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.
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On a fateful spring break
“In the spring of 2004, I embarked on my first ever camping trip with two of my best friends from Oberlin ... I didn’t know yet, but on that trip, I’d caught a permanent case of the research bug. I...
Adina Langer ’06
On creating Yafo Harmony
“I proposed a program that combined all my passions—social justice, music, and language learning—and with a generous CIGSIE grant, I was able to bring it to life in Yafo.”
Zach Resnick ’16
On finding her path
“Oberlin opens up so many opportunities and challenges for students to explore life choices that even if you have absolutely no idea what you are heading for... you will always somehow find your...
Qian Cheng ’13
On starting the Free Store
“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.”
Kym Buzdygon ’07
On the freedom of a month of independent study
“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.”
Emma Marshall ’18
On her winter term in Tokyo
“I was thrust out of my comfort zone, thanks to Oberlin, and have never been happier.”
Amy Hourcade ’15
On living in a program house
“I can’t wait to return to Asia House in the fall. I believe that program houses offer a concentrated version of Oberlin-- fellowship, community, and learning all packed together into single...
Rose Wesche ’12
On OC Dems
“it is a collaborative organization that seeks to educate students and community members and promote political action, no matter which side of the aisle a person happens to fall in.”
Lyz Glickman ’13
On exploring new things
“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.”
Hannah Fuson ’11
On being pre-med
“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...
Asishana Osho ’10
On the haven that is a college library
“Since that fateful phone call during my first year it has become second nature to, when in doubt, go to Mudd.”
Sarah Minion ’17
On a poignant winter term project
“The lessons I learned and the experiences I added to my cache in life have yet to fully reveal their meaning to me; I know, however, that these lessons will continue to guide me throughout the rest...
Megan Cox ’18