishing meaningful relationships with supportive professors through hard work and dedication is the most important thing you can do as a new student.”
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 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 finding a home on SciFi Hall
Sammy Moores ’17
“Like many incoming first-years, the thought of having a roommate and finding a solid group of friends was extremely daunting.”
On the spirit of Oberlin
Avital Isaacs ’10
“Oberlin draws the creative, the overstimulated, the passionate, and puts them together for four years to marinate.”
On starting the One Song Dance Parties in Mudd
Jackie Mostow ’12
“It answered the rarely asked question: why shouldn’t stress reduction and (albeit short) physical activity be fun, promoted, and in an academic space?”
On adjusting to Oberlin
Melanie Malinas ’13
“Somebody suggested building a leaf pile in North Quad, because it was one of those crisp, fall days where you simply need to be outside playing with leaves rather than inside working on a paper.”
On the Oberlin student body
Sandy Waters ’71
“My Oberlin friends came from... all over the place. All races and all faiths, they had attended both public and private high schools... they were independent, intellectually curious, intelligent,...
On alumni support
Brandi Ferrebee ’10
“I’ve had the good luck to have several incredible alums on my side, helping me through those new experiences I’ve chosen and nudging me towards the new ones which they instinctively know I will need...
On opportunities and the people who help you grab them
Jane Clark ’16
“The people I have met at Oberlin have recognized potential in me that I did not know existed and held me together when I felt that I might crack.”
On friendship
Melissa Atlas ’13
“...it’s not just about tenuous links with some people you eat lunch with at school and sometimes see on weekends. It’s about strong relationships with people who actually care and support you...